Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe

I absolutely love Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe because it brings together the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the rich, subtle bitterness of coffee in the icing—it’s like a hug on a plate. These little knotted treats are perfect for weekend brunches or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of your favorite brew. Whenever I make them, the aroma fills the kitchen and instantly lifts everyone’s mood.

You’ll find that this recipe is straightforward yet rewarding. The dough is soft and fluffy, the cinnamon filling melts into every bite, and the coffee icing adds that unexpected twist that makes these cinnamon knots truly special. If you’re looking for a sweet that feels both familiar and a bit fancy, this Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe is your new go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a dough that’s tender and rich, with a cinnamon filling that’s perfectly balanced by that buttery coffee icing. Using quality butter and fresh cinnamon really makes a difference here, so I always pick the best I can find.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to measure it properly with a spoon-and-level method to keep your dough soft, not dense.
• Instant yeast: Fleischmann’s RapidRise works great for quick rising without a long wait.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor to both dough and filling.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without being overpowering.
• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast while giving the dough richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and tenderness in the dough.
• Salted butter: Both in the dough and filling for richness and moisture—room temperature to spread easily.
• Cinnamon: Use good-quality ground cinnamon for the filling and topping to maximize flavor.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds complexity to the coffee icing.
• Powdered sugar: For smooth, luscious icing texture.
• Instant coffee: Just a teaspoon imparts a subtle coffee kick without bitterness.

Variations

While I adore the classic approach, I like to tinker a bit based on what we’re in the mood for or what I have on hand. Feel free to make this recipe your own—there’s plenty of room to experiment with fillings and glaze flavors.

• Spiced Twist: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon filling, and it gave it a cozy fall vibe that my family went nuts over.
• Maple Glaze Swap: If you don’t have instant coffee, swapping with espresso powder or even a splash of brewed espresso in the glaze works brilliantly.
• Vegan Version: Swapping the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives makes these accessible—just make sure your yeast is vegan-friendly.
• Nutty Addition: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling gives a delightful crunch and extra texture.

How to Make Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by mixing 3 ½ cups of flour, instant yeast, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, eggs, and softened butter, then stir everything together until the flour is fully incorporated. If the dough feels sticky, don’t worry—you can gently knead in up to another ½ cup of flour, little by little, until it’s soft but not dry. From my experience, a slightly tacky dough means fluffier cinnamon knots later.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This short rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out when you shape your knots.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling and Preheat Oven

While the dough rests, mix 1 cup brown sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape the Knots

On a generously floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle—about 16 by 14 inches and around ¼ inch thick. Don’t be shy with the flour here, it helps prevent sticking without toughening the dough (just avoid overdoing it). Spread 5 tablespoons of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle it with your cinnamon sugar mix. Fold the dough in half to “seal” the filling inside, pressing lightly to help everything stick together.

Now, slice the dough into 12 to 14 strips. Twist each loosely into a knot shape—don’t worry about perfection; the knottiness adds charm! Place them spaced on your parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Sweet Clumps and Bake

Mix 1 tablespoon melted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Spoon small clumps of this mixture over your knots—this creates delightful pockets of caramelized cinnamon sugar during baking. Bake those beauties for about 20 minutes, until they turn golden and irresistible.

Step 6: Whip Up the Coffee Icing and Drizzle

While your knots bake, melt 4 tablespoons butter with ⅓ cup maple syrup in a small pot over medium heat. Take it off the heat and whisk in powdered sugar (start with ¾ cup, add more if you want thicker) and 1 teaspoon instant coffee until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm knots right out of the oven for the best melt-in-your-mouth effect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I typically dust a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top after icing for added sparkle and flavor. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a nice crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft knots and coffee icing.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon knots are perfect alongside fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries for a light contrast. I also love pairing them with a creamy latte or black coffee—because the coffee icing deserves that extra coffee kick!

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, I arrange the cinnamon knots in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin, serving the coffee icing in a small bowl for dipping. At holidays, I sometimes add edible gold dust to the glaze and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch that guests always admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually wrap mine tightly with plastic wrap and store in a resealable bag to maintain softness. If they start to dry out, a quick warm-up fixes that instantly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these knots before baking, placing the shaped knots on a tray and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, I bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. The coffee icing is best prepared fresh, but you can freeze it separately in a small container.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the knots in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warm and soft again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them chewy; the oven helps maintain that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s one of those treats that tastes like effort but is actually surprisingly easy, which is why I keep coming back to it. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do — they’re a guaranteed way to brighten up any morning or afternoon coffee break. Trust me, once you try them, these cinnamon knots will become a staple in your baking arsenal.

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