Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite baking adventures: making Cinnamon Crunch Knots! Picture this: a cozy afternoon in the kitchen, the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house, and little knots of dough rising, all ready to be transformed into a delicious treat. It’s like a warm hug in pastry form, and honestly, what’s not to love about that?
I remember the first time I whipped these delightful knots up. I was hanging out with my best friend, and we decided to have a baking day—her kitchen was filled with giggles and flour everywhere! We ended up with these beautiful cinnamon-swirled treats that vanished in no time. The combination of sweetness and spice is simply irresistible. Now, every time I make them, it brings back those fun memories of laughter and sticky hands! So, buckle up; let’s dive into the sweet, cinnamon-swirled world of Cinnamon Crunch Knots!
What’s in Cinnamon Crunch Knots?
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our knots, providing just the right amount of structure. I usually buy a pretty standard brand, but if you’re feeling fancy, go for unbleached flour for a slightly different flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is crucial here! This helps in the dough and adds a delightful crunch with the cinnamon sugar topping.
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and gives our knots a rich texture. I just microwave it for about 30 seconds—aim for that cozy temperature of around 110°F.
Unsalted butter: Ah, the secret to that melt-in-the-mouth goodness! Always use unsalted to have better control over the seasoning in your dough.
Salt: Just a touch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all those yummy flavors.
Active dry yeast: This little magic ingredient makes everything rise to the occasion! I prefer using brand-name yeasts like Red Star or Fleischmann’s for consistent results.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! A must-have for that aromatic spiciness. I tend to use Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Light brown sugar: It adds a lovely caramel note to our cinnamon mixture and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Egg: We’ll use this for an egg wash. It gives our knots that golden, shiny finish that’s simply irresistible!
Powdered sugar: An optional, but oh-so-lovely dusting at the end! It’s just pretty and adds a touch of sweetness when serving.
Is Cinnamon Crunch Knots Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things! While Cinnamon Crunch Knots are definitely a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, they do have some redeeming qualities.
Whole-grain flour: If you swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole-wheat flour, you’re giving yourself a boost of fiber!
Cinnamon: This spice isn’t just for flavor; it’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it may help to regulate blood sugar!
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these delicious knots are still a sweet treat. They contain sugar and butter, so moderation is key! Pairing these knots with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee will create the perfect snack experience.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
This recipe yields about 12 scrumptious knots that are perfect for sharing—or devouring all by yourself!
How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Knots?
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and the yeast, letting it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it gets all foamy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the melted butter along with the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form.
3. Lightly dust a floured surface and transfer your dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s a bit sticky, don’t worry—just sprinkle in some extra flour as needed.
4. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it up with plastic wrap or a cute kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it’s all doubled in size.
5. After the dough is ready and puffed up, it’s time to punch it down (but gently!). Roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick.
6. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. This mix is what dreams are made of! Sprinkle it evenly over your rolled-out dough.
7. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once you’ve got your log, slice it into 12 equal pieces.
8. Now, it’s knot-tying time! Take each piece and twist it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure it. Place the knotted beauties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you paint the tops of the knots with the beaten egg to give them that gorgeous shiny finish.
10. Bake these lovelies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Perfect Pairings & Fun Twists!
These knots are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they also pair beautifully with a side of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence—trust me, it’s worth it! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss in some chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon mixture for added texture and yumminess, or even try dipping them in frosting for a decadent twist.
So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try these Cinnamon Crunch Knots. They’re delicious, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself. Bake them up, snap a pic, and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!
