Easy Cinnamon Knots With Brown Sugar

These cinnamon knots with brown sugar are one of my favorite bakes that make my neighbors come over more often. They’re soft, fluffy twists of dough layered with buttery cinnamon sugar and baked until golden on the outside while staying tender and pillowy inside. The swirl of the cinnamon-sugar mixture melts into the dough as it bakes, creating that warm bakery-style flavor that’s hard to resist. 

If you enjoy warm cinnamon bakes like this, you’ll probably also love these Easy Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes — they are easy to make and delicious as a chocolate breakfast or brunch treat. Grab your apron and let’s get down to baking these cinnamon knots!

Jump to:

• Video Instructions
• Try These Delicious Cinnamon Knots
• Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Knots
• Ingredient Notes
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• What Can You Serve With Cinnamon Knots?
• FAQs
• Recipe

Video Instructions

Try These Delicious Cinnamon Knots

I love cinnamon roll knots because you get all those warm cinnamon and sugar flavors without making a full batch of cinnamon rolls. They’re soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges, and pulling apart all those twisted layers is probably my favorite part. They’re especially good while they’re still warm.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Knots

• Bakery-style treat made at home: These knots come out looking and tasting like something from a bakery, but the ingredients and steps are surprisingly simple. I love making them when I want something a little special without needing complicated techniques. It's greta for a snack or breakfast treat and is quite healthy.
• Warm cinnamon flavor everyone loves: The buttery cinnamon sugar filling melts into the dough while baking, creating that classic comforting flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
• Soft, fluffy texture: The dough bakes up light and pillowy inside with just a slightly crisp golden exterior. That contrast between soft and lightly crisp is what makes them so satisfying.
• Perfect for sharing: These are the kind of pastries people naturally reach for. I often serve them for brunch or afternoon coffee because they’re easy to pull apart and share.

Ingredient Notes

• Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a soft texture. I’ve also made these with oat milk and almond milk, and they still turn out fluffy.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor throughout the dough and filling. If using salted butter, I usually reduce the added salt slightly.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast works perfectly here, but instant yeast can be used too. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor to the filling, but coconut sugar can be used if you prefer a less refined option.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, stir warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until a foamy consistency forms.

2. Add the cups of flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead with a dough hook for 5 - 7 minutes until smooth.

3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Gently punch the dough to remove a bit of air.

4. Place the dough on a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle using a rolling pin. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon spice. Cut into strips, twist each strip, and tie into knots.

5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place knots on a parchment paper lined prepared baking sheet and bake for 16 - 18 minutes until golden.

6. Allow them to cool slightly before serving them.

Try these Lebkuchen Cookies Recipe With Honey for a soft, spiced cookie packed with flavor.

You might also love this upside down pecan cake for a warm, comforting treat with a crunchy pecan topping.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Keep the dough soft: I try not to add too much flour while kneading because a softer dough gives a lighter, fluffier result. A slightly sticky dough is actually a good sign.
• Twist the knots tightly: Twisting the strips firmly before tying them helps create those beautiful swirled layers once baked.
• Let the dough rise fully: I always wait until the dough doubles in size. This step is what gives the knots their soft, airy texture.
• Serve warm if possible: These are at their absolute best when they’re still slightly warm, and the cinnamon filling is soft and fragrant.

What Can You Serve With Cinnamon Knots?

• Fresh berries
• Sliced fruit
• Greek yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Crispy bacon
• Coffee or tea
• A drizzle of glaze

For something simple yet impressive, you might also like this Passion fruit posset.

Recipe