Orange Rolls

December 22, 2020

by: Sarah Yoder, BFP Staff Writer

Combining the zesty flavor of orange with the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll, this recipe comes straight from the kitchen of Georgina Young—the wife of Dr. G. Douglas Young, founder of Bridges for Peace. Georgina, or “Snook” as she was affectionately called, was well known throughout Jerusalem for her culinary skills and nurturing hospitality. Calvin Hanson said it best in his biography of the Youngs: “No wonder Jerusalem loved this grand lady!…No wonder that when shopping with her, there was no need to haggle as is done everywhere in the Old City, since the first price quoted to her was the best price anybody would get from the merchant.” (Excerpt from A Gentile With the Heart of a Jew, available for purchase on page 33).

Ingredients

Dough:

1 tsp instant yeast

¼ cup warm water

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

½ cup sour cream

7 Tbsp butter, melted

3 ½ cups flour

Filling:

¾ cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh orange zest

½ tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom (all optional)

1 Tbsp butter, melted

Glaze:

¾ cup sugar

½ cup sour cream

3 Tbsp fresh orange juice

½ cup butter

Directions

Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat in sugar, salt, eggs, sour cream and melted butter.
3. Gradually add in 2 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Knead remaining flour into the dough.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Filling:

1. Combine sugar, orange zest and spices together and set aside.
2. Knead dough on a well-floured surface for about 3 minutes.
3. Roll the dough into a rectangle of about 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm.). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the filling.
4. Starting with the wide end, roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 pieces.
5. Place each piece on a greased 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm.) tray. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place, about 1 hour.
6. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Glaze:

1. Combine all ingredients and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour over the rolls when removed from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

Photo Credit: bridgesforpeace.com