Name: The BEST Cinnamon Knots with Honey Glaze
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 50 grams granulated sugar; 240 mL warm water; 7 g active dry yeast; 1 large egg, room temperature; 113 grams salted butter, melted; 480 grams bread flour or all-purpose flour; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 60 mL heavy whipping cream; 113 grams salted butter, softened (for filling); 200 grams brown sugar; 1 ½ Tbsp ground cinnamon; 30 mL milk; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract; 42 grams honey; 180 grams powdered sugar; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; tiny pinch of salt

If you love warm, sweet, and buttery pastries, these cinnamon knots with honey glaze are about to become your new favorite treat. Each knot is soft, fluffy, and packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all finished with a shiny, sweet honey glaze that drips perfectly over the swirls. The aroma alone will make it impossible to wait for them to cool, and one bite, and you’ll understand why these are called the best.

Behind the Recipe

I created this recipe during a weekend baking marathon. I wanted something more fun than a traditional cinnamon roll — something twisty, easy to serve, and irresistible. The knots quickly became a family favorite, perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or even an indulgent snack. The honey glaze elevates them to a treat that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cinnamon knots have roots in classic European pastries, especially from Scandinavian countries where twisted dough shapes are common. Combining the concept of knots with rich cinnamon filling is a modern twist that’s been embraced worldwide. The honey glaze is a sweet nod to Middle Eastern and Southern European traditions, giving these pastries a sticky, irresistible finish.

Why You’ll Love The BEST Cinnamon Knots with Honey Glaze

These knots are indulgent, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients.

Quick and Easy: No elaborate rolling or cutting required, just twist and bake.

Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or different spices to the filling.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a soft, sweet, buttery treat.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat briefly and enjoy as if fresh from the oven.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

These tips ensure soft, flavorful, and perfectly glazed knots:

Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Don’t overfill the knots, or the sugar may leak.
Brush the glaze while knots are slightly warm for optimal shine.
Use a light hand with the flour when rolling to avoid tough dough.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Keep it simple but organized for best results:

Mixing Bowls: For dough, filling, and glaze.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key.

Whisk: For eggs and liquids.

Rolling Pin: To shape the dough evenly.

Baking Sheet: To bake the knots evenly.

Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

Small Saucepan: To prepare the honey glaze.

Ingredients in The BEST Cinnamon Knots with Honey Glaze

The harmony of ingredients creates soft, sweet, and buttery perfection.

Granulated Sugar: 50 grams, lightly packed, for dough sweetness.
Warm Water: 240 mL, to activate yeast.
Active Dry Yeast: 7 grams, proofed to help the dough rise.
Large Egg: 1, room temperature, for richness and structure.
Salted Butter: 113 grams, melted for dough moisture and flavor.
Bread Flour or All-Purpose Flour: 480 grams, spooned and leveled, forms the structure.
Fine Sea Salt: 1 tsp, balances the sweetness.
Heavy Whipping Cream: 60 mL, adds richness to the dough.
Filling Butter: 113 grams, softened, mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Brown Sugar: 200 grams, light or dark, for the cinnamon filling.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ Tbsp, for the iconic flavor swirl.
Milk: 30 mL, for the glaze.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: 1 tsp, for depth of flavor in glaze.
Honey: 42 grams, to sweeten and add shine to the glaze.
Powdered Sugar: 180 grams, adjusts the glaze thickness.
Ground Cinnamon: ¼ tsp, in glaze for subtle warmth.
Tiny Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

Adjust according to taste or availability:

Bread Flour: All-purpose flour.

Salted Butter: Unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.

Vanilla Bean Paste: Vanilla extract.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or white sugar with a small drizzle of molasses.

Heavy Cream: Whole milk in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon: Gives warmth, sweetness, and that iconic aroma.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish that makes the knots irresistible.

Instructions for Making The BEST Cinnamon Knots with Honey Glaze

Prepare for a fun baking session that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Add egg, melted butter, and cream. Gradually mix in flour and salt to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Cover the dough and let rise in a warm area until doubled, about 1 hour.
Assemble the Dish:
Roll dough into strips. Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar filling evenly. Twist into knots and place on prepared baking sheets.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Finishing Touches:
While knots are warm, brush with honey glaze made by combining milk, vanilla, honey, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy warm for maximum gooeyness, or store in an airtight container for later indulgence.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Soft, fluffy interior with buttery layers, sweet cinnamon swirls, and a sticky honey glaze on top create a balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Lightly flour surfaces when rolling to prevent sticking.
Don’t overbake; knots should be golden, not brown.
Adjust glaze thickness for drizzle or coating preference.

What to Avoid

Using cold butter in the filling can make spreading difficult.
Overproofing the dough may make it collapse.
Glazing hot knots can make the glaze too runny.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning. Leftovers keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in a low oven to refresh softness.

How to Serve The BEST Cinnamon Knots with Honey Glaze

Serve warm as a breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or dessert. Pair with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Slice and toast for a sweet breakfast sandwich.
Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting for dessert twist.
Chop and sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt for a crunchy topping.

Additional Tips

Brush glaze gently for maximum shine.
Use parchment for easy cleanup and crisp bottoms.
Garnish with a few extra cinnamon dusting for visual appeal.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange knots in a circular pattern on a platter. Drizzle extra glaze and sprinkle a light dust of cinnamon for a bakery-style finish.

Variations to Try

Nutty Cinnamon Knots: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Chocolate Cinnamon: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the sugar-cinnamon filling.
Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over warm knots for extra indulgence.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these knots with instant yeast?
A1: Yes, use 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast directly mixed into the flour.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes, freeze after kneading and let thaw before shaping.

Q4: Can I make mini knots?
A4: Absolutely, reduce baking time slightly.

Q5: What type of sugar is best for filling?
A5: Brown sugar adds moisture and deep flavor, but white sugar can be used.

Q6: Can I use unsalted butter throughout?
A6: Yes, just add a small pinch of salt to balance.

Q7: Do the knots need to rise twice?
A7: One rise is sufficient, but a second short rise adds extra fluffiness.

Q8: Can I make vegan version?
A8: Substitute milk, butter, and egg with plant-based alternatives.

Q9: How do I keep glaze from being too runny?
A9: Adjust powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.

Q10: Can I add toppings?
A10: Yes, chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar works beautifully.

Conclusion

These cinnamon knots with honey glaze are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. The combination of buttery dough, cinnamon filling, and sticky glaze makes them irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime indulgence.