30-Minute Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Knots are soft, buttery treats perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack. With a hint of cinnamon and a drizzle of vanilla icing, these knots come together quickly and impressively in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 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 ½ cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup salted butter. When it is mostly melted, stir in 1 cup milk and heat the mixture to 100–110°F (warm to the touch).
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons instant yeast and 2 tablespoons honey to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand).
3. Step 3: When the milk mixture reaches temperature, add it to the yeast and honey; stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 large egg, stirring until combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Add the remaining flour as needed until the dough clings to the paddle and cleans the sides of the bowl. Only add enough flour to achieve this texture.
6. Step 6: Switch to the dough hook and knead for 2 minutes, or knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Step 7: While kneading, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. Place 1/4 cup melted butter in a separate shallow dish.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9×13-inch rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner and set aside.
9. Step 9: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope.
10. Step 10: Dip each rope into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
11. Step 11: Tie each rope into a knot and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all dough pieces.
12. Step 12: Cover the knots and let them rest for 10 minutes.
13. Step 13: Bake the knots for 9–12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
14. Step 14: While the knots are baking, prepare the icing by stirring together 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
15. Step 15: Add 1 tablespoon milk and mix well; continue adding milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches your desired consistency. For thicker icing, use about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons milk.
16. Step 16: Remove the knots from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
17. Step 17: Drizzle the icing over the warm knots and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise better and mix more easily.
• For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
• If you prefer a glaze, thin the icing with more milk for a drizzle consistency.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon sugar knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving. The knots are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw overnight and warm before glazing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping the knots.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit more time, but it works just as well. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

30-Minute Cinnamon Sugar Knots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

These Cinnamon Sugar Knots are soft, buttery, and filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, then drizzled with a smooth vanilla icing. They come together quickly in about 30 minutes, making them a perfect sweet treat for breakfast or snack time.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon sugar knots 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3–3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)

Cinnamon 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
• 1–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Heat Milk: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup salted butter. When butter is mostly melted, stir in 1 cup milk and heat the mixture to 100-110°F (warm to the touch, not hot) to activate the yeast.
2. Activate Yeast: Add 2 tablespoons instant yeast and 2 tablespoons honey to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand.
3. Add Warm Milk Mixture: When the milk and butter mixture has reached the desired temperature, add it to the yeast and honey. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add Salt and Egg: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 large egg to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
5. Add Flour: Stir in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough clings to the paddle and cleans the sides of the bowl. Add only enough flour to achieve this consistency.
6. Knead the Dough: Switch mixer attachment to the dough hook and knead for 2 minutes, or knead by hand for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar and Butter Dishes: While the dough is kneading, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. Melt 1/4 cup salted butter and pour into a separate shallow dish. Set both dishes aside.
8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the 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 Dough Knots: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope. Dip the rope into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Tie each rope into a knot and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all pieces.
10. Let Dough Rest: Cover the shaped knots and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow slight proofing before baking.
11. Bake the Knots: Bake the cinnamon sugar knots for 9-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown on top.
12. Prepare the Icing: While the knots are baking, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon milk and stir. Continue adding milk a little at a time (up to 3 tablespoons total) until icing reaches a thick, drizzle-able consistency.
13. Cool and Ice the Knots: Remove cinnamon sugar knots from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared icing over the warm knots and serve immediately.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warmed to about 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not add too much flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable to get soft, tender knots.
• Letting the knots rest before baking helps them rise slightly and become fluffy.
• You can adjust icing consistency by controlling the amount of milk added.
• For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• These knots are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.

Keywords: cinnamon sugar knots, cinnamon knots, quick breakfast pastries, sweet bread knots, easy cinnamon dough knots