Go Back
+ servings
orange rolls on white plates with sliced and whole oranges
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Deborah's Knotted Orange Sweet Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls made with orange zest and a citrus glaze make these Knotted Orange Sweet Rolls the perfect choice for Easter brunch or Easter dinner!  
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 rolls
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

Orange Rolls

  • 4 Tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 2 Tablespoons yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 ⅓ cups scalded whole milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons orange zest
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Orange Glaze

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest
  • 2-3 Tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the yeast and allow to proof until foamy, about five minutes. Meanwhile, scald the milk and stir in the other 2 tablespoons of sugar and the salt.
  • Beat eggs in a small bowl, then slowly add the scalded milk while stirring to temper the egg. Combine with yeast mixture when the milk has cooled a bit.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the milk and yeast mixture with 2 cups of the flour and the orange zest and mix for 2 minutes, until smooth. Switch to the dough hook and continue adding flour, 1 cup at a time, kneading until a smooth, soft dough is formed, about 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough rise for one hour or until doubled in size. Divide dough in half, then roll out one half of the dough into a 12x7-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 1-inch strips and dip each strip in melted butter. Shape into knots and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the other half of the dough, then let rolls rise 15-30 minutes.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
  • Make glaze by combining ingredients and whisking until smooth. Brush glaze on each roll with a pastry brush.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 56mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1.3mg