Can I prep these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and shape the knots, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. Alternatively, bake and glaze them, then freeze for future treats.

What if I don’t have Rhodes sweet dough?

Any frozen sweet roll or bread dough will do. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade enriched dough works as well, but using store-bought dough keeps things super simple and reliable.

Can I make these without a stand mixer or special equipment?

Yes, the whole process is hands-on and doesn’t require any fancy gear. Just a knife for cutting the dough, your hands for rolling, and a couple of bowls for dipping and coating.

Will the glaze harden?

The glaze sets into a soft, shiny coating that clings beautifully to each knot. If you prefer a firmer glaze, use a little less orange juice for a thicker texture.

Sweet Roll Orange Knots Recipe

Sink your teeth into these unbelievably soft and aromatic Sweet Roll Orange Knots, a treat that tastes like sunshine in every bite. Made with convenient ready-to-use dough, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a showstopping batch of citrusy sweet rolls drizzled with lush orange glaze. With minimal hands-on time and straightforward steps, these orange knots make weeknight baking (or any special occasion) feel effortless and fun. Whether you need a breakfast that perks up your morning, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or just something cozy to enjoy with your coffee, these orange knots deliver irresistible zest and melt-in-your-mouth goodness—no advanced baking skills required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Using ready-made sweet dough slashes prep time, making homemade rolls totally doable—even on busy days.
Irresistible Flavors: Each knot is packed with real orange zest, blanketed in buttery sugar, then finished with a bright, tangy glaze. Dessert (or breakfast) doesn’t get any more vibrant.
Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough for a crowd, and the rolls stay soft and delicious for days.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The rolls freeze beautifully, which means you can always have a little sunshine on hand for surprise guests—or your future self.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rhodes Sweet Dough: The secret shortcut—provides a tender, fluffy texture without the fuss of homemade dough. Let it thaw overnight for best results.
Sugar: Essential for that sweet, irresistible finish; doubles as a carrier for the orange zest’s flavor.
Fresh Orange Zest: Don’t skimp! The zest infuses both the sugar coating and glaze with an unbeatable citrus aroma. Use a microplane or fine grater for the best texture.
Butter (Melted): Ensures every piece of dough is decadently rich and helps the sugar-zest mixture stick. Wipe off excess to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Creates a silky-smooth glaze that seeps into every twist and fold.
Fresh Orange Juice: Balances the sugary glaze with tartness—fresh juice makes a big difference here.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the citrus with a subtle warmth.
Nonstick Spray or Parchment Paper: Keeps your baking sheet mess-free.

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.

Variations

Love variety or want to tweak things? These rolls are a fantastic base for experimentation:

Lemon-Lime Version: Swap some or all of the orange zest and juice for lemon or lime for a tangier twist.
Nutty Orange Knots: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for crunch.
Cinnamon Orange: Add a touch of cinnamon to the sugar-zest coating for a spiced kick.
Mini Knots: Divide dough into smaller pieces for bite-size party treats.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Blend softened cream cheese into the glaze for extra richness.

How to Make Sweet Roll Orange Knots

Prepare the Dough

Let the sweet dough thaw overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready, cut each loaf into 16 equal pieces.

Shape the Knots

Roll each dough piece into an 8-inch rope. This doesn’t have to be perfect—the twists and turns give these rolls their irresistible, rustic look.

Dip, Roll, and Knot

In one bowl, mix together sugar and orange zest. Melt butter in another bowl.

Dip each dough rope into the butter (wipe off any heavy drips) and then roll it generously in the zest-sugar combo.
Tie the coated rope into a loose knot—just like tying a shoelace—and place it onto your prepared baking sheet.

Let Them Rise

Cover your tray of knots loosely and leave them in a warm spot until they’ve doubled in size.
This step is crucial for pillowy soft rolls.

Bake to Golden Perfection

As soon as the rolls are puffy, heat up your oven to 350°F. Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color on top.

Glaze Them Up

While the rolls cool, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until silky smooth. Spoon the glaze generously over the cooled knots. Let it set before storing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overdo the Butter: A quick dip is enough. Excess butter can make the dough too heavy and change how it bakes.
Generous Zest: The more zest, the brighter the flavor! Don’t hold back when zesting your oranges.
Warm Rise Shortcut: Place the tray in an unheated oven with the light on for a cozy, consistent rise.
Uniform Knots: Try to make each rope the same length so they bake evenly.

How to Serve

Breakfast Spread: Pair these orange knots with hot coffee or tea and fresh berries.
Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk for a pick-me-up that actually feels special.
Dessert Option: Serve slightly warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside vanilla ice cream for an elegant finish.
Holiday Brunch: These rolls brighten up any festive table, making them a perfect addition to brunch spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—they’ll stay tender and packed with flavor.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Reheating

For the freshest feel, reheat rolls in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the glaze gooey and the bread chewy.

FAQs

Can I prep these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and shape the knots, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. Alternatively, bake and glaze them, then freeze for future treats.
What if I don’t have Rhodes sweet dough?

Any frozen sweet roll or bread dough will do. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade enriched dough works as well, but using store-bought dough keeps things super simple and reliable.
Can I make these without a stand mixer or special equipment?

Yes, the whole process is hands-on and doesn’t require any fancy gear. Just a knife for cutting the dough, your hands for rolling, and a couple of bowls for dipping and coating.
Will the glaze harden?

The glaze sets into a soft, shiny coating that clings beautifully to each knot. If you prefer a firmer glaze, use a little less orange juice for a thicker texture.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick wins in the kitchen and crave bold, fresh flavors, these Sweet Roll Orange Knots truly deliver. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in sharing a tray of these sun-kissed, citrusy treats—especially when you know how effortless they are to make. So gather your oranges, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something truly delightful. You’ll be surprised how easy delicious homemade baking can be!