Cinnamon Knots Recipe
Delight in these soft, twisty Cinnamon Knots featuring a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling and a luscious coffee-vanilla glaze. Perfectly golden and tender, these knots make a wonderful breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough either on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a spreadable paste.
- Roll and Fill: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the dough lengthwise to create a long rectangle. Cut into 12 equal strips.
- Shape Knots: Gently twist each strip and tie it into a knot. Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking ends underneath.
- Second Rise: Cover the knots with a clean towel and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more coffee or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the coffee icing over the warm cinnamon knots and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading by hand takes longer but gives great texture; use a stand mixer for convenience.
- Make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment for best results.
- Adjust the icing consistency based on preference—thicker for drizzling or thinner for dipping.
- These knots are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: cinnamon knots, cinnamon pastry, breakfast knots, sweet bread, coffee icing, cinnamon sugar pastry