If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on classic cinnamon treats, the Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe is about to become your new favorite! These soft, buttery knots are coated in a perfectly balanced layer of cinnamon and sugar, then drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you want a cozy breakfast, a sweet snack, or a charming treat to share, this recipe delivers irresistible flavor with a fun, comforting texture that’s as addictive as it is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for these cinnamon delights is refreshingly straightforward, which is part of what makes this Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe so accessible. Each component plays a starring role in creating the rich, sweet, and tender knots that will fill your kitchen with that unforgettable cinnamon aroma.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Provides the soft and airy base that’s perfect for shaping into knots.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crunch that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the flavor profile, infusing warmth and spice.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough moist and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Milk (for icing): Blends with the powdered sugar to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for icing): Adds a subtle depth and rounds out the overall sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your knots won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Take your refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out into a thin rectangle roughly 1/4-inch thick. This thickness is ideal for creating soft knots that bake evenly while holding their tender texture.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon until evenly blended. This simple mix is what lends the knots their irresistible, crunchy cinnamon coating.
Step 4: Brush With Melted Butter
Generously brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. This step locks in moisture and acts as the perfect sticky base for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Evenly cover the buttered dough with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Don’t be shy here—the more coverage, the better that satisfying crunch and flavor you’ll get in every bite.
Step 6: Cut, Twist, and Knot
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips, then twist each strip gently and tie it into a knot. Place each knot on your prepared baking sheet, leaving just enough room between them to expand.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the knots in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly. This is when the magic happens, as the cinnamon sugar caramelizes and the dough becomes soft yet slightly crisp on the outside.
How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe to the next level, drizzle the warm knots with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These knots pair beautifully with a cozy cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making them a perfect breakfast or snack. They also complement fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt dip to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange your knots on a decorative platter, nestling them amidst fresh berries or sprigs of mint. You can also serve them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a casual, inviting vibe that encourages everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cinnamon Crunch Knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious and soft for up to two days, making them perfect for enjoying later without losing their charm.
Freezing
To keep your cinnamon knots fresh longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm your knots gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their softness and activates the sweet aroma, almost as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work wonderfully and can add a personalized touch to your Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe. Just make sure your dough is rolled out to a similar thickness for best results.
What if I want these knots less sweet?
You can easily adjust the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar topping or skip the glaze entirely. These tweaks let you customize the sweetness to your taste while still enjoying the cinnamon goodness.
How do I prevent the knots from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper is key, as it creates a non-stick surface that also helps your knots bake more evenly. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet as an extra precaution.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can bring exciting new layers of flavor to your Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe. Feel free to experiment with what you love.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dessert?
Yes! With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, these knots are perfect for a speedy dessert when you want something warm, sweet, and ridiculously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe is like a warm hug from your oven, crafted from simple ingredients that transform into a delightful treat. I can’t recommend it enough for those moments when you crave something sweet, comforting, and homemade. Go ahead, give it a try — I promise these cinnamon knots will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 knots, approximately 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Crunch Knots are deliciously soft and buttery twisted dough treats coated in cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla icing. Made with easy refrigerated pizza dough, these warm, golden-baked knots are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a delightful crunch and a comforting cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
Dough and Topping
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, preparing it for the cinnamon sugar topping and knot shaping.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon until evenly mixed to create the sweet, spiced topping.
- Brush with Butter: Evenly brush the melted unsalted butter over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and add richness.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering it completely for maximum flavor.
- Form Knots: Cut the dough into strips, twist each strip to develop texture, then tie each into a knot. Place the knots spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the knots bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 1 tablespoon), and vanilla extract to form a smooth icing. Adjust milk quantity to desired consistency.
- Glaze Knots: Once baked, allow the knots to cool slightly then drizzle or brush the vanilla icing over them to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to regain softness and warmth.
- You can substitute the milk in the icing with any plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to suit your taste preference.
