Name: Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar divided; 2 Tablespoons active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 1/3 cups whole milk scalded; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 Tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange); 5 cups all-purpose flour (625g); 1/2 cup salted butter softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons orange zest (from 2 oranges); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 Tablespoon orange zest; 2-3 Tablespoons orange juice

There’s something so irresistible about the sweet scent of freshly baked orange rolls wafting through your kitchen. This Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe brings that perfect combination of bright citrus and tender, fluffy dough that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make them again and again.

The image shows several small twisted pastries with a golden brown color and a shiny, slightly translucent glaze on top. Each pastry has a soft, slightly puffy texture with visible layers twisted together. Around the pastries are fresh orange slices with bright orange flesh and a smooth white marbled surface underneath them. The pastries and orange slices are arranged casually, filling the frame naturally. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these orange knotted sweet rolls—not just because they taste amazing but because making them feels like a little celebration every time. The bright orange zest makes each bite lively, and the soft, knotted shape adds a touch of fun that’s perfect for weekend breakfasts or special gatherings.

Fresh citrus zing: The orange zest and juice add a natural brightness that pairs wonderfully with sweet dough.
Soft, fluffy texture: Thanks to proofed yeast and gentle kneading, these rolls come out airy yet satisfyingly tender.
Knotted shape adds charm: It’s a simple twist that looks fancy and gives the rolls delightful nooks for the glaze to settle in.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls bring a cheerful citrus note everyone will enjoy.

A baking tray with nine light golden brown twisted rolls that have a soft, fluffy texture with visible layers of dough spiraled into each roll. A woman's hand is holding a spoon overhead, pouring a smooth, white glaze onto the closest roll, which is centered in the front of the tray. The shiny glaze drips slowly onto the warm roll, highlighting its delicate folds. In the background, two whole bright orange oranges rest slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface, adding a pop of color to the soft, neutral tones of the rolls and tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe lies in the balance of simple ingredients that each play a key role. From the yeast rising life into the dough to the orange zest giving that unmistakable fresh flavor, these components come together seamlessly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, a small white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast granules, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of orange juice, a fresh whole orange next to a small pile of bright orange zest, a half cup of salted butter cut into small cubes on a white ceramic plate, a mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, and a pinch of salt in a tiny white ceramic bowl, all arranged with perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Active dry yeast: The hero that makes the rolls rise soft and fluffy.
Warm water: Perfect temperature to bloom your yeast without killing it.
Whole milk: Scalded to improve texture and richness in the dough.
Eggs: Add structure and a lovely golden color to your rolls.
Salt: Balances out sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Orange zest: Fresh zest is key for that punch of vibrant citrus flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base and gives the dough structure.
Salted butter: Softened for the filling, it enriches and creates a luscious texture.
Powdered sugar and orange juice: For the glaze that ties everything together with a bright, sweet finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic orange zest filling and glaze, I’ve played around with swaps that let you adapt the rolls to your mood or dietary needs—it’s all about making this recipe yours and having fun with it in the kitchen.

Citrus variations: I sometimes swap orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a different bright twist; it keeps things interesting but just as delicious.
Spiced up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can warm up the flavor, perfect for chilly mornings.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut or almond milk instead of whole milk and a dairy-free butter alternative—you’ll still get great texture and flavor.
Extra indulgence: Toss in some finely chopped candied orange peel or even chocolate chips into the filling for a special treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Proof Your Yeast and Prepare the Milk

Start by mixing warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit until it's foamy (about five minutes). This is your “proof” that the yeast is alive and kicking. Me? I like to put the bowl somewhere warm—by a sunny window works perfectly. While you wait, scald the milk by heating it until you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges. No stirring is needed; you just want to warm it without boiling. Then set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dough Ingredients & Begin Kneading

Once your yeast is bubbly, stir in the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, cooled milk, 2 cups of flour, and that fragrant orange zest. I use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment at this point, blending for about 2 minutes until smooth. Then, switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour, about a cup at a time. Knead on medium speed for around 5 minutes until you get a soft, smooth dough. It should feel a little tacky but not sticky—if it sticks too much, sprinkle in a little extra flour. After that, transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it well, and let it rise until it doubles in size—usually about an hour. Be patient! That rise is what gives you those soft rolls everyone loves.

Step 3: Roll Out, Fill, and Fold

Next, roll your dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface—you want each bite to be rich and buttery. Then sprinkle the sugar and the reserved orange zest on top. Here’s a neat fold trick I use: fold one long edge in about a third of the way, then fold the other side over it, almost like folding a letter to fit in an envelope. This layering traps the filling nicely inside the dough. It might feel a little tricky the first time, but it’s worth it for the beautiful layers.

Step 4: Cut and Knot the Rolls

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the folded dough into 16-20 strips about an inch wide. Then comes the fun part: take each strip, cross the ends to make a loop, and pull one end through the loop to form a knot. Place each knotted roll onto a baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy. The knots not only look charming but help pockets of glaze settle perfectly after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Pop your rolls into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re lightly browned and heavenly smelling. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice to make your glaze. Once the rolls are out and just a bit warm, brush or drizzle your glaze over them generously. Let the glaze set for 30-45 minutes before serving—that sticky, citrusy finish is the perfect crowning touch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to perfect Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe lies in attention to your dough’s feel and your yeast’s health. These tips have saved me more than once!

Check your water temperature: Yeast loves warmth but hates overheating—aim for around 110°F (warm to the touch, not hot).
Testing dough texture: After kneading, your dough should be soft, elastic, and only slightly sticky. Adjust flour gradually.
Letting rolls rise fully: Both rises are key—don’t rush. Patience means fluffy, tender rolls.
Glaze timing: Apply the glaze when rolls are warm but not hot to avoid melting it away completely.

How to Serve Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these orange knotted sweet rolls with a sprinkling of extra fresh orange zest or a little crunchy sugar for some sparkle. Sometimes, a few toasted sliced almonds add a delightful contrast in texture and a nutty hint that works surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or a bright herbal tea. For brunch, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad—pure comfort and sunshine on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I arrange the orange knotted rolls on a large round platter in a circular wreath shape, adding sprigs of rosemary or orange slices for a festive look. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and super simple to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the rolls have cooled, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for about 2 days, staying soft and delicious. If you want to keep them fresh longer, reheating them gently the next day brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. Before baking, pop the shaped, unbaked rolls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise again briefly, then bake. After baking, freeze completely cooled rolls in an airtight bag and warm later in the oven. Both methods work great to keep your rolls ready for any time.

Reheating

To reheat, place rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. This revives the soft texture and refreshes the orange aroma beautifully—better than a microwave for sure!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh zest?

While orange extract can provide flavor, fresh orange zest offers brighter and more natural citrus oils, making it the preferred choice for this recipe. If you must substitute, use a small amount and adjust sugar to balance.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffed up. A good test is to press a finger gently into the dough—if the indentation remains and springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten for structure and rise, making a direct gluten-free swap tricky. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends designed for yeast breads, but results may vary. Using xanthan gum or other binders could help.

Why do my rolls sometimes turn out dense?

Dense rolls usually result from under-proofing your dough or using too much flour during kneading. Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise and add flour gradually. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine. It’s the kind of recipe that welcomes you with open arms and a bright, uplifting flavor that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, these rolls never disappoint. I hope you’ll give them a try—you might just create a new favorite, too!