Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cinnamon crunch knots! They’re like little clouds of cinnamon goodness that just melt in your mouth. The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with that warm, sweet cinnamon flavor, and it’s absolutely heavenly. Making these at home is such a joy; the aroma wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible! You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, from mixing the dough to tying those adorable knots. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Trust me, once you try these cinnamon crunch knots, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Crunch Knots
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup icing sugar (for the glaze)
How to Prepare Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first! In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This little step is crucial because it activates the yeast, and trust me, you want those knots to rise beautifully!
- Now, in a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Once that’s nicely mixed, add in the melted butter, the egg, and your activated yeast mixture. Mix everything until a dough starts to form.
- Next, it’s time to get your hands a little floury! Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s sticking to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but don’t overdo it!
- Place your lovely dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size, so give it some patience!
- Once risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect time to get that warm, cinnamon aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently (so satisfying, right?) and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle it generously with brown sugar and a dash more of cinnamon. Oh, the smell!
- Cut the dough into strips and tie them into cute little knots. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the charm is in their homemade look!
- Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step allows them to get fluffy and delightful.
- Finally, pop those knots in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different!
- While they’re baking, mix the icing sugar with a splash of water to create a glaze. Once the knots are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that sweet glaze over the top. The finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for any skill level!
- Deliciously warm and comforting cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- The joy of homemade baking fills your kitchen with irresistible scents.
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack anytime!
- Perfectly shareable, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cinnamon crunch knots turn out perfectly, here are a few tips! First, when kneading the dough, don’t rush it—give it a good 5 minutes to become smooth and elastic. If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle just a bit more flour, but remember, less is more! For the rising times, find a warm spot; a slightly preheated oven turned off works wonders. While baking, keep an eye on them for that golden brown color—every oven is different! Lastly, drizzle the glaze while the knots are still warm for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth effect!
Variations on Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your cinnamon crunch knots! For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips along with the brown sugar and cinnamon filling—talk about indulgence! If you’re feeling fruity, try adding dried cranberries or chopped apples for a delightful surprise in every bite. Want a nutty crunch? Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. And don’t forget about icing variations—experiment with flavored glazes like vanilla or maple to elevate those knots even further. Get creative and make these sweet treats your own! You won’t regret it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for one serving of these delightful cinnamon crunch knots. Each knot contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these sweet treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cinnamon crunch knots fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but be warned—they may lose some of their delightful softness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back that cozy, fresh-baked taste!
FAQ About Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it might change the texture slightly. Just keep in mind that it may require a little extra liquid.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
No worries! You can use instant yeast instead. Just add it directly to your dry ingredients, and there’s no need to activate it in warm milk first.
Can I make these knots ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the knots, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking!
How do I know when the knots are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking for that perfect color!
Can I freeze cinnamon crunch knots?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before warming!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels for a delightful twist on your favorite flavors!
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Cinnamon Crunch Knots: 7 Heavenly Bites You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious sweet treat with cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup icing sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, melted butter, and egg. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Cut into strips and tie knots.
- Place knots on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix icing sugar with water to make a glaze and drizzle over knots.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon crunch knots
