Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

These Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat perfect for snacking, brunch, or dessert. They come together quickly with pantry staple ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy days or unexpected guests. The soft, fluffy dough is twisted into charming knots and coated in a sweet cinnamon crunch that will make your taste buds dance. Embrace the comforting aroma of cinnamon as you whip up these irresistible knots in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just a 30-minute rise time and minimal active cooking time, you can enjoy fresh knots in about an hour.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these knots are easy to prepare without special shopping trips.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet treat to share with friends at gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering crunch that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or glazes to make these knots uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with a dough hook: This tool saves time and effort by kneading the dough efficiently.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to the perfect thickness.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your knots to golden perfection.

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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
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup warm water or warm milk
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 7 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

For the Cinnamon Crunch Coating

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 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 butter.
3. Knead on medium speed until the dough comes together (about 1-2 minutes), adding more flour if necessary until smooth.
4. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

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

Step 3: Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

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

Step 4: Shape the Knots

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

Step 5: Create Crunch Topping

Melt remaining butter and mix it with remaining cinnamon and brown sugar. Spoon this mixture over each knot for added crunch.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and enough water to reach desired glaze consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze over warm knots if desired. Enjoy your homemade 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 for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these knots can easily become the star of your gathering.

Breakfast Delight

• Pair with fresh fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing balance.
• Add yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side enhances the flavor and adds creaminess.

Coffee Companion

• Serve with coffee or tea: The sweet cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with your morning brew or afternoon tea, making it an ideal companion.

Dessert Option

• Drizzle with extra glaze: For an indulgent dessert, top with additional glaze and perhaps some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Serve warm: Offering them warm will elevate their flavor and make them irresistible.

How to Perfect Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

To ensure your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and better incorporation into the dough.
• Knead until smooth: Knead the dough just enough until it is smooth and pulls away from the bowl to ensure a light texture.
• Watch the oven closely: Baking times may vary. Monitor the knots towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots can be paired with several side dishes to create a complete meal or snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Creamy Oatmeal – Serve alongside warm oatmeal topped with nuts and honey for a hearty breakfast.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein that complements the sweet knots.
4. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola creates a fun contrast in textures.
5. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses provides savory elements that balance sweetness beautifully.
6. Nut Butter Dip – Pairing with almond or peanut butter creates a rich dip perfect for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little flour can lead to dough that is either too sticky or too dry. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the rising time – Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for achieving fluffy knots. Don’t rush this step; give your dough at least 30 minutes in a warm place.
• Overbaking the knots – Baking for too long can result in dry knots. Keep an eye on them and take them out once they’re golden brown.
• Ignoring the glaze – The glaze adds sweetness and flavor. Don’t skip it; it elevates the overall taste of your knots.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or milk can hinder the dough’s ability to rise properly. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat one knot at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place knots in a nonstick pan over low heat, covered, for about 3-5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots:

How do I make vegan Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots?

You can substitute regular butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

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

Yes, using white whole wheat flour adds more fiber without altering the flavor significantly.

What toppings can I add to Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots?

Consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Can I make these knots without yeast?

Yes! You can create a baking powder version by replacing instant yeast with baking powder and adjusting the liquid accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are not only quick and simple but also incredibly delicious. These knots are perfect for snacks or gatherings and offer plenty of ways to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give them a try; you’ll love how versatile they are!