Cinnamon Crunch Knots: A Sweet and Buttery Treat

The smell of warm cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery knot, coated in a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and drizzled with a luscious vanilla cream cheese glaze. That’s exactly what you get with these Cinnamon Crunch Knots—a perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and fluffy textures in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, these homemade knots are a must-try. Unlike store-bought pastries, these freshly baked treats have the perfect balance of warm spices and buttery goodness, making them irresistible for any occasion.

Ready to make your own Cinnamon Crunch Knots at home? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Soft and fluffy texture – A light and airy dough with a crispy sugar coating.
• Perfectly spiced – Warm cinnamon enhances the rich, buttery flavor.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Irresistible glaze – A vanilla cream cheese glaze that takes it to the next level.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Crunch Knots

For the Dough

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Granulated sugar	2 tbsp
Instant yeast	1 packet
Salt	½ tsp
Warm milk	½ cup
Large egg	1
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Cinnamon Coating

Ingredient	Amount
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup

For the Glaze

Ingredient	Amount
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Cream cheese (room temperature)	2 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Crunch Knots

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
• Add warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
• Mix until the dough starts to come together.

2. Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Knots

• Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a rope and tie it into a knot.
• Place knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Second Rise

• Cover and let the shaped knots rest for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Brush each knot with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

6. Bake the Knots

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Make the Glaze

• In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.

8. Drizzle and Serve

• Once knots are out of the oven, drizzle with vanilla cream cheese glaze.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Use warm milk – This helps activate the yeast and creates a soft dough.
• Don’t over-knead – Stop once the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
• Let the dough rise fully – It should double in size for a fluffy texture.
• Bake until golden brown – Overbaking can make them dry.
• Adjust the glaze thickness – Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk for a thinner drizzle.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Crunch Knots

These sweet and crunchy knots pair well with:

• Hot coffee or tea – A warm drink enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Fresh fruit – Strawberries or apples add a refreshing contrast.
• Ice cream – Serve warm knots with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle – Extra sweetness for a decadent treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~230 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	10 g
Sugar	15 g

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Mistake	Cause	Solution
Dense dough	Not enough rising time	Let dough rise fully before baking
Overly dry knots	Baked too long	Check at 15 minutes and remove when golden brown
Weak cinnamon flavor	Not enough coating	Double coat the knots in cinnamon-sugar
Runny glaze	Too much liquid	Add more powdered sugar to thicken

How to Store & Reheat

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate – Keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
• Freeze – Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat when needed.
• Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Creative Variations to Try

• Maple Cinnamon Knots – Add maple syrup to the glaze for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Replace the vanilla glaze with melted chocolate.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
• Pumpkin Spice Version – Add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Just bloom it in warm milk for 5 minutes before mixing.

2. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Substitute ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for one egg.

3. Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight and continue the process the next day.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

5. Can I make mini versions of these knots?

Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a flax egg substitute.

Try These Cinnamon Crunch Knots Today!

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to bake your own Cinnamon Crunch Knots! With their sweet crunch, fluffy texture, and rich cinnamon flavor, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite.

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