I discovered these breakfast knots during a culinary research trip to southern Italy, where the zesty citrus pastries were a local café staple. The baker who shared his technique with me explained that the twisted knot shape wasn’t just beautiful—it created perfect pockets for capturing the fragrant orange glaze. Back home in my Asheville kitchen, I adapted his recipe using local ingredients and have been making these bright, sunny pastries ever since. They’ve become my signature contribution to our neighborhood’s annual spring brunch gathering.
Orange Zest Sweet Breakfast Knots
Soft, twisted bread knots infused with fresh orange zest and glazed with a bright citrus icing—a sunshine-filled breakfast treat inspired by Italian pastries.
Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and half of the orange zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, about 5 minutes.
First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, sugar, remaining orange zest, and orange extract (if using) until well combined. Set aside.
Shape the Knots
Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the orange-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise to create a 16x6-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 strips, each about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Form the Knots
Twist each strip several times, then tie into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. Place the knots on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Second Rise
Cover the knots with a clean kitchen towel and let rise until puffy, about 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake
Bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even browning.
Glaze and Serve
While the knots are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. When the knots are done, let them cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with the orange glaze. Sprinkle with additional orange zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
ORANGE KNOTS, The Easiest Orange Sweet Roll Recipe
Learn how to make delicious orange breakfast knots with this simple recipe tutorial.
Unlike complicated breakfast pastries that require hours of preparation, these knots come together in just about an hour, with much of that being hands-off rising time. The dough can be prepared and shaped the night before, then refrigerated for a slow rise that actually enhances the flavor—perfect for busy mornings. The orange zest provides a natural mood-boosting aroma while baking, and the vitamin C-rich glaze offers a bright nutritional boost that store-bought pastries simply can’t match.
Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the soft, tender bread and the slightly crisp exterior brushed with buttery orange glaze. The fresh citrus flavor is vibrant and aromatic without being overwhelming. When you pull apart the twisted knots, you’ll discover pockets where the orange-infused butter and sugar have caramelized, creating little moments of concentrated flavor that simply melt in your mouth.
These knots make a beautiful centerpiece for special breakfast occasions—try arranging them on a platter with fresh berries and edible flowers for a gorgeous presentation. They pair beautifully with both coffee and tea, particularly Earl Grey, which complements the citrus notes perfectly. Make a double batch to share with neighbors or freeze half for future weekends when you need a special breakfast treat without the work!
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