Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a treat that perfectly balances sweet warmth with a hint of boldness, then these Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are exactly what you need in your life. Picture soft, tender knots infused with cinnamon sugar goodness, topped with a luscious coffee-flavored icing that adds just the right touch of richness and subtle bitterness. This delightful combination is not only irresistible but also surprisingly simple to make, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with pure comfort. Trust me, once you try these Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing, they’ll become your new favorite bakery-style indulgence at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role to achieve that perfect blend of texture, taste, and aroma. From the smoothness of the melted butter to the fragrant warmth of cinnamon, every component works harmoniously to create these memorable knots.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving the knots their soft yet structured texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
• Active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that gives your dough its airy, fluffy quality.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
• Warm milk: Perfect temperature for activating the yeast, contributing to a tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the dough, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Large egg: Brings structure and color to the dough, helping it brown beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Key for making the cinnamon filling creamy and spreadable.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes in the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers cozy warmth to every knot.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the coffee icing, creating smooth sweetness.
• Brewed coffee: Infuses the icing with bold flavor and a hint of bitterness to complement the cinnamon.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the icing with a subtle, sweet aroma.

How to Make Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by waking up your yeast with warm milk and a touch of sugar. This frothy mixture is the heart of your dough’s rise. Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, combine your flour, remaining sugar, and salt. When your yeast is bubbly and active, stir it into the flour with melted butter and the egg, forming a sticky dough. Knead it either by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic—this part is so satisfying and sets your knots up for perfect fluffiness. Then, cover and let that dough take a warm nap for about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, whip up the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. You’ll want a creamy, spreadable paste—that luscious mix is going to soak into every knot, delivering bursts of warm sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Shape the Knots

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread your cinnamon filling evenly across the surface and fold the dough in half lengthwise to trap all that goodness inside. Next, cut the dough into twelve strips. Here’s where the fun begins—twist each strip gently and tie it into a knot. Tuck the ends underneath so they hold their shape during baking. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for them to rise and puff up.

Step 4: Second Rise

Don’t rush this part! Cover your knots loosely and let them rest for another 30 to 40 minutes until they look full and puffy, almost begging to be baked.

Step 5: Bake the Knots

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the tray in and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the knots turn a gorgeous golden brown. The rich color means those cinnamon sugars have caramelized just right. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to set up so they remain tender without being doughy.

Step 6: Prepare the Coffee Icing

While your knots cool, whisk together powdered sugar with brewed coffee and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want the consistency to be pourable but thick enough to cling to the knots—add a bit more coffee to loosen or powdered sugar to thicken as needed.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Finally, drizzle that rich coffee icing generously over the warm knots. The warmth helps the icing soak in slightly, balancing the cinnamon sweetness with that unmistakable coffee kick. Serve them right away, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and enjoy every blissful bite of these Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing even further, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top to contrast the sweetness. A dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans adds texture and a nutty crunch that’s hard to resist. A few coffee beans or a tiny sprig of fresh mint can make the presentation charming if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon knots pair beautifully with anything that complements their bold flavors. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears adds a refreshing touch, while creamy yogurt or mascarpone cheese can offset the sweetness with their mild tang. Of course, a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea is the perfect partner to these sweet, coffee-glazed treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Arrange your knots in a circular wreath shape for a stunning centerpiece that invites sharing. Alternatively, serve them in rustic baskets lined with colorful napkins for a cozy brunch vibe. Individual knot servings with tiny labels describing the coffee icing can make your kitchen feel like a boutique bakery experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, but be sure to cover them well to prevent the icing from drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy these delightful knots later, wrap each cooled knot individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly-baked feel, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15–20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method keeps them from getting too soggy and preserves their delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can substitute for active dry yeast, but you’ll want to decrease the quantity slightly (usually about 25% less) and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing in warm milk.

Is it possible to make these knots vegan?

Yes, you can swap the milk with any plant-based milk and replace butter and egg with vegan alternatives like margarine and flaxseed egg. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

What type of coffee is best for the icing?

A strong brewed coffee or espresso works best to give the icing a rich, bold flavor without overpowering sweetness. Avoid flavored coffees that might clash with the cinnamon taste.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, and raisins or dried cranberries bring a sweet chewiness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon sugar.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should roughly double in size and feel light and airy. A good test is to gently poke the dough with a finger—if the indentation stays and doesn’t spring back quickly, it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are truly one of those magic recipes that feel both special and familiar. They combine simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create something downright addictive. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these knots will fill your home with warmth and invite smiles around the table. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

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