Introduction

Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining soft, spiced dough with a rich, flavorful glaze. These knots are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, offering a cozy blend of cinnamon and coffee aromas that will fill your kitchen with warmth.

Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Powdered sugar (for icing)
Brewed coffee (for icing)
Vanilla extract (for icing)
Pinch of salt (for icing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Step 8: If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the cinnamon sugar filling.
Step 9: Cut the dough into strips, then tie each strip into a knot. Arrange the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 10: Cover the knots with a towel and let them rise again for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 11: While the knots are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 12: Bake the knots for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 13: While the knots cool, prepare the coffee icing by whisking together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 14: Drizzle the coffee icing over the warm cinnamon knots before serving to enjoy that perfect sweet and spiced finish.

Tips & Variations

Use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber in the dough.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for an extra warm spice note.
Try substituting the coffee icing with a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer a milder topping.
For a dairy-free version, replace milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil.
Chop the nuts finely if you want a subtler crunch throughout the knots.

Storage

Store cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, freeze the cooled knots in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave briefly before serving to restore their softness and enhance the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and do the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.

What type of coffee works best for the icing?

Use a strong brewed coffee like espresso or dark roast to give the icing a rich coffee flavor without adding too much liquid.

Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 55 reviews

Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing, a perfect sweet treat featuring soft, cinnamon-spiced dough knots topped with a rich coffee-flavored glaze. These homemade pastries combine the warmth of cinnamon and the boldness of coffee icing, making an irresistible snack or breakfast companion.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 knots 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs

Filling

½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Coffee Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, indicating gluten development.
First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
Spread Filling: Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then evenly sprinkle or spread this filling mixture over the rolled-out dough.
Add Nuts (Optional): If using, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
Shape the Knots: Cut the dough into strips, then tie each strip into a knot. Arrange the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have space to expand.
Second Rise: Cover the knots with a towel and let them rise for another 15 to 20 minutes until slightly puffed.
Preheat Oven: While the knots are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Bake: Bake the knots for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Prepare Icing: While the knots cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
Ice the Knots: Drizzle the freshly made coffee icing generously over the warm cinnamon knots before serving to add a delicious finishing touch.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when mixing to activate the yeast properly.
You can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before sprinkling them over the filling.
Store leftover cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat knots gently in the oven or microwave before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Keywords: Cinnamon Knots, Coffee Icing, Cinnamon Pastry, Sweet Breakfast, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Baked Cinnamon Treats