Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Cinnamon Crunch Knots? They’re like little clouds of sweetness that just melt in your mouth! I mean, who can resist the fluffy texture and that irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar? The moment these beauties come out of the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the most delightful aroma. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these knots are not just pastries; they’re pure comfort wrapped in a sweet, crunchy exterior. Let’s dive into making your new favorite treat!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious Cinnamon Crunch Knots. Don’t worry, they’re easy to find and you probably have most of them in your pantry already!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)
Make sure to measure everything carefully, and you’ll be on your way to creating these fluffy, sweet knots that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Cinnamon Crunch Knots! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so you can nail it like a pro.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, grab a bowl and combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is happy and ready to work! Next, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt into the mix. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended. Now, gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be just the right consistency, not too sticky but not too dry. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle just a touch more flour!
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Time to get your hands a little floury! Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. Trust me, this part is crucial! After kneading, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you poke it and it springs back just a little. Yay for dough magic!
Step 3: Shape the Knots
Once your dough is all puffed up, it’s time to roll it out! Punch down the dough gently and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread that melted butter all over the top, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on those chopped nuts too! Next, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Here comes the fun part: take each strip and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. Arrange the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Knots
Before popping them in the oven, let the knots rise for another 20 minutes. This will make them extra fluffy! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while they’re rising. Once the time is up, slide them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly! To check if they’re done, give one a gentle poke; it should feel light and springy. Now, try to be patient while they cool a bit before diving in—trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just about 1.5 hours!
- Fluffy texture that’s soft and airy with every bite.
- Deliciously sweet with the perfect balance of cinnamon flavor.
- Customizable with nuts for an extra crunch or icing for added sweetness.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet treat!
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy day at home.
Tips for Success with Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Getting those Cinnamon Crunch Knots just right can be super easy if you follow a few simple tips! I’ve had my share of baking adventures, so trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid any common pitfalls.
- Check Your Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh! If your yeast doesn’t foam up after mixing it with warm milk, it might be expired. No froth means no rise, so grab a new packet if needed!
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Patience is key here. Make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is chilly, preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Flour Wisely: While kneading, if the dough sticks to your hands or the surface, sprinkle just a bit of flour. But be careful—too much flour can make your knots dense!
- Even Knots, Happy Knots: When shaping the knots, try to make them all the same size. This ensures they bake evenly, so you don’t end up with some overdone while others are undercooked.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your knots a minute or two before the recommended time. You want them golden brown, but not too dark!
- Let Them Cool: This might be the toughest part, but let the knots cool for a few minutes before enjoying. They’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful Cinnamon Crunch Knots! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Wondering what’s in those delightful Cinnamon Crunch Knots? Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown per knot, so you know exactly what you’re indulging in. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy these sweet knots in moderation, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones—they’ll appreciate the deliciousness just as much as you do!
FAQ about Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Got questions about those scrumptious Cinnamon Crunch Knots? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my tried-and-true answers.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your knots a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid a bit to keep them fluffy.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to old yeast or a too-cool environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check that your rising spot is warm, like near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed oven (then turned off!).
Can I make these knots ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the knots and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking in the morning!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Cinnamon Crunch Knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I add different fillings?
Of course! Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a cream cheese filling for a delicious twist. Just make sure not to overstuff them, or they won’t hold their shape!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these mouthwatering Cinnamon Crunch Knots and have some leftovers? No worries! To keep them fresh, simply store your knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each knot tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
When you’re ready to indulge again, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste all over again!
Print
Cinnamon Crunch Knots: 5 Steps to Sweet Success!
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Crunch Knots are delicious, sweet, and fluffy pastries with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the dough.
- Cut the dough into strips and tie them into knots.
- Place knots on a baking sheet and let them rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- You can add icing for extra sweetness.
- Experiment with different nuts for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon knots, sweet pastries, desserts
