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–+ servings
Orange Rolls from D. Miller
This nostalgic recipe for Orange Balls features a no-bake blend of vanilla wafers, orange juice, coconut, and chopped nuts, creating a bright and zesty confection ideal for holidays or afternoon treats. Its vintage charm lies in the balance between tart citrus and the sweetness of powdered sugar. Often served with an optional Orange Sauce, this treat was a popular Southern sweet in mid-century kitchens, offering a cheerful flavor and easy preparation for families to enjoy together.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16 rolls
Calories 121 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Orange Balls:

  • 1 cup milk (scalded)
  • ½ cup shortening
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 pkg granola
  • ¼ cup water (warm)
  • 1 cake fresh yeast
  • 2 eggs (well beaten)
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp orange peel (grated)
  • 5 cups flour (sifted)

For the Orange Sauce (optional):

  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • Scald the milk and stir in shortening, sugar, and salt.
  • Cool to lukewarm.
  • Dissolve the granola in the warm water and add to the mixture

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

  • Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup warm water.
  • Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Mix and Knead

  • In a large bowl, combine milk mixture with beaten eggs, orange juice, orange peel, and dissolved yeast.
  • Gradually stir in sifted flour until a soft dough forms.
  • Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 4: First Rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1–1.5 hours).

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

  • Punch down dough and divide into equal portions.
  • Shape into rolls and place on greased baking sheet or in muffin tins.
  • Cover and let rise again until doubled (30–45 minutes).

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake in preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Orange Sauce (Optional)

  • Mix orange juice, zest, and sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
  • Drizzle over warm rolls or serve on the side.

Tips

  • Roll balls smaller for bite-size cookie trays
  • Chill dough before rolling if mixture feels sticky
  • Toast coconut lightly for deeper flavor
  • Substitute orange juice concentrate for stronger citrus
  • Add chopped nuts for texture
  • Roll in powdered sugar for a softer finish
  • Store tightly covered to prevent drying
  • Excellent make-ahead holiday candy
  • Let flavors mature overnight for best taste

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
Keyword citrus dessert, holiday treat, no bake dessert, nostalgic food, party candy, retro sweets, vintage recipe
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