Orange Walnut Braids
These soft and tender cinnamon roll braids are accented with sweet, citrus-y orange and tender walnuts. I love them with my morning coffee, but they make a terrific treat any time of day!
Whew! Another week is just about behind us now. Can you believe it? I feel like time just keeps whizzing past; every time I turn around here we are closing out the week again.
Was it a good one for you? Have you kept warm? Have you gotten a lot accomplished? Have you eaten well?
I have eaten very very very well this week 😉 Thanks in part to these babies, which I have been nibbling on with my morning coffee, as a little afternoon pick-me-up, and even a few times for dessert!
So, basically, I live under a rock. As a busy mom, and as someone who works from home, and as just a general hermit-ish person, there are a lot of trends that I don’t stumble across pretty until pretty late in the game, if at all. You may remember that it was just barely over a year ago that I jumped on the Peppermint Mocha bandwagon. Most of the time, if I’m hungry, I just make myself something to eat! So I end up going through life blissfully unaware of things like Bang-Bang Shrimp and Petite Vanilla Bean Scones and Zuppa Toscana and Pecan Braids.
But just before Christmas, I was out shopping with the fam when hunger struck. There was a Panera across the street so we decided to pop in and grab ourselves some lunch. I ordered myself some soup and they offered me a sweet treat for 99 cents more. Because I have an insatiable sweet tooth am willing to tirelessly research food trends for the benefit of my readers, I went for it. I chose a pecan braid and figured I’d save it for next morning’s breakfast. Ha!
It smelled so good I had to sneak a little nibble on the car ride home. A little nibble was followed by another, bigger nibble, and then a big open wide mouthful, and then I decided I’d just eat half, and then before I knew it that pecan braid was just a distant memory. A distant, delicious memory.
I had no choice but to recreate that pecan braid! So that is just what I did, with a little bit of a walnut and orange spin!
I watched this video to learn how to form the braids. This guy is a freaking machine! My efforts were a bit more clumsy, but I managed to get the job done. 😉
The bread component is soft and pillowy, and a little bit gooey. And the filling is cinnamon like whoa! The tender walnuts are such a nice compliment and that hint of orange just makes them so special. I hope you’ll give them a try!
Have a wonderful weekend, my dears! Enjoy it while it lasts- do something wintry like go ice skating or sip hot cocoa or curl up in front of the fire with a good book. Before we know it we’ll be saying goodbye to Old Man Winter!
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These soft and tender cinnamon roll braids are accented with sweet, citrus-y orange and tender walnuts. A terrific treat- any time of day!
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 ounce active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg, large
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you may not need all the flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- zest of one navel orange, or 2-3 clementines
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- zest of half a navel orange, or 1-2 clementines
- 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
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Preheat the oven to its lowest setting (on my oven it's 170 degrees F).
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Stir the warm water and sugar together, in a large mixing bowl.
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Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and set aside for 5-10 minutes, or until slightly foamy.
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In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, oil, and egg.
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Add to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
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Add the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. (You may not need all of the flour.)
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Add in the salt and orange zest, and transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface.
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Knead the dough for 5 minutes, or until it takes on a silky texture.
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Lightly mist the mixing bowl with non-stick spray, and place the dough back in.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
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Turn the oven off and place the covered bowl in to proof, about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
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Place the brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, cornstarch, and cloves in a small bowl and mix to combine.
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Preheat the oven to its lowest setting.
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Punch down the dough and roll out to a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
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Cut the rectangle into six equal squares, and butter each one liberally, maintaining a clean 1/2-inch border around all four edges.
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Spread an even layer of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the soft butter.
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Roll each square up into a log, pinching the sides to seal.
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Cut each log down the center long-ways, leaving the tippy end still attached.
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Twist into braids and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Turn off the oven and place the braids in to proof a second time, again, 1-2 hours or until doubled.
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Remove the braids from the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bake the braids for 15-17 minutes, or until puffed and slightly golden.
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Cool completely, then drizzle with Orange Glaze.
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Place the powdered sugar and zest in a small bowl and stir in just enough orange juice to reach a drizzling consistency.
Like you, I’ve been a major hermit lately too. It’s just so cold outside. I try to avoid stepping even one foot out the door like the plague. Ahhh, the luxury of working from home. It’s the best, isn’t it. Now, I don’t have to go out for my favorite treat. #winning
Oh my gosh that is like my goal in life lol! It’s bad! 😛
Wow, these look so good! I’m feeling the same with the weeks, I can’t believe how quickly they are flying by, it’s pretty scary actually – I have big plans for 2015, but I feel like I’ve lost loads of time already!
Same here! When 2015 started I thought I’d be able to knock so many things off my list in January; now it’s already more than half over! Eep!
I always feel like I live under a rock. I get crazy looks when I’m like, “Huh, what’s that… never heard of it.” Sometimes it makes me feel old, like a granny. Ha! I’ll just go stuff my face with these braids. They’re gorgeous by the way!
Haha I am totally a granny at heart! I feel you girl. Thank you so much much for making me feel better about it. Hope your weekend is off to a great start, my dear!
My kids and I love Panera Bread when we are out and about. . your orange-walnut-braid looks so much better!!! LOVE!!! and trying to stay warm over here, Allie. . Madison’s restaurant week starts Sunday so we are trying two restaurants. . I’m excited!! the little things. . happy weekend!!!
Aw, that’s so great! I’m excited for you- restaurant week is so much fun. I hope you have a wonderful time and eat lots of great food! Bundle up!
There’s a Panera a couple blocks away from my apartment, yet somehow I always forget it’s there. They also have the best chocolate chip cookies! Love these braids so much!! I have friends coming to visit for the weekend in a few weeks, and these will be so perfect!
Ok so chocolate chip cookies? Now I’ve gotta get back over there so I can try 😉 Thank you so much for the tip and for the sweet comment! I hope you have a great time with your guests!
These are just seriously gorgeous. I am so appreciative of your willingness to research such trends, especially since we have no Panera here! They look incredible!
Well it’s a tough job, Ashley, but I’m willing to take one for the team 😉 Thank you so much hon!
I am super impressed with these, Allie! Panera is my kids’ favorite restaurant when we go out to lunch (which isn’t all that often, either), but I’ve never tried their pecan braids. I love the orange spin that you gave these, and can’t wait to try making them at home!
Thank you so much, Kristine! Next time you’re at Panera you’ll have to pick up a braid to see how these stack up 😉
These look so good. I love your use of composition in your photos. I never had a Pecan Knot.
Nicole you’d better keep your distance from Panera then. Those things are seriously dangerous! Thanks so much for the sweet compliment; hope you have a great weekend!
I used to be obsessed with Panera Bread but have to admit, we haven’t gone in a while so I love that you recreated the braids. Your orange walnut version sounds even more amazing – I would gobble them up in no time too! They look gorgeous!
Thank you so much Kelly! So you know what I am talking about with those Pecan Braids. Aren’t they irresistible???
Haha totally! I always used to inhale them way too quickly before my husband could even get a taste. So dangerous but SO worth it:)
My first non-babysitting job in high school was working for Panera, so I got burnt out on their bakery treats for awhile. But I’m back to loving them…and this orange-walnut “twist” on their twist (yep, I’m punny!) looks amazing!
Haha love the pun Julie! I wish I had thought of it when I was writing the post 😉 Thanks so much!
This is just what my mornings need! Love all these flavors! And they are just soooo pretty! 🙂
Thank you so much Liz!
Wow, these look so elegant! I have serious baked-goods envy right now 🙂
Lol thank you CakePants!
These are sooo lovely Ali. I gotta say that I am super behind on trends all the time, including this Bang Bang Shrimp you speak of. What is that lol?
Haha to be honest I am not entirely sure! You got me! I see it all the time on pinterest though so it must be good 😉
So glad you picked up that pecan braid for inspiration! This looks absolutely delicious! Almost too pretty to eat…. almost 😉 Love the addition of orange too.
Thank you so much, Hapanom! So glad you like the pastries and so happy you stopped by!
I can’t imagine how you could get one of these (or the inferior Panera equivalent) and hold on to it until breakfast. I want to eat the entire batch right now!
These are just so pretty! I love the flavors you used and can’t wait to give these a go!
Hooray! I’m so happy you like them Jessie! I hope you get a chance to give them a try- they are a lot of fun to make 😉
These look soo good and I’m sure they taste 10x better than the ones from Panera Bread. Not to dis them or anything but homemade is generally better. Nothing wrong with being a hermit…I’m totally one myself! 🙂
These braids look so darn amazing that they just made it to the top of my to-try list. Gorgeous!
Awesome! I’m so happy you like them Jean! Definitely let me know if you get a chance to try them; I’d love to get your feedback. 😀 😀 😀
I’m so obsessed with your photography! Love the beautiful presentation and great recipe 🙂 Pinned!
So first off, I’m obsessed with this combination of flavors! Orange+walnut+cinnamon roll is probably my dream pastry. Swoooning! And your photography? GORGEOUS! Please send me 20 😉
Haha thank you so much Christine! I love that combo too- it’s just so wintry. Thanks for reading and for the sweet comment 🙂
Ahhh! I love Panera… the first step inside and you are literally engulfed by all the amazing smells. I love this take on the twists – well, because I love any orange-infused breakfast treat! Can’t wait to try these soon. 🙂
Oh my gosh, yes! It felt so warm and cozy when we stepped in there. Loved every second of it! Thank you so much Jen!
An orange and walnut braid just sounds SO delicious.. and they look pretty awesome too. I could definitely devour one right now!
This looks so good! The link to the video on how to do the braids didn’t work 🙁
Thanks for letting me know, Irene! It’s all fixed now 😉
These braids look so delicious! Love the walnut and orange flavour- amazing Allie! x
I’ve never had that pecan braid at Panera despite the fact we’ve taken the kids there a bazillion times! I don’t even think I noticed them, so who lives under a rock? haha I love the flavors you used here, and these are just stunners! Pinned. 🙂
These are absolutely stunning! Totally rockin’ my world with these!
Thanks Amanda, lol! Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday sweetie. Are you back home yet or still in Phoenix? Can’t wait to hear all about that conference!
This recipe grabbed my attention this morning because I’m about to make a cake with oranges later in the day. I love that these have so many warm, winter flavours in them! Oh, and what beautiful photos (but that goes without saying, really)
You’re right that we should make the most of the day this Sunday. Here in the UK it’s one of those beautiful freezing but sparkingly beautiful days. Enjoy your day too, Allie!
Aw that sounds lovely Helen! It’s frozen here today too; we were supposed to have a family brunch this morning but it got cancelled because of all the ice, and we’re having an afternoon get together at my house instead. I’m so glad! We’re going to have a fire and football games on tv and I’m thinking it will be so cozy! Thank you so much for the sweet comment my dear, I’m looking forward to seeing your orange cake!
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Bahaha I love your description of driving home and eating the whole braid that you were going to eat for breakfast. That is EXACTLY what I would do. I mean, you had good intentions of self control. But the braid just screamed your name, and you had to eat it. Hehe. The flavors in this braid look lovely. I’ve been thinking lately I want to try making bread. Yeast still intimidates me. I know, I know…silly really. I just need to DO IT 😉 I’ve missed your blog Allie. I’ll be around more!
That is exactly what happened! I could not stop. It was so good! And you know, I have been so weird about yeast for so long. It was a new year’s goal for me to conquer my fears and I’ve actually already done 3 yeast bread posts so far. The more I do it the easier and more enjoyable it’s becoming. Good luck to you and thank you!!!
Beautiful work, Allie! There’s nothing like a bit of pasty in the morning and these are not only mouthwatering, but they’re beautiful too! I’m certain they taste amazing with that hint of orange and cinnamon filling! These are way better than what you can buy in any chain store. Thank you, Allie, you inspire every time I open a post! <3
Right back atcha, Traci! Thank you so much for the kind words my dear <3
Orange walnut – this sounds like a brilliant flavor combination. Perfect!
Thanks Cake Spy! Everyone seemed to really like them 😉
I love walnut braids bread and it’s interesting to add an orange twist to it. It’s my mom’s favorite flavor, so I’ll definitely try out this recipe with her next time! Love these amazing photos too, pinned!
It’s my mom’s too! She loves anything orange creamsicle and anything orange chocolate. I should have given her some of these to see how she likes orange cinnamon 😉 Thanks so much Maggie!
I swooned when I saw these on pinterest! They are beyond perfection, Allie! Pinning!
Thank you so much Tori! 😀 😀 😀
I don’t know how I missed these pretty things! Man…I bet they’re amazing. When are we getting together for breakfast again….;-)
Hope you had a great weekend!
I have a few left over, Melanie, you should swing by! 😉
I’m really glad you included the link to the video because I am much better seeing it than reading and then trying to picture it my head! These seriously look SO good! I’m going to try making some myself 🙂
Lol honestly I don’t think I could have expressed it in words at all! Thanks Jill; hope you enjoy! 🙂
I agree these would be perfect for breakfast and great with hot chocolate.
Ooh, I like the way you think Chineka!
It’s a beautiful day here today. These wonderful braids are beautiful too. I love love love sweet rolls. My down fall. You did a lovely job, Girl!
Thank you so much Carol!
Oh Panera is the death of me! I lived there for two years while taking classes when I started grad school and just love their pastries. So glad you tried the braid and now we get a recipe! This is why I love you …so creative always! Oh and don’t worry about the trends, some of us know about them but barely try them as most are out there lol! I do however love bang bang shrimp! we have a local restaurant that makes the best bang bang chicken and shrimp noodles that I just cannot seem to have enough of this past month. So good!
You should talk to Jocelyn about that! She was like wth is a bang bang shrimp, lol! Thank you my dear!
How much yeast did you use? This looks super yummy and pretty… ill give it a try this weekend 🙂 thanks
Thanks Sana! I used one packet of instant yeast. About 1/4 ounce. Good luck and enjoy!
These look bakery worthy, Allie! Pinning! xo
Hello Allie,
Does it matter if the dough is made with a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment or should it be made by hand with a wooden spoon?
Thanks
Hi Nell! I made mine with a mixer/dough hook but I’m sure it would work with a wooden spoon too. So long as you have strong biceps, lol! Good luck and thanks for reading!
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Such a beautiful braid! And the orange glaze is perfection for it!
These look like a delicious breakfast treat that would be great with a giant cup of coffee!