Mastering Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots: Your Go-To Holiday Baking Recipe
There’s an undeniable comfort that comes with a warm, freshly baked treat on a crisp winter morning. The inviting aroma of yeast, sugar, and melting butter filling the kitchen is a symphony of scents that instantly signals coziness and joy. This season, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly encapsulates that feeling: these exquisite **Iced Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots**. Each roll, lovingly tied into a neat knot, is bursting with the vibrant, zesty flavors of cranberry and orange, making it an irresistible start to any day. I’m especially excited to bring you this recipe in partnership with **Gold Medal Flour’s Virtual Bake Day**, a wonderful initiative celebrating the timeless art and simple pleasure of scratch baking.
The Unadulterated Joy of Baking from Scratch
One of my absolute favorite things in life is to bake without an agenda. To simply follow a whim, letting my instincts guide me through the creation of something delicious. It’s a spontaneous act of culinary magic, one I confess doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. Yet, the memory of a Friday night spent whipping up a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies, or the comforting scent of a freshly baked loaf of bread on a chilly winter afternoon, brings a profound sense of happiness and contentment. This is the heart of what scratch baking is all about – the meticulous yet meditative process, the remarkable transformation, and the pure, unadulterated joy that comes from creating something wholesome with your own hands.
The profound satisfaction derived from baking isn’t just about the delectable treat that eventually emerges from the oven, although that’s certainly a significant part of the reward. It’s the entire journey: taking a handful of simple, raw ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and yeast – and, through patience, effort, and a touch of creativity, transforming them into something completely different and wonderfully delicious. Baking, in its essence, is an amazing alchemy that never ceases to amaze me. It’s a powerful reminder of how humble elements can combine to create something extraordinary, a true testament to the power of hands-on creation and the magic inherent in the kitchen.
Why Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots Are Your New Winter Favorite
These Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots embody the very essence of that baking magic. They begin with the most humble ingredients: quality all-purpose flour (thank you, Gold Medal, for consistent results!), granulated sugar, rich unsalted butter, fresh large eggs, wholesome whole milk, and active dry yeast. Yet, with a little time, a bit of nurturing, and the inspired addition of seasonal flavors like bright, aromatic orange zest and tart dried cranberries, these simple components evolve into something truly spectacular. The result is a batch of fluffy, tender rolls, each a delightful bite of winter’s best flavors, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
If you’re looking for a delightful change from traditional cinnamon rolls or sticky buns this holiday season, these homemade breakfast rolls are the perfect inclusion for your festive baking repertoire. They offer a refreshing citrusy zest and a vibrant cranberry burst that beautifully complements the sweet, soft dough, providing a unique flavor profile that stands out. Furthermore, this recipe is an excellent way to gather the entire family in the kitchen. Kids, in particular, will absolutely love the hands-on fun of rolling out the dough and tying each strip into charming little knots. It’s a wonderful activity that creates not just delicious food, but also cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment.
The Perfect Holiday Morning Treat and Beyond
Imagine Christmas morning, a quiet New Year’s Day brunch, or a leisurely weekend breakfast, with a platter of these warm, glistening Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots taking center stage. Their vibrant flavor profile and appealing knotted shape make them a showstopper, a conversation starter, and an instant crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced notes from the orange zest provides a sophisticated twist to a classic sweet roll, making them feel both festive and comforting. They are not just food; they are an experience, a gesture of warmth and welcome to anyone who enjoys them.
Beyond the holidays, these versatile and easy breakfast rolls are perfect for any occasion that calls for something a little special. Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful midday treat, bring them to a potluck where they are sure to be a hit, or simply enjoy them as a comforting snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The beauty of baking these from scratch is the control you have over the ingredients, ensuring the freshest, most wholesome outcome every time. Using a reliable, high-quality flour like Gold Medal ensures consistent results, giving you that perfect rise and tender crumb that defines a truly exceptional breakfast roll, making your efforts all the more rewarding.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Yeast Rolls
Achieving light, fluffy yeast rolls might seem daunting to some, but with a few key tips, you’ll be baking like a seasoned pro in no time. First and foremost, ensure your milk and butter mixture is at the precise right temperature (110-120°F or 43-49°C) when you add it to the yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising; too cold, and it won’t activate properly, resulting in dense rolls. This precise temperature is absolutely crucial for the yeast to work its magic, giving your dough that beautiful, airy rise and delicate texture.
When it comes to kneading, don’t be afraid to truly work the dough. The goal is a smooth, elastic consistency that springs back when gently poked. If you’re fortunate enough to be using a stand mixer, let it do the hard work for 5-7 minutes. For those kneading by hand, it might take a bit longer, possibly 8-10 minutes, but the rhythmic motion can be incredibly therapeutic. You’ll know the dough is perfectly kneaded when it passes the “windowpane test” – you can stretch a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without it tearing, indicating good gluten development.
Proper proofing is another vital step that contributes significantly to the final texture of your fluffy breakfast buns. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for the dough to double in size. This could be a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!), a sunny spot on your counter, or simply a cozy corner of your kitchen covered with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Patience is key here; don’t rush the rise, as under-proofed dough leads to dense rolls. The second rise, after you’ve shaped your individual knots, is equally important for that signature light and airy texture.
Shaping the knots themselves is much easier than it looks and can be a fun part of the family baking activity! Once your dough has had its first rise and been gently punched down, roll it into a manageable rectangle (approximately 12×7 inches). Then, slice it into 12 even, 7-inch strips. To form a knot, take one strip, make a simple loop, then thread one end through the loop and pull gently to tighten, creating a classic knot shape. Arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space (about 2 inches apart) for them to expand during the second rise and baking. This prevents them from sticking together too much and ensures even cooking.
Finally, keep a close eye on your oven! Ovens can vary widely in temperature, so the baking time of 12-14 minutes is a general guide. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top, indicating they are cooked through and have developed a delicious, slightly crispy crust while remaining wonderfully soft and tender inside. Once baked, allowing them to cool for about 10 minutes before applying the icing helps the glaze set perfectly without immediately melting and running off the warm rolls. The final touch of a zesty orange icing elevates these Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots to a truly irresistible holiday treat.
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (35 grams)
- 1 ¼ whole milk (295 ml)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 5 ½-6 ½ cups all-purpose flour (660-780 grams)
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 package, 7 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Zest 1 orange
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (60 ml, about 1 orange)
For the icing:
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar (170 grams)
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest 1 orange
Instructions
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Place the dried cranberries in a small bowl and cover with water and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and pat dry with paper dowels.
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Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan set over low heat. When butter has fully melted, remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes, to 110-120°F (43-49°C).
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and milk mixture, followed by the eggs, mixing until smooth. Add the orange zest, juice and cranberries. Add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough clears the bowl but it still sticky to the touch. Continue to knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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Gently punch down dough and knead a few times. Let sit for a few minutes, then divide dough in half. Working with each half individually, roll into a rectangle 12×7 inches. Slice into 12 7-inch strips. Tie each strip into a knot and place 2 inches apart on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake knots until tops are golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
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To make the icing, combine the powdered sugar with enough orange juice to reach a moderately thick consistency. Drizzle generously over the knots. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
We sincerely hope you’ll embrace the simple pleasures of scratch baking and bring these delightful Cranberry Orange Breakfast Knots to your family table soon. There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of homemade, especially when it’s infused with so much love and care. Happy baking!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Gold Medal Flour. All opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I believe in.