If you’re craving a sweet, buttery treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, then the Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful little knots bring together soft, flaky biscuit dough coated in cinnamon-sugar goodness, with an irresistible crunch from crushed cinnamon toast cereal on top. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, this recipe is simple yet impressive, promising a burst of cinnamon flavor and a satisfying texture that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and crunch — and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
- 1 tube (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: These provide the tender, flaky dough that forms the base of our knots, saving time on making dough from scratch.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to coat the knots without overpowering the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the knots with warm, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery dough.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and adds richness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup crushed cinnamon toast cereal: This crunchy topping delivers contrast in texture and an extra pop of cinnamon-infused crispness on every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking sheet. A properly greased sheet ensures your knots won’t stick, keeping their gorgeous shape and easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Separate the refrigerated biscuits and cut each one into thirds. Take each piece and roll it into a small rope about 3 inches long. This shaping step may feel a bit fiddly at first, but it’s what gives the knots their charming twisted appearance that guests will adore.
Step 3: Sweeten with Cinnamon and Butter
Next, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Dip each rope into the melted butter, coating it fully, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar blend. This creates the perfect sweet and spiced exterior that will caramelize slightly as the knots bake.
Step 4: Tie and Place
Tie each coated rope into a knot and arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. The knots don’t have to be perfect; their rustic twists give them a homemade charm that’s part of the fun.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Sprinkle the crushed cinnamon toast cereal generously over each knot. This topping bakes in to add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of cinnamon flavor, elevating these simple knots into a crave-worthy treat.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the knots for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they puff up and develop a lightly crisp exterior that contrasts with the soft center. Let them cool just slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs wonderfully if you want to make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These knots are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. They also go beautifully with a bowl of warm fruit compote or even a creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the knots in a festive basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming presentation at a brunch gathering. You can also thread a few knots onto skewers for easy grab-and-go treats at parties or as a fun addition to a dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon crunch knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep their texture soft but preserves the cinnamon crunch on top.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked knots by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen-thawed knots in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked taste and crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them gummy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough will work just as well and might give your cinnamon crunch knots an extra fluffy texture. Just roll and shape as directed.
What cereal can I use if I don’t have cinnamon toast crunch?
If you can’t find cinnamon toast cereal, substitute with any sweet cinnamon cereal or crushed graham crackers mixed with a touch of cinnamon sugar for a similar crunch.
Can these knots be made vegan?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and choose a vegan biscuit dough option, and you’re good to enjoy a dairy-free version of this recipe.
How long do these knots stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed within two days when stored at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture may decline, but they can always be refreshed with careful reheating.
Can I make these knots larger or smaller?
Of course! Adjust the size of the dough ropes to your preference, but remember bake time may vary slightly if knots are significantly larger or smaller.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon and the buttery softness of biscuit dough that makes this Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe a true delight. Whether you’re whipping these up for your family breakfast or a sweet treat for friends, they offer a perfect blend of crunchy and tender that will keep everyone smiling. Give this recipe a try and make your kitchen smell like a cozy cinnamon haven!
Print
Cinnamon Crunch Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Cinnamon Crunch Knots featuring fluffy buttermilk biscuit dough coated with cinnamon sugar, tied into knots, and topped with crunchy cinnamon toast cereal for a sweet, satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Knots
- 1 tube (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed cinnamon toast cereal
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare Dough: Separate the biscuits from the tube and cut each biscuit into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 3-inch long rope shape for knot forming.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. Dip each rolled rope into the melted butter to coat evenly, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to cover all sides.
- Tie Knots: Tie each coated rope into a neat knot and place the knots spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed cinnamon toast cereal evenly over the tops of the knots to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and crisp on the outside.
Notes
- Use refrigerated buttermilk biscuits for ease and consistent texture, but homemade dough can be used as well.
- Ensure ropes are tied snugly into knots to maintain shape during baking.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Crushing the cinnamon toast cereal finely helps it stick better to the knots.
