Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
If you’re craving an irresistibly nostalgic treat with equal parts softness and crunch, these Cinnamon Crunch Knots are destined to be your new favorite. Imagine a pillowy homemade dough, twisted with gooey cinnamon sugar, finished off with a unique crown of crackly cornflakes—it’s a magic collision of comfort and texture in every bite. With a golden exterior and a sweet, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen, Cinnamon Crunch Knots are absolutely perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want a bakery-worthy moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these knots is how every ingredient adds something wonderful—there’s nothing complicated here, but each item plays a vital role in taste, texture, or gorgeous color. Familiar pantry staples combine to make pure magic, so let’s break down the essentials:
- Warm milk: Sets the stage for fluffy dough, activating the yeast and keeping things rich and tender.
- Active dry yeast: The key to that beautiful rise and airy crumb—freshness counts here!
- Granulated sugar: Slightly sweetens the dough and gives the yeast a good boost.
- All-purpose flour: Versatile and sturdy, it forms the backbone of the knots’ perfect structure.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet elements and intensifies the cinnamon flavor.
- Large egg: Adds richness and a little bit of color—it helps make the interior extra tender.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures every bite is buttery soft, with layers of flavor throughout.
- Light brown sugar: Brings lovely caramel notes and deepens the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the show—don’t skimp!
- Melted butter (for brushing): Makes the surface glisten and helps all the toppings cling.
- Crushed cornflakes: Your secret weapon for that signature crunch; a true game-changer.
- Turbinado sugar (or raw sugar): Extra sparkle and a crunchy finish, with light molasses flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional glaze): For a sweet, dreamy drizzle—totally optional but highly recommended.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps the glaze reach a pourable consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds an extra, aromatic hug to that final sweet topping.
How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring your warm milk into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the yeast and sugar. Give it a gentle stir, and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a foamy, bubbly surface—this means your yeast is alive and well, setting the stage for incredibly fluffy Cinnamon Crunch Knots.
Step 2: Form and Knead the Dough
Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter to the bubbly mixture. Stir until a soft dough begins to form, then transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes—watch as it transforms from sticky to smooth and elastic. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in getting that dreamy, tender bite.
Step 3: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. The anticipation is real, but watching your dough puff up is always worth the wait for these Cinnamon Crunch Knots.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This blend is what gives the knots their signature sweet, spiced swirl through every twist and turn—don’t be shy with the cinnamon!
Step 5: Shape the Knots
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release extra air, then roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush liberally with melted butter and sprinkle every inch with that glorious cinnamon-sugar blend. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, cut into 1-inch wide strips, twist each strip, and tie them into loose, rustic knots. No need for perfection—the more twists, the better the texture.
Step 6: Add Crunch and Second Rise
Arrange the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give each one another loving brush of melted butter, then press crushed cornflakes and a generous sprinkle of turbinado sugar onto each top. Cover and let them puff up again for about 30 minutes—this quick rise ensures ultra-light, bakery-style Cinnamon Crunch Knots.
Step 7: Bake
Heat your oven to 375°F. Bake the knots for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re gorgeously golden and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. Let them cool slightly so the cinnamon swirl settles and the crunch sets up perfectly.
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
If you’re craving extra sweetness and sheen, whisk together the powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over your warm Cinnamon Crunch Knots, then stand back and admire your bakery-worthy creation!
How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon Crunch Knots an extra flourish just before serving! Drizzle with a little extra glaze, add a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even sprinkle with a touch more cinnamon. For something extra-special, try a few sliced almonds or a scattering of chopped pecans on top for added elegance and texture.
Side Dishes
These knots are pretty irresistible on their own, but they pair perfectly with a cup of fresh coffee, chai, or a frothy latte for a dreamy tea time treat. For brunch, tuck them next to fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or even a simple egg bake—they’re flexible like that, always ready to be the star or a sweet supporting player.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve Cinnamon Crunch Knots stacked on a pretty cake stand or nestled in a lined breadbasket for a cozy, bakeshop vibe. For a more dramatic touch, arrange them in a spiral on a platter with a drizzle of glaze zigzagged over the top. They also make darling edible gifts: just wrap in parchment and tie with a bit of twine for a homemade, heartfelt treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Crunch Knots are at their absolute best when warm, but leftovers won’t let you down. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They keep beautifully soft, and the topping stays surprisingly crisp thanks to the cornflakes.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for another time, freeze your baked knots once fully cooled. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container—make sure to squeeze out excess air. When you get a craving, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh.
Reheating
To bring back that straight-from-the-oven warmth, pop leftover knots in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. They re-crisp beautifully, and your kitchen will smell like you’ve just baked a fresh batch. If you’ve glazed them, you can reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds as well, though the oven preserves the crunch best.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just skip the step of dissolving the yeast in warm milk—mix the instant yeast right in with the flour and other dry ingredients, and proceed as described. The dough will rise just as reliably and you’ll still get perfectly fluffy Cinnamon Crunch Knots.
What if I don’t have cornflakes for the crunchy topping?
No worries! Toasted puffed rice cereal, crushed granola, or even very lightly toasted oats can fill in. The goal is to add contrast and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorite crunchy cereals or toppings.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and complete the first rise. Then, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The slow chill actually develops even more flavor. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping your Cinnamon Crunch Knots.
How do I know when the knots are fully baked?
The best indication is color—they should be beautifully golden on top and slightly firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, tap the underside; fully baked knots will sound hollow. And as a bonus, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely! Substitute non-dairy milk for the regular milk, use vegan butter throughout, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes). Your Cinnamon Crunch Knots will still come out soft, spicy, and deliciously crunchy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an ultra-cozy treat with a surprising twist, there’s nothing quite like Cinnamon Crunch Knots. They’re homespun, comforting, and guaranteed to spark smiles wherever they’re served. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash—make a double batch, and let yourself experience the pure joy of homemade goodness!
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Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Crunch Knots are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a crunchy topping of cornflakes and turbinado sugar. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat, these knots are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (for crunch)
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar (or raw sugar)
- Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape the Knots: Roll out dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Cut into strips, twist into knots.
- Bake: Top with cornflakes and turbinado sugar. Let rise, then bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Glaze: Drizzle with optional glaze if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use toasted cornflakes. Puffed rice cereal or crushed granola can be substitutes.
- Best served warm, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
