Orange Knot Rolls

Soft, buttery Orange Knot Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their rich dough and glossy citrus glaze made from real orange juice and zest, these rolls are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, a holiday gathering, or as a sweet snack, these rolls will surely impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Flavorful: The combination of orange juice and zest gives these rolls a bright and refreshing taste that stands out.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, alongside soup for lunch, or even as a sweet dessert!
• Easy to Follow: The straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The dough is rich and buttery, resulting in rolls that are fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
• Citrus Glaze Delight: The glossy orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes these rolls visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Orange Knot Rolls, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort when kneading the dough, ensuring it’s mixed evenly.
• Rolling pin: This tool helps roll the dough evenly into the desired shape for consistent baking results.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easier to transfer the rolls to your plate.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 6 cups (720 g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet / 7 g) RapidRise yeast
• 1 cup (245 g) warm whole milk (100–110°F / 37–43°C)
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsps (4 g) orange zest
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp (3 g) table salt

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsps (4 g) orange zest
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh orange juice

How to Make Orange Knot Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To make the dough, combine the flour, instant yeast, warm milk, butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. If using a stand mixer:
1. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If mixing by hand:
1. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
2. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes.

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Adjusting Dough Consistency

If the dough is too wet:
* Add flour one tablespoon at a time.
If it’s too dry:
* Add milk one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it in half:
1. Roll each half into a 12 x 7-inch rectangle.
2. Cut each rectangle into 1-inch strips.
3. Tie each strip loosely into a knot and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 4: Egg Wash Application

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and two tablespoons of water. Brush this mixture gently over each knot.

Step 5: Bake the Knots

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 5–10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle or brush this glaze over the slightly cooled knots before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Orange Knot Rolls! Perfectly fluffy with an irresistible citrus flavor!

How to Serve Orange Knot Rolls

Orange knot rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet side dish. These soft, buttery rolls can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

With Butter and Jam

• Spread a generous layer of butter on warm rolls and top with your favorite fruit jam for a simple yet delicious treat.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• Slice the rolls in half and fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and spinach for a hearty breakfast sandwich option.

Paired with Salads

• Serve the rolls alongside fresh salads to add a touch of sweetness that balances savory flavors.

Dipped in Honey or Maple Syrup

• Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the rolls for an extra layer of sweetness that complements their citrusy flavor.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• For a dessert twist, spread cream cheese frosting on warm rolls for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Orange Knot Rolls

Achieving the perfect orange knot rolls requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for optimal results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest will enhance the flavor of your rolls significantly.
• Knead Enough: Ensure you knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for better texture.
• Check Dough Consistency: Adjust flour or milk as needed during mixing to achieve a soft dough that isn’t too sticky.
• Let it Rise Properly: Allow enough time for the dough to rise until it doubles in size; this gives the rolls their lightness.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Applying an egg wash before baking creates a beautiful golden-brown color on the rolls.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Knot Rolls

Orange knot rolls can complement various side dishes, making them versatile for any occasion. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette pairs well with the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melons, and citrus adds brightness to your meal and enhances the orange flavor.

3. Herbed Cheese Spread
   A creamy herbed cheese spread works wonderfully as a dip for your orange knot rolls.

4. Savory Quiche
   A slice of quiche filled with vegetables or cheese provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet rolls.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and balance when served alongside these sweet knots.

6. Potato Salad
   A creamy potato salad offers richness that complements the lightness of the orange knot rolls beautifully.

7. Chicken Salad
   A flavorful chicken salad can be served on the side or used as filling within the rolls themselves.

8. Vegetable Soup
   A warm bowl of vegetable soup provides comfort and makes a great accompaniment to these soft rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Knot Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for better dough consistency. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven rising.
• Not kneading enough: Properly knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Under-kneaded dough won’t rise well, resulting in dense rolls.
• Skipping the first rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. Skipping this step will affect the texture and fluffiness of your rolls.
• Cutting uneven strips: When cutting dough into strips, make sure they are uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly and look more appealing.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked rolls can become dry, while underbaked ones may be too gooey.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Knot Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Knot Rolls

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Orange Knot Rolls

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat rolls for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they may dry out.
• Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and cover with a lid, allowing rolls to warm up gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Orange Knot Rolls so soft?

The combination of warm milk, butter, and proper kneading creates a rich dough that results in soft, fluffy rolls.

Can I make Orange Knot Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Shape and bake them when you’re ready.

Are there any variations I can try with Orange Knot Rolls?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for different flavors.

How do I make my glaze shiny?

Ensure you whisk confectioners’ sugar with enough orange juice until smooth. Adjust juice quantities until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Orange Knot Rolls are not only soft and buttery but also versatile enough to pair with various meals or serve as a delightful snack. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or glazes to suit your taste preferences!