Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls

For the dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream together the butter, salt, and sugar. Add the egg and mix until smooth. Switch to the dough hook on a stand mixer (or a wooden spoon if mixing by hand), and add the flour, yeast and buttermilk. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together into a ball and clears the sides of the bowl.

Knead for 10-12 minutes (12-15 if kneading by hand) until the dough is smooth and silky, a bit tacky but not sticky at all. If it’s very sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s very dry and not coming together add a bit more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time. Move the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size.

For the filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the butter, orange juice, orange zest and granulated sugar and set aside. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly oiled counter. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick rectangle, about 12 by 14 inches. With a rubber spatula, spread the filling over the dough, leaving 1/4 inch space around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate evenly over the filling.

Starting from one long side, roll the dough up into a log, keeping it even as you roll. Pinch the seam closed with your fingers and lay the log seam side down on the counter. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces.

Pick up one roll at a time and stretch it, twisting it into a figure eight shape, and laying the twisted roll in a 9×13 inch pan. Repeat with the remaining 11 rolls.

At this point, you can refrigerate the rolls for up to 2 days, pulling them out 3-4 hours before baking to let them proof. Or you can let them proof (rise) at room temperature immediately for about 90 minutes, or until the the buns have doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 350 F, with a rack in the middle of the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.

While the buns are baking, make the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice and orange zest until well combined. Set aside, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

When the sweet rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven. Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle with the orange glaze. Serve warm. Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They reheat well in the microwave.