Sweet Roll Orange Knots Recipe

These Sweet Roll Orange Knots are nothing short of spectacular – pillowy soft dough infused with bright orange zest, coated in a buttery orange-sugar mixture, and finished with a tangy citrus glaze that brings it all together. These knots are surprisingly simple to make despite their impressive appearance, making them perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare these knots in advance and even freeze them for later, making them perfect for busy households.
• Impressive presentation: These twisted knots look like they came straight from a professional bakery, but require no special skills to create.
• Citrus explosion: The combination of orange zest in the sugar coating and in the glaze creates a refreshing citrus flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rhodes sweet dough: Using pre-made frozen sweet dough is the shortcut that makes this recipe so accessible. It gives you a perfect base without the fuss of making yeast dough from scratch.
• Sugar: Combines with orange zest to create a fragrant, citrusy coating that caramelizes slightly during baking.
• Orange zest: This is the star of the show, providing intense orange flavor without additional moisture. Don’t skimp here – fresh zest makes all the difference.
• Butter: Creates a rich flavor and helps the sugar-zest mixture adhere to the dough. It also adds a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth texture.
• Fresh orange juice: Adds tanginess and thins the glaze to the perfect consistency. Always use fresh juice for the brightest flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds depth to the glaze and complements the orange flavor beautifully.

Variations

Different Citrus Flavors

Try using lemon, lime, or even grapefruit zest and juice for completely different flavor profiles. Meyer lemons make particularly delicious knots with their sweeter, more complex flavor.

Spiced Orange Knots

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the sugar-zest mixture for a warming spice note that pairs beautifully with the orange.

Orange Cream Cheese Glaze

Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, and orange zest for a richer, tangier glaze.

Mixed Berry Addition

Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries or blueberries to the dough when shaping for a fruity twist that complements the orange perfectly.

How to Make Sweet Roll Orange Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Thaw the Rhodes sweet dough in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thaw maintains the dough’s texture and makes it easier to work with.

Step 2: Shape the Knots

Cut each loaf into 16 pieces (48 total). Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope. This is the perfect length for forming knots that aren’t too tight or too loose.

Step 3: Create the Orange Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the zest of 4 oranges with the sugar until fragrant and evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.

Step 4: Coat and Shape

Dip each rope of dough into the melted butter, wiping off any excess with your fingers. Then roll in the orange-sugar mixture, coating completely. Tie each rope into a simple knot and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room for expansion.

Step 5: Rise and Bake

Cover the knots loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm location until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F toward the end of the rising time. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze

While the knots cool to room temperature, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon or drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly cooled knots. Allow the glaze to set before storing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t rush the rising process: A proper rise ensures light, fluffy knots. If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in an oven with just the light turned on.
• Perfect your knot technique: After tying the basic knot, tuck the ends underneath for a neater appearance.
• Zest before juicing: Always zest your oranges before cutting and juicing them – it’s nearly impossible to do it the other way around!
• Control your glaze consistency: For a thicker glaze, use less juice; for a thinner, more translucent glaze, add a bit more juice.
• Avoid overcrowding: Leave at least 2 inches between knots on the baking sheet so they have room to expand without touching.

How to Serve

Breakfast Spread

Serve these knots as the star of a breakfast or brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and hot coffee or tea.

Holiday Morning

These make a special treat for holiday mornings – prep them the day before and bake fresh in the morning for an impressive but stress-free breakfast.

Dessert Option

For a simple dessert, warm a knot slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Gift Giving

Pack a half dozen knots in a decorative box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Freezing

These knots freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

Reheating

Thaw frozen knots at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For the freshest taste, warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without using Rhodes dough?
Absolutely! You can substitute any sweet yeast dough recipe that yields about 3 pounds of dough. A brioche or challah dough works particularly well with the orange flavors in this recipe.

My dough seems too sticky to work with. What should I do?
If your dough is sticking to your hands, lightly dust your work surface and hands with flour. Be careful not to add too much flour, which can make the rolls dense. Working in a cool room and chilling the dough for 15 minutes can also help.

Can I make these rolls less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the coating by up to half. For the glaze, you can make it less sweet by using less powdered sugar and adding a bit of cream cheese for tanginess without excessive sweetness.

How do I know when the knots are properly risen?
The knots should roughly double in size and feel light and puffy when gently touched. If you press a finger lightly into the dough and the indentation remains, they’re ready to bake. If the dough springs back immediately, give it more time.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Roll Orange Knots bring together the comfort of soft, pillowy bread with the vibrant, uplifting flavor of fresh oranges. They’re impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weekend baking. The make-ahead options make them particularly versatile for busy households or holiday planning. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these orange-infused knots are sure to bring smiles to your table and requests for seconds!

Print