Orange Twists for Christmas Morning, a 60's Flashback for this Hippy in the Kitchen!

Christmas morning evokes so many family traditions. Every family has that special Hot Chocolate, Breakfast Casserole, Baked French Toast and....... if you were a child of the 60's, as I was, you probably remember Orange Twists.

This recipe is a childhood memory from waking up on Aunt Faye and Uncle Johnnie's farm on Christmas morning. My sister and I were always convinced that we heard Santa on the rooftop. When we woke up, the smell of Christmas Twists was evidence that our Aunt was ready for us to come down and open gifts. My Aunt and my Grandmother made these, my mother never did. She didn't have to, they somehow just appeared!

I learned to make them for my kids and grandchildren. The tradition continues along with all of the aforementioned suggestions for Christmas Morning.

3/4 C Buttermilk, warmed in a glass measuring cup, about 1 minute. Set aside.

6 TBS Butter, melted and cooled completely, set aside.

3 Eggs

4 1/4 C Flour, divided

1/4 C Granulated Sugar

2 1/4 tsp Yeast

1 1/4 tsp Salt

Filling:

8 TBS Butter, room temperature

1 C Granulated Sugar

2 TBS Freshly squeezed Orange Juice

The Zest from 2 Oranges, reserving 1/2 tsp for the Glaze.

Glaze:

1 1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar

3 TBS Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

1/2 tsp of reserved Orange Zest

Make the Dough:

Add the butter to the warmed Buttermilk and whisk well. Set aside.

In a Stand Mixer with a Dough Hook:

4 C Flour

Sugar

Yeast

Salt

Mix on Low.

Add:

Buttermilk

Eggs

Mix for 2 minutes.

Increase the speed to Medium and continue mixing for 10 minutes.

Remove the Dough and knead by hand for 5 minutes.

If the Dough appears to be too sticky, gradually add the additional Flour, 1 TBS at a time until desired texture. (this step is something that you learn by experience)

Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in at room temperature for 2 1/2 hours.(choose the warmest place in the kitchen). Not close to a window!

Make the Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl:

Butter

Sugar

Orange Juice

Orange Zest

Whisk well and set aside.

Place the Dough on a lightly floured surface and form into a 16"X12" rectangle (with the long side facing you) by pressing and spreading it out with your hands. 

The more you make these, the more you'll get the method down.

Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

Starting with the long side facing you, tightly roll the dough away from you into a log.

This is the same method as making Cinnamon Rolls.

Pinch the seams and place the log seam side down.

Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Arrange them on a Sheet Pan that's been lightly sprayed with a vegetable cooking spray.

Lift each roll and twist them into a figure 8 and lay them back onto the pan. Lightly spray the rolls with the cooking spray.

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and allow to rise again for 1 hour.

Bake for 22 - 25 minutes.

Remove the pan and place it on a cooling rack.

Whisk the Glaze ingredients together in a small bowl and drizzle over the warm rolls.

Enjoy!

Peace on Christmas Morning!