There’s something magical about rolling out soft, pillowy dough and filling your kitchen with the promise of sweet cinnamon and butter. These Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are like a morning hug in pastry form—each twist delivers a burst of fragrant cinnamon sugar, wrapped in tender, golden-brown bread. As the knots bake, their delicate tops shimmer with melted butter, while the swirls deepen to a rich, caramelized hue. By the time you pull them from the oven, the scent wraps around you like a warm blanket, coaxing you to taste one right away. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer eager to dive into a new project, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between beginner-friendly steps and jaw-dropping results. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple kitchen tools, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can transform everyday ingredients into an irresistible treat.
And then there’s that dreamy coffee icing—creamy, just-sweet-enough, with a hint of robust espresso that takes these knots from good to truly unforgettable. The glaze drips down each twist, settling into the nooks to create little pockets of liquid bliss you’ll want to savor on your spoon first. I’ll never forget the first batch I made on a cozy Sunday morning: the moment I drizzled the icing, the kitchen filled with a tempting mocha breeze that had my family lining up at the counter. My niece dubbed them “mocha knots,” and from then on, prepping this recipe became our weekend ritual—coffee cups in hand, laughter all around, and sugar-dusted fingertips. Feel free to experiment with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free spin, or stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth. Once you master these simple twists, you’ll find endless ways to customize the filling with nuts, citrus zest, or even tiny chocolate chips. So grab your rolling pin and let’s embark on a sweet, spicy, and coffee-kissed baking adventure!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON KNOTS WITH COFFEE ICING
Before we dive into the dough and the glaze, let’s talk about what makes these cinnamon knots so special. From the flour that gives structure to the swirl of spices, each ingredient plays its part in building that soft, sweet, and slightly spiced experience. Here’s a rundown of the key components you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- All-purpose Flour: Provides the structure and body for the dough, ensuring a soft yet sturdy base that supports the twists and holds the filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the filling, caramelizing as the knots bake to add a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the dough, creating air pockets that result in a light, fluffy interior and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making every bite taste perfectly seasoned and well-rounded.
- Warm Milk: Hydrates the yeast and dough, promoting proper fermentation while adding richness and moisture for a tender texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Enriches the dough with a creamy texture and tender crumb, giving the knots a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to a richer color and more elastic texture that makes shaping and knotting a breeze.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm, spicy notes that contrast beautifully with the sweet dough and elevate the overall aroma.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on the surface and the shaped knots to encourage a crisp, golden-brown finish and help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the coffee icing, giving it that smooth, velvety texture that glides over each knot and melts on your tongue.
- Brewed Strong Coffee: Adds a robust, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet glaze, highlighting both cinnamon and sugar for a harmonious flavor blend.
- Milk: Thins the coffee icing to the perfect drizzling consistency, ensuring it coats each knot evenly without becoming too runny.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON KNOTS WITH COFFEE ICING
Ready to roll up your sleeves and transform these ingredients into irresistible treats? Follow these step-by-step directions to make perfect Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing, from mixing the dough to drizzling that heavenly glaze.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed and the other dry ingredients are well blended.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and egg until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, pressing and folding until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a ½-inch–thick rectangle, then brush the entire surface generously with melted butter so the cinnamon-sugar will adhere.
7. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this filling evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it in so it sticks.
8. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips. Take each strip, loop it into a knot, and tuck the ends underneath; place the knots on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.
9. Allow the shaped knots to rise for another 20 minutes, then gently brush them with additional melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
10. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the knots are puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
11. While the knots cool slightly, stir together powdered sugar, brewed strong coffee, and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.
12. Once the knots are warm but not piping hot, drizzle the coffee icing over them, letting it pool in all the crevices. Serve them immediately—warm or at room temperature—for the best texture and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON KNOTS WITH COFFEE ICING
Once you’ve drizzled that velvety coffee icing and the knots are gleaming with sugary gloss, it’s time to think about how to present them in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, or looking for the perfect festive dessert, these serving ideas will help you showcase your cinnamon knots and make every bite even more delightful. From pairing with complementary flavors to adding fresh accents, these suggestions will elevate your baking creation to a memorable centerpiece.
- Morning Coffee Pairing: Serve the knots alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or latte. The bold notes of the brew will complement the sweet spice and highlight the mocha hints in the icing.
- Sweet Brunch Spread: Arrange the knots on a decorative platter with fresh berries, sliced melons, and a variety of cheeses. The juicy fruit and creamy cheeses provide a balanced contrast to the cinnamon-sugar twists.
- Afternoon Treat: Plate a warm knot next to a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess paired with the warm pastry creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
- Festive Presentation: Dust the finished knots with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnish with chopped nuts or a twist of citrus zest. This touch of color and crunch adds a festive flair for gatherings or holidays.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON KNOTS WITH COFFEE ICING
Keeping these cinnamon knots at their freshest ensures you can enjoy them for days—or even weeks—without losing their soft texture or rich flavor. Because the icing can soften or meld into the pastry over time, there are a few tricks to preserving that perfect balance of sweet bread and coffee glaze. Whether you plan to eat them the next morning, freeze a batch for later, or pack them up as a gift, these storage methods will help you maintain the irresistible quality of your homemade knots.
- Room-Temperature Storage: Once completely cool, place the knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help retain their soft crumb.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness, store the knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven or microwave to revive their soft, buttery texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the un-iced knots in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh icing just before serving.
- Reheating Tips: To enjoy as if freshly baked, reheat individual knots in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly. This restores their warm, just-out-of-the-oven charm and revives the buttery richness.
CONCLUSION
By now, you’ve journeyed through every step of creating these irresistible Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing—from understanding the roles of each key ingredient to mastering the dough, shaping delightful twists, and drenching them in that lusciously mocha glaze. We’ve explored how to serve them in style, from morning coffee pairings to festive presentations, and covered the best storage methods so you can savor these treats days or even weeks later. All of these details are here for you to print and save, whether you’re bookmarking it in your recipe binder or keeping it on your favorite kitchen stand. And don’t forget—you can scroll down to find a handy FAQ section below if you have any questions about technique, ingredient swaps, or troubleshooting.
I’d love to hear how your batch of cinnamon knots turns out! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment sharing your thoughts or any fun twists you’ve added. Have questions about kneading, rising times, or making the icing just right? Drop them below, and I’ll be happy to help. Your feedback and experiences not only help me refine this recipe but also inspire other home bakers to join our cinnamon-knot-loving community. Happy baking, and here’s to many delicious mornings (and afternoons) filled with sweet knots and coffee-kissed smiles!
Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing
Description
These delightful cinnamon knots entwine sweet and spicy flavors, with a luscious coffee icing that elevates every bite. Perfectly soft and utterly irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine this with the dry ingredients to form a dough.
-
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread melted butter over the surface.
-
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
-
Cut the dough into strips and twist each strip into a knot. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Let the knots rise for another 20 minutes. Then brush them with additional melted butter.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
-
Mix powdered sugar, coffee, and milk to make icing. Drizzle over the warm knots.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
- You can substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust coffee icing consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze.
- These knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the dough or icing.
