Oh fresh baked dinner rolls, how I love you! I tried to stop at just one and then told myself just two. Three rolls later and I knew I had to stop myself or I would regret it, plus I wanted some dessert and had to save some room. I hit the jackpot on this recipe. These are unique, I've never had anything like them before. I can honestly say that they are the best I've ever made or had for that manner, sorry to my mother-in-law. They have orange zest in them and I wondered how that was going to be but it gives it just a subtle taste of orange not overpowering at all. The smell of fresh bread baking with citrus undertones is absolutely wonderful! I found this recipe in a Cooking Light magazine so they are considered healthy. The recipe says 163 calories and 3.7 grams of fat, if you care about those kinds of things. What is 163x3 anyways? Who cares, it was worth it.

Orange-Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
Adapted from Cooking Light Magazine

1 1/4 cups warm buttermilk (100 to 110 F)
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. honey
1 package of dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
4 tsp. grated orange zest
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
cooking spray
1 Tbsp. melted butter for brushing on

Combine first 3 ingredients in bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle yeast over milk mixture; let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly. Stir 2 Tbsp. butter, zest, and salt in. Weigh or lightly spoon 3 cups of the flour into dry measuring cups; level with knife. Add flour to yeast mixture; mix on low speed with dough hook until soft, elastic dough forms (about 5 minutes). *I ACTUALLY HAD TO ADD ABOUT 1/2 CUP MORE FLOUR TO THE RECIPE BECAUSE MY DOUGH WAS WAY TOO STICKY. JUST DO WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT* Dough will be somewhat sticky but not too wet.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.


Punch dough down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 13 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll dough into a ball. Arrange dough balls 2 inch apart on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush lightly with melted butter (I forgot to do this). Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.


Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Yields 13 rolls.