Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing: Heavenly 1-Tier Treat

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Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing has been a weekend ritual in my house for years. I vividly remember my mom making these on Saturday mornings, the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and coffee filling our home, promising a delicious start to the day. There’s something so comforting about the tender, slightly sweet dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and then topped with that luscious, coffee-infused glaze. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cinnamon coffee icing that’s both easy and incredibly flavorful, you’re in the right place. This recipe delivers that perfect balance of spice and coffee goodness, making it a true treat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing

You’ll adore these cinnamon knots with their irresistible coffee icing for so many reasons:

• The taste is heavenly – a perfect blend of warm cinnamon and rich coffee.
• It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic weekend treat.
• The dough is soft and pillowy, complemented beautifully by the sweet topping.
• This recipe is budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a delightful pastry.
• It’s incredibly family-friendly and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• You’ll find this an easy cinnamon coffee glaze that elevates any coffee cake or pastry.
• The aroma alone while baking is enough to make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
• This recipe provides an easy cinnamon coffee glaze that’s foolproof and delicious.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing

Gathering the right cinnamon coffee icing ingredients is the first step to baking these delicious knots. For the dough, you’ll need 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast, which is the leavening agent that makes them rise beautifully. We’ll also use 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F) to activate the yeast, ensuring a good initial foam. For richness and tenderness, have 1/2 cup milk, warmed, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened ready. A 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract add to the dough’s flavor and texture. For the dry ingredients, grab 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for that classic warm spice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness. For the luscious coffee icing, you’ll need 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled (this is key for the coffee flavor!), another 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How to Make Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing

1. Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan by greasing a 9×13 inch pan.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast in the 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until you see it get nice and foamy – that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready!
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup milk, warmed, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, and the 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the wet ingredients. Mix everything until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll feel the difference as you work it!
6. Step 6: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Step 7: Once doubled, gently punch down the dough. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
8. Step 8: Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture (made from 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon) over the butter. This is where the magic happens for that beautiful cinnamon swirl coffee icing effect.
9. Step 9: Tightly roll up the dough lengthwise, starting from one of the longer sides. Slice this log into 12 equal pieces. You can use a serrated knife or even dental floss for clean cuts.
10. Step 10: Arrange the cut cinnamon knots cut-side up in your prepared baking pan. Cover them again and let them have a second rise for about 30 minutes.
11. Step 11: While the knots are having their final rise, whip up the irresistible cinnamon swirl coffee icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, the 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled, the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious glaze.
12. Step 12: Bake the cinnamon knots for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and smell absolutely amazing. Once they’re out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that wonderful coffee icing with cinnamon goodness over the top.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Coffee Icing

Want to elevate your cinnamon knots with coffee icing? Here are a few of my go-to tips for achieving bakery-quality results every time:

• For the dough, make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot. Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly.
• Don’t over-knead the dough; you want it smooth and elastic, but overworking it can make the knots tough.
• When rolling the dough for the swirls, aim for an even thickness so they bake uniformly.
• For an extra kick in the icing, use a really strong, concentrated coffee or even a shot of espresso.

What’s the secret to perfect cinnamon coffee icing?

The key to a truly perfect cinnamon coffee icing is the balance of sweetness and coffee flavor, achieved with cooled, strong brewed coffee and a touch of softened butter. This creates the best cinnamon coffee frosting that’s smooth, rich, and not too sweet. For more baking tips, check out the about me section.

Can I make cinnamon knots with coffee icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep the dough ahead! Once the dough has had its first rise, you can punch it down, roll it, spread the butter and cinnamon sugar, slice it, and place it in the baking pan. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking, and you might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven. For more information on food safety and storage, you can refer to our privacy policy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cinnamon coffee icing?

A common pitfall is using water that’s too hot for the yeast, rendering it inactive and leading to flat knots. Another mistake is over-mixing the dough, which results in a tough texture. Lastly, make sure your coffee for the icing is cooled, or it can melt the butter and make the icing too thin. Understanding yeast activation is crucial, and you can learn more about it from resources like King Arthur Baking.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing

These delightful cinnamon knots are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee, of course! They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. For a truly special treat, I like to serve them alongside some fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, to add a bit of brightness. This combination makes for a perfect sweet cinnamon coffee topping experience that’s both comforting and elegant. They’re also great for sharing with friends during a casual get-together, offering a homemade touch that everyone will appreciate. You can find more serving suggestions on our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Knots Coffee Icing

When enjoying these delightful cinnamon knots with their signature coffee icing, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per serving (this recipe makes 12 servings):

• Calories: Approx. 250-300
• Fat: Approx. 10-15g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 5-8g
• Protein: Approx. 3-5g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 35-45g
• Sugar: Approx. 20-25g
• Sodium: Approx. 150-200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes. For our terms of use regarding nutritional information, please see our terms of use.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Coffee Icing

To keep your delicious cinnamon knots with their delightful icing fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent the icing from becoming sticky or absorbing odors. You can store these beauties in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which is perfect for enjoying your coffee cake cinnamon icing throughout the week. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual knots tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, you can gently warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough rubbery. For any questions about our storage recommendations, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Coffee Icing

What is cinnamon coffee icing?

Cinnamon coffee icing is a sweet, flavorful glaze made primarily from powdered sugar, coffee, and a touch of butter and vanilla. It’s designed to complement baked goods like cinnamon knots or coffee cakes, adding a delightful coffee aroma and a hint of spice. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor profile of your favorite pastries.

Can I make cinnamon knots with coffee icing using a different sweetener?

While powdered sugar is traditional for its smooth texture, you can experiment with other sweeteners for your icing. For a slightly different flavor, you could try using a fine granulated sugar or even a touch of maple syrup blended with powdered sugar. Just be mindful that different sweeteners might affect the consistency of the glaze, so you may need to adjust the coffee or butter amounts accordingly.

How do I make the coffee flavor stronger in the icing?

To really boost the coffee flavor in your cinnamon coffee icing, I recommend using a strong, concentrated brew. Instead of regular drip coffee, try using espresso or even instant espresso powder dissolved in a small amount of hot water. Ensure it’s cooled before mixing it into the powdered sugar and butter to achieve that perfect coffee icing with cinnamon taste.

What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon knots with coffee icing?

Leftover cinnamon knots with their delicious coffee cake cinnamon icing should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate them. For even longer storage, freezing works well; wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. They make a wonderful make-ahead treat!

Variations of Cinnamon Coffee Icing You Can Try

While the classic recipe is fantastic, I love experimenting with different twists on these cinnamon knots. You can easily adapt them to suit various tastes and dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in the dough and a dairy-free butter substitute for both the dough and the icing. You could also create wonderfully glazed cinnamon coffee buns by using a simple syrup glaze instead of the coffee icing if you prefer a lighter touch. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, a good quality gluten-free flour blend can be used for the dough, though you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy these delightful treats! For more information on dietary considerations, please review our GDPR policies.

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