There is something truly magical about these sweet, tender treats that combine the spirit of Mardi Gras with the simplicity of a quick bake. This Easy King Cake Knots Recipe brings the joy and colors of a traditional King Cake into convenient, bite-sized knots that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a festive season or just craving a delightful cinnamon-sugar pastry, these knots deliver a burst of buttery flavor with a playful twist of colored sugar that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this recipe is as simple as gathering a handful of common ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and that unmistakable cinnamon kick. Every item here is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make these knots irresistible.
- 1 (11-oz) tube loaf refrigerated french bread dough: Provides a soft, fluffy base that’s easy to work with and rises beautifully in the oven.
- 3 Tbsp butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the dough moist and tender once baked.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes slightly for delightful bites.
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon: Brings that warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the sugar and butter.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The foundation of the sweet glaze that coats each knot.
- 4 tsp milk (may need more to get right consistency): Helps to create a smooth, dippable icing that adheres beautifully to the knots.
- ½ tsp vanilla: Adds depth and a subtle aromatic sweetness to the glaze.
- Colored sugar (yellow, purple, green): The festive finishing touch, these bright sugars give the knots their celebratory flair.
How to Make Easy King Cake Knots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking. This sets the stage for golden-brown, soft knots that will rise and fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated french bread dough onto a clean, flat surface, spreading it into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches. This shape allows for easy cutting and twisting, ensuring your knots come out uniform and well-sized.
Step 3: Butter and Sprinkle
Brush the dough lightly but evenly with softened butter. This layer locks in moisture and richness, creating a tender crumb. Then mix the sugar and cinnamon together and generously sprinkle over the buttered dough. This cinnamon-sugar combo is what makes each knot truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Cut into Strips
Slice the dough carefully in half lengthwise, creating two long strips. Then, cut crosswise into strips about 1¼ inches wide. These strips are the building blocks of your little knots, sized perfectly for bite-sized goodness.
Step 5: Twist and Tie the Knots
Take two strips and twist them gently together, weaving the sweetness through the dough. Then loosely tie each twisted pair into a knot, stretching gently if needed to get a nice, even shape. Place each knot on a baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between, giving them room to puff up as they bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop your knots into the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. The smell will be intoxicating as the dough cooks to a perfect golden-brown shade and the softer interior melds with the cinnamon sugar layer.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
While the knots cool slightly, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Dip each knot into the icing for that luscious sweetness, then immediately sprinkle with yellow, purple, and green colored sugar to capture the fun and festive spirit of King Cake!
How to Serve Easy King Cake Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic colored sugar sprinkle, you can add chopped pecans or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft dough. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These knots pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, balancing the sweetness with a warm, bittersweet sip. For a celebratory brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the knots in a circle on a festive platter to mimic a traditional King Cake shape, inviting guests to grab one and feel part of the celebration. Wrapping individual knots in colorful tissue paper or placing them in mini paper muffin cups can also make for charming party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover King Cake knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness and flavor. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled knots in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months and make a fantastic quick treat whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover knots by warming them in the oven at 300ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to refresh their tender crumb and crisp up the edges lightly, almost bringing them back to freshly baked perfection.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While this recipe uses traditional french bread dough, you can experiment with gluten-free dough options available at specialty stores. Keep in mind that texture and rise may differ, so adjustments might be needed.
What if I don’t have colored sugar?
If you don’t have colored sugar on hand, you can use regular granulated sugar or make your own by mixing sugar with a few drops of food coloring. Sprinkles also add a fun, colorful touch.
Can these be made vegan?
Yes! Use vegan bread dough and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. For the glaze, replace milk with almond or oat milk. The flavor will still be deliciously festive.
How long do these knots stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the knots stay fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet flavors and fun colors make these Easy King Cake Knots perfect for kids to enjoy and even help make, with supervision during the cutting and knotting steps.
Final Thoughts
There are few things better than baking up a batch of these delightful knots, bursting with buttery cinnamon flavor and adorned with festive colored sugar. This Easy King Cake Knots Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, effortless to make, and perfect for any occasion where you want to share a little sweetness and joy. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a go-to treat that brightens up any gathering or quiet moment alike. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and start knotting your way to a delicious celebration today!
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Easy King Cake Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy King Cake Knots are a fun and festive twist on the traditional King Cake, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, cinnamon-flavored treat. Made with refrigerated French bread dough, these soft, buttery knots are coated with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a vanilla glaze and colorful sugar sprinkles.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 (11-oz) tube loaf refrigerated French bread dough
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tsp milk (may need more to get right consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Colored sugar – yellow, purple, green
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the knots.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16 by 12 inches.
- Butter and Sprinkle: Lightly brush the dough with softened butter, then mix the sugar and cinnamon together and evenly sprinkle over the buttered dough.
- Cut Strips: Cut the dough lengthwise into two halves, then cut crosswise into strips about 1¼ inches wide.
- Form Knots: Twist two strips together, tie each loosely into a knot, stretching gently if needed. Place the knots on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
- Bake: Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you reach a smooth glaze consistency. Adjust milk as needed.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each cooled knot into the glaze, then sprinkle generously with yellow, purple, and green colored sugar for the traditional Mardi Gras look.
Notes
- Make sure the knots are completely cool before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
- If you don’t have colored sugar, you can substitute with regular granulated sugar or colored sprinkles.
- The dough can be substituted with homemade brioche dough for a richer flavor.
- Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk for the glaze.
