Description
These sourdough discard cinnamon sugar knots are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a subtle tang from the sourdough. They’re a great way to use up leftover discard and make a cozy, bakery-style treat at home. Rolled in cinnamon sugar after baking, these knots are irresistible with coffee or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Coating Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready for the dough.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the egg and sourdough discard to the yeast mixture and stir until combined thoroughly.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Knead the softened butter into the dough and continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes using a stand mixer with the dough hook. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the knots: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, twist each strip, and tie it into a knot.
- Second rise: Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the knots for 15–18 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown on top.
- Coat the knots: Remove the knots from the oven, brush them with melted butter while still warm, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the cinnamon sugar knots warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Notes
- You can add a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence, which adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon coating.
- These knots freeze well—freeze baked knots and to reheat, warm them up and toss again in cinnamon sugar before serving to refresh the coating.
