DECEMBER — A Cinnamon Surprise!
Hello Dear Readers,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! In this issue, I have what I promised you — a cinnamon surprise! They’re super delicious and easy to make, perfect for the upcoming cold, holiday season. But first, let’s get to some fun stuff…
KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY
Two young boys were spending the night at their grandmothers the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs.
“I PRAY FOR A NEW BIKE, I PRAY FOR A NEW PHONE, I PRAY FOR A PS5…”
His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, “Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn’t deaf.”
To which the little brother replied, “I know, but Grandma is!”
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the go fort God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9 ESV
EASIEST CINNAMON CRUNCH KNOTS
Prep Time : 30 MINUTES
Cook Time : 20 MINUTES
Total Time : 1 HOUR
Servings: 12 knots
Calories Per Serving: 274 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
▢ 2 1/2 – 3 cups white whole wheat or all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
▢ 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast (see notes for no yeast option)
▢ 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 cup warm water or warm milk
▢ 2 teaspoons honey
▢ 7 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
▢ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
▢ 3 teaspoons cinnamon
▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar
GLAZE (OPTIONAL)
▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
▢ 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, the instant yeast, and salt. Add the milk or water, honey, and 1 tablespoon butter. Knead on medium speed until the dough comes together, 1-2 minutes, adding in additional flour, as needed, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
4. 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. Spread the dough with 4 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Fold the dough in half and cut into 12 strips. Twist each strip and then tie into a loose knot, it doesn’t need to be perfect. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir the melted butter together with the remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon and the brown sugar. Spoon clumps of the brown sugar mix over the knots (see above photo). This is going to be your “crunch” layer.
6. Transfer to the oven and bake 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and working quickly, carefully spoon any of the brown sugar that has melted off back over the rolls. It doesn’t need to look perfect. Return to the oven and continue baking another 8-10 minutes, until golden.
7. Meanwhile, make the Glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and combined. If needed, thin the glaze by adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
8. Drizzle glaze over the knots, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
No Yeast Option: If you do not have access to yeast or simply cannot use, you can omit the yeast and instead use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon baking soda, added with the flour. You can skip the rising and instead just let the dough rest 30 minutes, then roll, rest again another 15-20 minutes, then bake. The rolls will be a little less fluffy, but will be great!
If you’re a visual learner (like me) or want more information, click this link!
COMING NEXT MONTH
A New Year brings in new changes! Stay tuned to hear all the new things coming, including; BOOK 2, book reviews, and much much more!
See you in the New Year!