Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls

Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls are a tender, buttery twist on classic cinnamon rolls, brimming with sweet orange marmalade and crowned with a silky orange glaze. Inspired by the warmth and charm of a storybook teatime, these citrus-swirled rolls are soft, nostalgic, and filled with cozy flavor. Perfect for leisurely breakfasts, festive brunches, or an enchanting afternoon treat, these sweet rolls bring a comforting sense of home and a touch of whimsy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These marmalade sweet rolls offer a delightful change from the traditional cinnamon variety. The dough is soft and rich, the orange marmalade filling adds a fruity sweetness with a touch of zest, and the glaze brings everything together with smooth, buttery citrus flavor. The recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and yields a dozen beautifully golden rolls that are ideal for sharing. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or embracing a quiet weekend morning, these rolls make every moment feel a little more magical.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

• 1 cup orange marmalade
• Zest of 1/2 an orange
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

• 2 cups icing sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and water, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing to form a shaggy dough. Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
6. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, followed by the marmalade and orange zest.
7. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the icing sugar, orange juice, orange liqueur (if using), and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 410 kcal

Variations

• Jam Swap: Try using apricot or raspberry preserves instead of marmalade for a different flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the marmalade filling before rolling.
• Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced twist.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the citrus glaze with a classic cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.
• Mini Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller sections for bite-sized rolls—great for brunch platters.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze baked and cooled rolls (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before glazing and serving.

Reheating:
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat a tray in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape the rolls the next morning. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, use the same amount. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have orange liqueur for the glaze?

You can simply omit it or substitute with more orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

How do I keep the rolls from getting too brown on top?

If the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pre-made sweet roll dough or even pizza dough can be used in a pinch, though the texture may differ slightly.

Is there a difference between marmalade and jam for this recipe?

Marmalade has a slightly bitter edge and includes citrus peel, which enhances the flavor. Jam will work, but the taste will be sweeter and less complex.

Can I make these in a muffin tin?

Yes, place individual rolls in a greased muffin tin for a more defined, self-contained shape.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, the dough can be kneaded by hand. It may take a bit more time, but the results will be just as satisfying.

Can I add orange extract for more flavor?

Yes, a small amount of orange extract (1/4 teaspoon) can intensify the citrus in the dough or glaze.

What can I serve with these rolls?

Serve with hot tea, coffee, or a light fruit salad for a complete brunch or breakfast spread.

Conclusion

Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls are a warm, comforting treat that brings citrusy brightness and tender richness to your table. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or whimsical gathering, these rolls are as delightful to make as they are to share. Whether you’re inspired by a storybook kitchen or simply craving something sweet, these orange-kissed rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking rotation.

Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls

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Step into a cozy storybook kitchen with Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls—soft, buttery rolls filled with citrusy orange marmalade and finished with a velvety orange glaze. Inspired by a warm tea at the Beaver’s dam, these nostalgic sweet rolls are perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or a comforting teatime treat.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Sweet Rolls
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Comfort
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• 1 cup orange marmalade

• Zest of 1/2 an orange

• 3 tbsp softened butter

For the Glaze:

 

• 2 cups icing sugar

• 3 tbsp orange juice

• 1 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix Dough Base:
   In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, and salt. Add yeast mixture and stir to combine.

3. Add Flour & Butter:
   Gradually add flour, one cup at a time. Knead in softened butter until a smooth, elastic dough forms (8–10 minutes).

4. First Rise:
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.

5. Shape the Rolls:
   Roll dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread butter over it, followed by marmalade and orange zest. Roll tightly and slice into 12 even pieces.

6. Second Rise:
   Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

7. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes or until golden.

8. Glaze & Serve:
   Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve fresh.

Notes

• Swap marmalade for lemon curd or berry jam for variety.

• For a stronger citrus punch, add orange extract to the glaze.

• These rolls freeze well after baking—just reheat and glaze when ready to serve.