Print

Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 10 reviews

These Cinnamon Sugar Knots are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a cinnamon sugar coating and a delicious vanilla glaze. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, they combine the warmth of cinnamon with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, baked to a golden finish and drizzled with a rich, creamy icing.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Sugar Knots

  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, properly measured

Butter and Sugar Coating

  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon

Icing

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Heat Butter and Milk: In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Once mostly melted, stir in the milk and gently heat the mixture to 100-110°F to create a warm liquid base for the yeast.
  2. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if stirring by hand), combine the instant yeast and honey.
  3. Combine Liquids and Yeast: When the milk and butter mixture reaches the right temperature, add it to the yeast and honey mixture. Stir well to combine and start the fermentation process.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the salt and egg until incorporated. Then add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and mix to combine.
  5. Incorporate More Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour (up to 3 1/2 cups total) until the dough just clings to the paddle attachment and cleans the sides of the bowl. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough soft.
  6. Knead the Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough for 2 minutes in the stand mixer. Alternatively, knead by hand for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  7. Prepare Coatings: While kneading, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, place the melted butter. Set both aside for dipping the knots later.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13-inch rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
  9. Shape the Knots: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then dip each rope into the melted butter, followed by rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Tie each rope into a knot and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Let the Knots Rest: Cover the knots and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow a slight rise before baking.
  11. Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown on top.
  12. Prepare the Icing: While the knots bake, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add milk gradually, starting with 1 tablespoon, stirring until the icing reaches a thick but drizzleable consistency. Typically, 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of milk is needed.
  13. Cool and Ice: Remove the knots from the oven and cool them for 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared icing over the warm knots.
  14. Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar knots warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk and butter mixture is between 100-110°F before adding to the yeast; too hot can kill the yeast and too cold won’t activate it properly.
  • Do not add too much flour to the dough; it should be just shy of sticky to keep knots soft and tender.
  • Shaping the knots properly helps them bake evenly and look visually appealing.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  • The icing consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk depending on preference.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • These knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly.