Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

The Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. With their fluffy texture, crunchy topping, and sweet glaze, these knots are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Best of all, they can be made in under an hour using simple pantry ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These knots can be ready in just 60 minutes, making them ideal for impromptu gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples ensures you won’t need to make an extra trip to the store.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them on their own, serve them with coffee, or drizzle with glaze for a sweet touch.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in twisting and knotting the dough for a fun family activity.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a heavenly flavor that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves time and effort when kneading the dough, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Rolling pin: Achieving even thickness in your dough is crucial for uniform baking, making this tool essential.

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Ingredients

These knots require only pantry staple ingredients and can be made and ready to go in under an hour.

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups white whole wheat or all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast (see notes for no yeast option)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup warm water or warm milk
• 2 teaspoons honey

For the Filling:

• 7 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Crunch Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water or milk, honey, and 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Knead on medium speed until the dough comes together (about 1–2 minutes). Add additional flour if necessary until smooth.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a bowl, combine granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

On a floured surface:
1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, adding more flour if sticky.
2. Spread with 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
3. Fold the dough in half and cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip and tie it into a loose knot before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Crunch Topping

Melt remaining butter and mix it with remaining cinnamon and brown sugar. Spoon clumps over each knot for that delicious crunch layer.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer to the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven; spoon any melted brown sugar back over rolls if necessary, then return to bake for another 8–10 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While baking, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and enough water to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Drizzle & Enjoy!

Once knots are baked, drizzle glaze over them if desired before serving. Enjoy your fresh Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots!

How to Serve Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring them for breakfast, these knots are versatile and delicious.

With a Sweet Glaze

• Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm knots for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve immediately for a gooey, satisfying bite.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Pair these knots with coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• They can also be enjoyed with fresh fruit on the side.

At Parties and Gatherings

• Arrange the knots on a platter for an eye-catching dessert table.
• Offer alongside whipped cream or yogurt for dipping options.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm knots with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream for added flavor.

How to Perfect Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

To achieve the best results with your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, follow these helpful tips to ensure they come out perfect every time.

• Knead Well: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, giving your knots a nice texture.
• Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure your water or milk is warm but not hot. This helps activate the yeast effectively.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the knots while baking. Ovens vary, so check for that golden brown color to know when they’re done.
• Add Extra Crunch: For more crunch, sprinkle some nuts or seeds over the cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar in the glaze according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Pairing side dishes with Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots enhances their flavor and creates a balanced meal. Here are some great ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and natural sweetness to complement the cinnamon flavors.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance the sweetness of the knots.
4. Cottage Cheese: A bowl of cottage cheese topped with honey or fruit makes for a healthy side that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a savory element that contrasts nicely with cinnamon flavors.
6. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter on the side as a dip for those who enjoy rich flavors alongside their sweets.
7. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy chia seed pudding offers a nutritious option that complements the knots beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results with your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overworking the dough: Kneading too long can make your knots tough. Mix just until combined and smooth.
• Not letting the dough rise: Skipping the rising step will result in dense knots. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or milk can hinder dough development. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; drizzle generously over the knots after baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your dough. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place knots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a lid, adding a splash of water to create steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots.

What makes these Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots special?

These knots are quick and easy, made with pantry staples, perfect for any snack time or dessert craving.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the dough texture as it may require slight adjustments.

How do I adjust the sweetness level?

Feel free to adjust the sugar levels in both the dough and glaze according to your taste preferences.

Can I make these knots without yeast?

Yes! You can follow a no-yeast method by using self-rising flour or incorporating baking powder instead of yeast.

Final Thoughts

The Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough to customize with various spices or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Don’t hesitate to give them a try; they might just become your new favorite snack!