Orange Knotted Sweet Rolls Recipe

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

Instructions

1. 1

   Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about five minutes. Meanwhile, scald the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat just until bubbles form around the edges and the milk steams, then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Prepare dough mixture: Once yeast is foamy, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and salt. Add eggs, cooled scalded milk, 2 cups of flour, and orange zest. Beat with a paddle attachment until smooth, about 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook and add the remaining flour 1 cup at a time. Knead on medium speed until a smooth, soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. 4

   Roll and fill dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle granulated sugar and orange zest evenly over the buttered dough.

5. 5

   Fold and cut strips: Fold one long edge of the dough about one-third toward the center, then fold the other long edge the same way, like folding an envelope lengthwise. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into 16-20 strips about 1 inch wide.

6. 6

   Shape knots: Take one strip and cross its ends to form a loop. Push one end through the loop to tie a knot. Place each knotted roll on a baking sheet.

7. 7

   Second rise: Repeat shaping with all strips. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

8. 8

   Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the rolls for 10 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

9. 9

   Prepare glaze: Mix powdered sugar, orange zest, and 2-3 tablespoons orange juice until smooth to make the orange glaze.

10. 10

    Glaze and serve: Brush or drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and let set for 30-45 minutes before serving.