Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are the kind of treat I make when I want something cozy, sweet, and just a little bit fancy. These soft, twisted pastries are filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and finished with a drizzle of rich, espresso-kissed icing. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime I need a warm baked good with a bit of flair — especially with a hot cup of coffee on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls with the fun, bakery-style look of twisted knots. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, the filling is sweet and spiced, and the coffee icing adds a grown-up touch that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s a rewarding bake that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Sugar
Butter, melted
Egg
Salt

For the cinnamon filling:

Butter, softened
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon

For the coffee icing:

Powdered sugar
Strong brewed coffee or espresso
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Make the dough:
I mix warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar, letting it sit until foamy. Then I add melted butter, egg, more sugar, salt, and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. I knead it until smooth, then let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling:
I cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s smooth and spreadable.
Shape the knots:
Once the dough has risen, I roll it out into a large rectangle, spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface, then fold it in half lengthwise. I slice it into strips, twist each strip, then tie it into a loose knot.
Second rise:
I place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them lightly, and let them rise for another 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
Bake:
I bake the knots for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. I let them cool slightly before icing.
Make the coffee icing:
I whisk powdered sugar with brewed coffee, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. I drizzle it generously over the warm knots.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 knots and takes approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish, including rising time.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch. I’ve also flavored the icing with a bit of maple syrup or used cream cheese instead of coffee for a different vibe. For a stronger coffee kick, I use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee in the icing.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If I’m making them ahead, I freeze them without icing and drizzle the glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes — I make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. I bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Any strong brewed coffee or espresso works. I often use leftover morning coffee or a shot of espresso for bold flavor.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. I mix the dough by hand and knead it on a floured surface until smooth. It takes a little more time but works just as well.

Why fold the dough before cutting?

Folding creates layers, which helps the knots hold their shape and gives them a lovely, twisted look when baked.

Can I skip the icing?

Sure — but I highly recommend the coffee icing. It adds depth and a rich finish that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Knots with Coffee Icing are a sweet, spiced twist on a classic pastry that always impresses. With their soft dough, buttery cinnamon filling, and warm drizzle of coffee glaze, they’re a bakery-style treat I love making at home. Whether I’m baking for a weekend breakfast or just craving something special, these knots never fail to hit the spot.