Name: Easy Cinnamon Knots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets (1 box) puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions; 1/4 cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; splash of water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Introduction

Easy Cinnamon Knots are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with flaky puff pastry and a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, they come together quickly and taste irresistible with a simple glaze on top.

Two cinnamon rolls sit on a white square plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has about four visible layers of soft, golden-baked dough twisted with a dark brown cinnamon filling. The rolls are topped with a thin drizzle of creamy white icing applied in a zigzag pattern. There are cinnamon sticks positioned to the left of the plate and a small bowl of ground cinnamon blurred in the background. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and layers of the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets (1 box) puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
1/4 cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
Splash of water
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Unfold both thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently smooth each out with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat one puff pastry sheet with the melted butter, making sure to brush all the way to the edges.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered puff pastry sheet.
Step 4: Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the brown sugar layer.
Step 5: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into ½-inch strips—you should get about 18 strips.
Step 6: Take two strips at a time and twist them around each other, then roll them up into a spiral “knot.” Place each knot onto the prepared baking sheet as you finish rolling.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush this egg wash evenly over each knot using a pastry brush.
Step 8: Bake the knots for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 9: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to prepare the glaze.
Step 10: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over each knot before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of glaze for a different sweetness.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins inside the knots before twisting for added texture.
Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold to prevent sticking and tearing.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week and warm briefly in the oven or microwave before serving. The glaze may soften with storage but can be refreshed with a quick drizzle.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a twisted cinnamon pastry shaped like a ring, sitting on a white marbled surface. The pastry has multiple layers of golden-brown flaky dough intertwined with darker cinnamon filling, revealing soft, airy layers inside where one bite has been taken. The top is drizzled with a thin, white icing in a zigzag pattern. In the background, two more similar pastries sit slightly out of focus on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before using to ensure it rolls out easily and bakes evenly.

Can I make these knots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the knots and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to help them puff up nicely.