Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe
Delight in these soft, twisted Cinnamon Knots drizzled with a rich and aromatic coffee icing. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these sweet treats combine fluffy yeast dough with a cinnamon-butter filling and a smooth coffee glaze for a unique, comforting flavor experience.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon knots 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Coffee Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for one hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until you get a spreadable paste. This mixture will add the signature cinnamony sweetness to the knots.
- Shape the Knots: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough surface. Fold the dough in half lengthwise to form a long rectangle. Cut this folded dough into 12 equal strips. Take each strip, gently twist it, and then tie into a knot. Arrange the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the ends tucked underneath to maintain their shape.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped knots with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they puff up noticeably. This step ensures a soft, airy texture.
- Bake the Knots: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon knots for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Coffee Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more coffee for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared coffee icing generously over the warm cinnamon knots. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warmth, sweetness, and coffee aroma.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can prepare the coffee icing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator; stir before using.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee in the icing.
- Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- These cinnamon knots can be frozen after baking; thaw and warm before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon knots, coffee icing, cinnamon rolls, homemade pastry, breakfast treat, sweet knots