There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon knots filling your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, these homemade cinnamon knots are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.
With their beautiful twisted shape and golden-brown finish, cinnamon knots look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or alongside a warm cup of coffee, these irresistible treats are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
If you’re looking for a bakery-style recipe that’s soft, buttery, and packed with cinnamon flavor, you’ve come to the right place.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Knots
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Sweet cinnamon filling in every bite
- Beautiful bakery-style appearance
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Great for special occasions and holidays
- Easy to make ahead
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a large rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
Fold the dough in half lengthwise.
Cut into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
Step 4: Shape the Knots
Twist each strip several times.
Tie into a loose knot and tuck the ends underneath.
Place on a lined baking sheet.
Cover and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 6: Add the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Drizzle over the warm cinnamon knots.
Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Knots
Don’t Rush the Rise
Allowing the dough to rise properly creates a lighter, fluffier texture.
Use Soft Butter
Soft butter spreads more evenly and helps create beautiful layers.
Brush with Butter
Brushing melted butter on top after baking adds shine and extra flavor.
Enjoy Warm
Cinnamon knots are best served slightly warm when the filling is soft and gooey.
Variations
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace the standard glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.
Apple Cinnamon Knots
Add finely diced apples to the filling.
Maple Cinnamon Knots
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze.
Nutty Cinnamon Knots
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these the night before?
Yes. Shape the knots and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Can I use active dry yeast?
Absolutely. Just allow it a few extra minutes to activate in the warm milk.
Why are my knots dense?
Dense knots are usually caused by under-proofing or adding too much flour.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Knots are everything you want in a homemade pastry—soft, buttery, sweet, and loaded with cinnamon goodness. Their beautiful twisted shape makes them look like they came straight from a bakery, while their comforting flavor makes them impossible to resist.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this Cinnamon Knots Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. One bite and you’ll understand why everyone loves them.