Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

The Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These knots combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a satisfying crunch, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a cozy brunch, as an afternoon snack, or during festive gatherings, these knots are sure to impress. Best of all, they require only pantry staple ingredients and can be made in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 60 minutes, you can whip up these delicious knots in no time.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun shape and sweet flavor of these cinnamon crunch knots.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this recipe is easy to follow and budget-friendly.
• Deliciously Irresistible: The combination of cinnamon sugar and a creamy glaze makes every bite a heavenly experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth baking process.

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 makes kneading the dough easy and efficient, saving you time and effort.
• Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out your dough to the perfect thickness for shaping your knots.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your knots evenly while ensuring they don’t stick to the pan.

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

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

Step 2: Preheat the 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 and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Step 4: Shape the Knots

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread it with 4 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Fold in half and cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip into a loose knot and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Crunch Topping

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Mix it with the remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon and brown sugar. Spoon clumps of this mixture over each knot.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven briefly to spoon melted brown sugar back over rolls if necessary. Return to bake another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

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

Step 8: Serve

Drizzle glaze over knots if desired before serving. Enjoy your delightful Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots!

How to Serve Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy snack at home, these knots are versatile and delicious.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your knots with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting experience. The flavors of cinnamon complement the beverage perfectly.

As a Dessert

• Serve these knots warm with a drizzle of glaze for an irresistible dessert option. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For Breakfast

• Enjoy these cinnamon knots as part of your breakfast spread. They can be served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.

At Parties

• Present the knots on a large platter for gatherings. Guests will love snacking on them while mingling, making them an excellent finger food choice.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add some sliced strawberries, apples, or bananas on the side to enhance the flavors. The freshness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the knots nicely.

How to Perfect Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Creating the perfect Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure your flour properly. Too much flour can lead to dense knots; use the spoon and level method for accuracy.

• Knead well: Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the dough its structure. Aim for a smooth dough that pulls away from the bowl sides.

• Let it rise: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place helps it double in size. This step is vital for light and fluffy knots.

• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your knots while they bake. Ovens vary, so check for golden-brown color to avoid overbaking.

• Customize flavors: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits into the dough for added texture and taste. Experimentation can yield delightful results.

Best Side Dishes for Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

Serving side dishes alongside Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots can enhance your overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to your sweet knots.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the cinnamon flavor.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that pairs well with sweet treats like these knots.
4. Oven-Baked Bacon Substitute – Use turkey bacon as a savory side; it offers crunch without overpowering sweetness.
5. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess contrasts nicely with the cinnamon crunch.
6. Smoothies – Blend up a refreshing smoothie using fruits and greens; it’s nutritious and balances out indulgent bites.
7. Herbed Potatoes – Roasted herbed potatoes can offer heartiness alongside your sweet offering, making it well-rounded.
8. Nutty Granola Bars – Serve homemade granola bars for an additional crunchy element that echoes the cinnamon theme.

Enjoy creating and serving your Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final product.

• Incorrect flour measurement: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dough that is too sticky or dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for precise measurements.
• Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step; let it rest in a warm place as instructed.
• Overbaking: Baking for too long can result in tough knots. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and remove them when golden brown.
• Inconsistent knot size: Uneven sizes can lead to uneven baking. Aim to cut your strips evenly for uniform knots that cook at the same rate.
• Neglecting the glaze: The glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it—this step elevates your knots from good to great!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Time: Store Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Time: You can freeze these knots for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap each knot tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place knots on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place a knot on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered with a lid, for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots.

Can I make Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots without yeast?

Yes! You can use baking powder instead of yeast. Just mix it into your dry ingredients, and you won’t need to let the dough rise.

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

You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or even omit it entirely, using just powdered sugar and water instead.

How can I customize my Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into your dough or topping for added flavors and textures!

How do I know when my knots are done baking?

Your knots will be golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean without any raw dough sticking.

Final Thoughts

The Easiest Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their sweet cinnamon flavor paired with a creamy glaze makes them irresistible. Plus, they are versatile—feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!