Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Orange Breadstick Twists – a delightful fusion of soft, buttery dough, a sweet orange filling, and a luscious homemade orange glaze. These aren’t just breadsticks; they are a tender, sweet pastry that promises to brighten your morning breakfast or serve as the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee or tea. Each twist offers a symphony of flavors, making them an instant favorite for anyone who loves citrus-infused treats.

What makes these orange breadsticks truly special is their incredible versatility. While delicious as is, the dough provides a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Imagine adding plump dried cranberries for a festive twist, combining the zest of fresh lemons and limes for a vibrant citrus medley, or incorporating homemade candied orange peel for an extra layer of gourmet sophistication. If you’re passionate about sweet rolls, you’ll also adore some of our other cherished recipes, such as our Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, classic Orange Sweet Rolls, or our widely acclaimed Best Cinnamon Rolls.

Orange Breadstick Twists: A Zesty and Sweet Homemade Delight

The moment these sweet breadsticks begin to bake, their warm, citrusy aroma will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation. It’s hard to resist pulling one straight from the oven, but we highly recommend a moment of patience. Allow them to cool just enough to be generously enveloped in a thin, glistening layer of our gooey, sweet orange glaze – a step that transforms them from delicious to utterly divine. This bright, vibrant glaze adds a burst of fresh orange flavor that perfectly complements the soft, rich dough.

Crafting these delectable treats is an artful process that’s surprisingly simple. The soft and tender yeast-risen dough is expertly rolled out flat, creating an ideal base for flavor. It’s then carefully divided into two equal pieces, with a luscious, buttery orange-sugar filling spread generously between them. This unique layering technique ensures that every bite is imbued with a delightful ribbon of citrusy sweetness. Once assembled, the dough is skillfully cut into uniform pieces, each piece is then gently twisted, creating their signature elegant shape. Baked until they achieve a beautiful golden hue, these Orange Breadstick Twists emerge from the oven as perfect, pillowy delights, ready to be enjoyed. The combination of textures and flavors is truly unmatched, making them a standout pastry for any occasion.

Why You’ll Adore These Orange Breadstick Twists

• An Explosion of Flavor: Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience! These breadsticks are a celebration of contrasting yet harmonious flavors. The rich, buttery dough provides a comforting base, beautifully intertwined with a vibrant ribbon of fresh orange filling. Each twist is then generously crowned with a sweet, tangy citrus glaze, ensuring an incredible burst of orange in every single bite. This multi-layered flavor profile makes them incredibly satisfying and wonderfully addictive.
• Effortlessly Simple to Create: Don’t let their gourmet appearance intimidate you! Despite being made entirely from scratch, this recipe is remarkably straightforward and designed for ease. The process begins with a simple yeast dough, which comes together with minimal fuss. Once the dough is mixed and risen, the real fun begins: sandwiching it with the irresistible orange and sugar filling, then a quick cut into long rectangles before a gentle twist. Even novice bakers will find this recipe rewarding and enjoyable, yielding professional-looking results with minimal effort.
• Limitless Flavor Adventures: This recipe is more than just a guide; it’s a foundation for endless culinary exploration. Use this perfected dough as a base to unleash your creativity! Experiment with different types of citrus – imagine the bright zest of lemon, the delicate aroma of Meyer lemon, or the deep notes of blood orange. Beyond citrus, consider adding nuts for a satisfying crunch, dried fruits for added texture and sweetness, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize these breadsticks to suit any craving or occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Orange Twist Breadsticks

Crafting these delectable Orange Twist Breadsticks requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving their signature soft texture, vibrant flavor, and irresistible glaze:

• Warm Water: The foundation for activating your yeast. Ensure your water is comfortably warm, ideally between 95-105 degrees F (35-40 degrees C). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it, leading to a dough that won’t rise. This precise temperature ensures your yeast thrives and your dough becomes light and airy.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for both the dough and the filling. In the dough, sugar feeds the yeast, contributing to a proper rise and a tender crumb. It also adds a subtle sweetness. For the filling, it combines with the orange zest and butter to create that irresistible citrus ribbon. You can certainly substitute honey for a slightly different flavor profile if you prefer.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that gives these breadsticks their soft, fluffy texture. Active dry yeast needs to be “proofed” in warm water with a touch of sugar to ensure it’s alive and ready to work its magic, allowing the dough to double beautifully in size.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of our breadsticks. All-purpose flour strikes the perfect balance, providing enough gluten for elasticity and chewiness without making the dough tough. It’s ideal for achieving the tender yet pliable texture we’re looking for in a sweet breadstick.
• Fresh Oranges: The star of the show! You’ll need both the vibrant zest and the juicy pulp from fresh oranges for both the aromatic filling and the bright, tangy glaze. Fresh zest delivers intense, concentrated orange flavor without adding excess liquid, while the juice provides the perfect tang and liquid for the glaze.
• Unsalted Butter: Used generously throughout the recipe, from the rich dough to the luxurious filling and the smooth glaze. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your recipe, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor. Make sure it’s softened for the dough and glaze, and melted for the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): The key ingredient for our silky-smooth orange glaze. Its fine texture dissolves easily, creating a smooth, lump-free icing. For the best results and a truly professional finish, we highly recommend sifting your powdered sugar before mixing, as it tends to clump together.

Crafting Your Homemade Orange Twist Breadsticks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of soft, sweet, and zesty Orange Twist Breadsticks. The process is rewarding and designed for success, even for those new to baking with yeast.

1. Prepare the Dough and Activate Yeast: Begin by combining the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the yeast is incorporated. Let this mixture rest for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and healthy when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating it’s ready to work its magic.
2. Mix the Dough: Once the yeast has proofed, add the avocado oil, salt, and approximately 1½ cups of the all-purpose flour to the stand mixer bowl. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until all these initial ingredients are thoroughly combined and a rough dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, about a ¼ cup at a time, continuing to mix on low. Stop adding flour when the dough just begins to pull cleanly away from the sides of the bowl, but is still slightly sticky to the touch. Avoid over-flouring, as this can lead to dry, tough breadsticks.
3. Knead and Rise: Increase the mixer speed to low-medium and continue to knead the dough for another 1-2 minutes. This brief kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a tender and elastic dough. Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off, with just the light on) or a sunny spot on your counter works perfectly.
4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Also, lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil, avocado oil, or your preferred nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the breadsticks from sticking and promote a lovely golden-brown bottom.
5. Roll and Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly grease your hands with a tiny bit of oil, then carefully remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a lightly floured counter. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece into a rectangle approximately 12 inches by 18 inches. Carefully transfer one rolled dough rectangle to your prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch and press the dough to ensure it covers the bottom of the sheet evenly.

6. Prepare and Apply the Orange Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and fragrant. Using the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula, spread this delectable orange mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle already on the baking sheet. Ensure the filling reaches close to the edges for maximum flavor in every twist.
7. Assemble and Twist: Carefully place the second rolled dough rectangle directly on top of the first, aligning the edges as closely as possible. Gently press down and pull the top dough to match the bottom layer, creating a neat sandwich. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the large dough rectangle in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into approximately 1½-inch wide strips. Take each strip and gently twist it 2-3 times, creating the signature spiral shape. Arrange the twisted breadsticks on the greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even baking. Allow them to rest for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the twisted breadsticks into your preheated 375-degree F (190 degrees C) oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are beautifully golden brown on both the top and bottom. The vibrant orange filling might peek through, adding to their visual appeal.
9. Whip Up the Orange Glaze: While the breadsticks are baking, prepare your heavenly orange glaze. In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter until it’s light, creamy, and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to very low and gradually add the fresh orange zest, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until the glaze is smooth, glossy, and reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice; if too thin, add a tablespoon more sifted powdered sugar.
10. Glaze and Serve: As soon as the Orange Twist Breadsticks come out of the oven, while they are still warm, generously drizzle the freshly prepared orange glaze over the tops. The warmth of the breadsticks will allow the glaze to melt slightly and coat them beautifully. Serve immediately and savor every soft, sweet, and zesty bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Twist Breadsticks

Creative Recipe Variations and Expert Baking Tips

Elevate your Orange Breadstick Twists with these clever variations and helpful tips:

• Explore a Spectrum of Citrus Flavors: While oranges are fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other citrus fruits to infuse both the dough and the icing with different notes. Imagine vibrant lemon twists, sophisticated blood orange breadsticks, or delicate Meyer lemon rolls. For optimal flavor distribution, always mix the finely grated citrus zest in with the dry ingredients of the dough first. This prevents the zest from clumping and ensures its aromatic oils are evenly dispersed throughout the dough, maximizing flavor in every bite.
• Patience is Key for Perfect Dough: The secret to incredibly soft and fluffy orange twists lies in allowing the dough ample time to rise. Do not rush this crucial step! A slow, unhurried rise (often called proofing) allows the yeast to work properly, developing flavor and creating an airy, tender crumb. If your kitchen is cool, find a warm spot, like near a sunny window or in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven, to encourage a proper rise.
• Master the Art of Zesting: When zesting your oranges, use a microplane grater and only remove the bright orange outer layer (the zest). Avoid grating into the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter. This technique ensures you get pure, intense orange flavor without any unwanted bitterness.
• Ensure Even Baking: For breadsticks that are perfectly golden and cooked through, make sure your oven is accurately calibrated. Consider using an oven thermometer. Also, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time to compensate for any hot spots in your oven, ensuring a uniformly baked batch.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze should be thick enough to cling to the breadsticks but still pourable. If your glaze is too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, sift in an additional tablespoon or two of powdered sugar until it thickens up.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: This recipe is wonderfully accommodating for busy schedules. You can prepare the dough in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator overnight after its first rise. Alternatively, you can shape the twists the night before, gently cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The next morning, simply pull them from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking as directed. This allows for warm, fresh-baked treats with minimal morning effort.

Storing Your Orange Breadstick Twists for Lasting Freshness

To enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade Orange Breadstick Twists for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your orange breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness, you can also place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
• Refrigeration: If you need to extend their shelf life beyond a couple of days, transfer the breadsticks to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, Orange Breadstick Twists freeze exceptionally well. After they have completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating Instructions: To bring your stored breadsticks back to life, you have a couple of options. For a quick reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until heated through. For a crispier exterior and soft interior, reheat them in a preheated 350-degree F (175-degree C) oven for a few minutes, typically 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

Discover More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

These soft and chewy Orange Twist Breadsticks are truly the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or a delightful midday snack. They are elegantly topped with an easy-to-make, vibrant orange glaze crafted from fresh orange zest and juice, enhancing their bright citrus notes.

Share Your Thoughts: Leave a Rating Below!

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this wonderful Orange Breadstick Twists recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to rate it and leave a comment on this post. Your feedback is invaluable – it helps us improve and guides other readers in their baking adventures too!

Connect with us for more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration!