Name: Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups milk; 6 tablespoons butter; 1 egg, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups raw, unsalted pistachios; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; zest of 1 orange; 1/3 cup water; 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

If you think you know sweet rolls, get ready to have your breakfast game totally transformed with this Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe. These rolls boast a pillowy soft homemade dough lovingly wrapped around a heavenly pistachio filling that’s perfectly brightened by a burst of orange zest and mellowed with honey. They finish with a luscious glaze that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try these, you will want to skip cinnamon rolls forever and make these sweet rolls your go-to treat for any morning or brunch occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, round ball of light beige dough sits in the center of a clear glass bowl, showing a slightly soft and airy texture. The dough covers the bottom of the bowl and touches the sides with some flour dusted around the edges inside the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, next to a soft, folded pink cloth on the left and a white spatula on the lower right. In the upper right corner, there is a partial view of another clear glass bowl with a bit of white flour inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s incredible about this Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how brilliantly each one works to create layers of flavor and texture. From rich pistachios to fragrant orange zest, every component plays a vital role.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, lending structure and softness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both dough and filling without overpowering.
Rapid Rise Instant Yeast: Ensures your dough rises beautifully and quickly.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Milk: Moisturizes the dough while enriching flavor and tenderness.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture in both the dough and filling.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds softness along with a golden hue.
Raw, unsalted pistachios: The star ingredient for a nutty, creamy filling.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the filling.
Orange zest: Bursts with fresh citrus brightness, lifting the flavors.
Orange blossom water (optional): Adds a delicate floral note to the filling.
Powdered sugar: The base for the shiny, sweet glaze.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complexity into the icing.
Salt (a pinch): Balances out the sweetness in the glaze perfectly.
Milk and melted butter: Create a smooth texture for both dough and glaze.

How to Make Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Gently warm milk with butter to just the right temperature before adding to your dry mix. Add the egg and beat the mixture until fully combined, gradually incorporating the rest of the flour until you form a smooth dough ball. Kneading it well for about 10 minutes helps develop gluten so the rolls become pillowy soft. Then, cover and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size—patience here will reward you with incredible texture.

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Filling

While the dough is working its magic, get your filling ready. Pulse the pistachios into fine crumbs, then blend with melted butter, sugar, honey, orange zest, water, and a splash of orange blossom water if you have it. The goal is a spreadable, rich paste bursting with nutty and citrusy aroma—this contrast will make the rolls unforgettable.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a generous rectangle, then spread that luscious pistachio filling straight to the edges. From the long side, roll the dough tightly away from you, sealing the edge to keep everything together. Using floss or a sharp knife, cut into evenly sized rolls. Nestle these beauties into a parchment-lined pan and let them rise once more until puffed up and doubled in size.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Bake your rolls at 350°F until they turn a perfect golden brown and are completely cooked through. Cool them slightly before whisking up a smooth glaze of powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle generously over your warm rolls for that irresistible finishing touch—the glaze adds both sweetness and a lovely glossy sheen that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits on a simple white plate, with a white marbled surface underneath. The roll has a spiral shape made of light golden brown dough with a greenish spread inside the layers, likely pistachio. On top, thin white icing lines are drizzled randomly across the roll. Small pieces of chopped pistachio nuts are scattered on and around the roll, adding texture and color contrast. The roll looks soft and slightly shiny, showing a fresh bake look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the glaze. A few extra zest curls of orange can brighten the look and add fresh fragrance. Don’t be shy to add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate dusted effect—this makes them feel festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea. For a brunch spread, offer alongside fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad that complements the orange notes in the rolls. A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side can elevate the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your rolls in a circular bundt pan before baking for a pull-apart effect that’s easy to share. Alternatively, serve them warm stacked on a pretty platter with edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece. For gifting or special occasions, wrap individual rolls in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a homemade treat that will wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you want to extend the softness, you can refrigerate them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing

This Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap rolls individually or in portions with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can freeze for up to three months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just a few seconds on a low power setting with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in—though oven warming helps retain their soft structure and fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios for the filling?

It’s best to use raw, unsalted pistachios to maintain control over the saltiness in the filling. If you only have salted ones, reduce added salt elsewhere and soak the pistachios briefly to remove excess salt.

Is orange blossom water necessary in the filling?

Orange blossom water adds a subtle floral note that enhances the orange flavor, but it’s optional. Your rolls will still taste amazing without it, so don’t stress if you don’t have it on hand.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe for fresh rolls the next day.

What’s the difference between these and classic cinnamon rolls?

Unlike cinnamon rolls that use cinnamon sugar, these rolls feature a nutty pistachio filling complemented by orange and honey flavors, offering a unique twist that’s lighter and fragrant but just as indulgent.

Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?

Yes, maple syrup can be used if you prefer its flavor or don’t have honey. It will add a slightly different sweetness and depth but still pairs beautifully with pistachios and orange zest.

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Sweet Rolls with Orange and Honey Recipe is truly one of those special treats that brings warmth, joy, and a bit of luxury to your table. The delightful blend of nutty pistachios, fresh citrus, and sweet honey wrapped in a soft, homemade dough will have you reaching for seconds before anyone else gets a chance. Trust me, it’s worth every minute of your time to make these rolls and share the love with everyone around you.