EASY PEASY CINNAMON CRUNCH KNOTS

They're quick, and fun, to throw together.  They're addictively yeasty soft, but intriguingly chewy, but sublimely crunchy.  And, of course, gloriously cinnamon-y.  Yeast + cinnamon sugar = Timeless comfort.

They're delicious, unadorned, warm-from-the-oven, or.......

.....drizzled with a coffee-tinged glaze.

Winter chills are lingering, comfort has become a mission, using ingredients we have on hand is simply protocol, and we're all being lured by any possibilities of deliciousness.

Enter Easy Peasy Cinnamon Crunchy Knots.   Minimal ingredients, all pretty much pantry staples.  The dough is basically a quickie pizza dough, that works beautifully for these treats, and they're fast and simple to make.  And might I add, really fun to make. 

The dough comes together very quickly, and only takes about an hour to rise.  Then roll out the dough, smear with butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, fold and cut into strips.  Then, oh yeah baby, twist and shout.  No, no, twist and tie in a knot, and place on parchment lined baking sheet, snuggling the dangling little ends close around the knot.  Each knot is quirkily different, and they're all fun little works of edible art.  Almost makes you smile out loud.

Then - Ta da da da - the crowning glory.   Time to put the Crunch in the Easy Peasy Cinnamon Knots. 

Just swoop up the buttery, cinnamony, brown sugar goodness and top each knot with this simple concoction.  Please note, sometimes the brown sugar mixture is a little more granular than this batch of mine.  I'm pretty sure it has to do with the particular brown sugar we use.  But the great thing is, no matter the texture of the crunch mixture, it always makes the perfect finish.

Now, to state the obvious, these knots are so good for breakfast, or brunch, or snacking, anytime.  But, here's a little something, something, I didn't think of.  My sister happily emailed me saying, "Just so you know, your Cinnamon Knots go very well with red wine".  Thanks, Mary-Anna.  Cheers!

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Thanks, yet again, Half Baked Harvest, for the glorious
inspiration to get making and baking.  Cheers, Tieghan!

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Easy Peasy Cinnamon Crunch Knots ~ Makes 12

1 cup warm water
1 package instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon honey
2 1/2 cups flour, plus more if needed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar

GLAZE
2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoon cold, strong coffee
1 cup icing sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, yeast, honey, flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until the dough comes together, about 2-3 minutes. Cover and let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, adding flour to the dough if it is sticky. Smear the dough with 4 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Fold the dough in half and cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip, pull a bit, and then tie into a loose knot, it doesn't need to be perfect. Place on the prepared baking sheet. 

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir the melted butter together with the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and the brown sugar. Spoon clumps, or puddles, of the brown sugar mix over the knots This is going to be your "crunch" layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-19 minutes or until golden, brown.

Meanwhile, make the Glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and 2 tablespoons cold coffee until smooth and combined.

Drizzle glaze over the knots, if desired.  Boom shaka laka!  Enjoy!