Looking for a quick and satisfying plant-based dessert? These Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots are everything you crave in a sweet treat — crispy layers, warm cinnamon aroma, and a buttery finish, all made with just four ingredients. This dessert is a game-changer for vegans and non-vegans alike, combining convenience with indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend at home, these cinnamon sugar puff pastry knots deliver flavor and texture without dairy or eggs.
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Why These Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots Are So Irresistible
These vegan knots are not only quick to prepare, but they’re also flaky, sweet, and comforting — exactly what a cinnamon dessert should be. Using store-bought vegan puff pastry makes them accessible and time-saving. They’re also incredibly customizable, letting you experiment with fillings and coatings. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack, these cinnamon twists are destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need for the Best Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots
- Vegan Puff Pastry: The foundation of the recipe, providing buttery, flaky layers without any dairy. Brands like Pepperidge Farm offer vegan-friendly versions.
- Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cinnamon sugar mixture to the pastry. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work great.
- Sugar (Granulated): Sweetens the filling and coating, creating the classic cinnamon-sugar crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star flavor of this dessert — warm, aromatic, and comforting.
Smart Ingredient Swaps for Any Pantry
Can’t find vegan puff pastry or want a different twist? Here are your go-to swaps:
- Homemade Vegan Puff Pastry: If you prefer from-scratch baking, use a homemade version for more control over ingredients.
- Coconut Oil Instead of Vegan Butter: Offers a similar fat profile and works well in brushing and coating the knots.
- Brown Sugar Instead of White Sugar: Adds a deeper caramel flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Swap for cinnamon to introduce clove, nutmeg, and ginger tones.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots (Step-by-Step)
- Defrost the Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry thaw for about 40 minutes at room temperature until it’s soft enough to roll but still cold to the touch.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll & Butter: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry. Brush one side with 1 ½ tablespoons of melted vegan butter.
- Sprinkle the Filling: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the buttered pastry.
- Fold and Slice: Fold the puff pastry in half. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the folded sheet into 8 equal strips.
- Twist and Knot: Take each strip, twist it gently, then roll into a spiral, tucking the end underneath to form a knot.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the knots on the baking sheet. Brush with ½ tablespoon melted vegan butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and flaky.
- Final Coating: While still warm, brush knots with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted vegan butter. Mix ¼ cup sugar and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl, then roll each knot to coat thoroughly.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these vegan cinnamon sugar knots fresh out of the oven for maximum flakiness and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Knots
- Don’t Over-Thaw the Pastry: Puff pastry should be workable but still cold when you shape it. This ensures crisp, flaky layers.
- Use a Pizza Cutter: It makes cleaner cuts and prevents the dough from tearing.
- Even Coating Matters: Brushing butter before and after baking locks in flavor and helps the sugar stick.
- Serve Fresh: These are best right after baking. If reheating, microwave for 10–15 seconds, but know the texture will slightly soften.
Delicious Ways to Serve and Customize These Cinnamon Sugar Knots
- Top with Glaze: Drizzle with a vegan vanilla glaze or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Serve with Vegan Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, pair warm knots with dairy-free vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Try a Chocolate Filling: Use Nutella-style vegan spread or melted chocolate for a gooey twist.
- Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Incorporate chopped pecans, raisins, or cranberries before folding for added texture.
- Make It Savory: Skip the sugar and fill with vegan pesto or garlic butter for a savory version.
Why Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots Are Perfect Year-Round
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots feel like autumn in every bite — warm spices, cozy texture, and comforting flavor. But their simple ingredients and adaptable recipe make them ideal for any season. Serve them at holiday brunches, take them to potlucks, or enjoy with a hot cup of coffee on a winter morning.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving something sweet for a cozy weekend or need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots are your new go-to treat. With just four pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time, they deliver buttery layers, warm spice, and bakery-style flakiness — all without dairy or eggs. These knots aren’t just delicious; they’re also versatile, freezer-friendly, and perfect for every season. Once you try them warm out of the oven, dunked in cinnamon sugar, they’ll become a permanent part of your plant-based baking lineup.
FAQ About Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Can I freeze the cinnamon sugar knots before or after baking?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking for future convenience. Once shaped, place the knots on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add a few minutes to the baking time. While freezing after baking is possible, the texture will be softer when reheated.
What type of vegan puff pastry should I use?
Pepperidge Farm is a widely available, vegan-friendly puff pastry brand that works beautifully for this recipe. Look for puff pastry that contains no butter or animal-derived ingredients — always check the label. If you’re ambitious, you can make homemade vegan puff pastry for extra control over ingredients.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots, use a certified gluten-free puff pastry such as Schär or Jus-Rol (check local availability). The remaining ingredients — sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter — are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to handle gluten-free dough gently, as it can be more delicate than traditional puff pastry.
More Relevant Recipes
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Puff Pastries: These puff pastries are filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend and baked to golden perfection, offering a flavor and texture closely aligned with Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots. Perfect for breakfast or dessert with a warm drink.
- Puff Pastry Nutella Twists: A delicious twist on traditional cinnamon pastries, these vegan-friendly puff pastry twists are filled with rich Nutella, making them a chocolaty cousin to cinnamon sugar knots and equally simple to bake.
- Strawberry Turnovers – Easy & Flaky: These turnovers use puff pastry just like cinnamon sugar knots but with a fruity filling. The sweet, flaky finish makes them an excellent alternative or addition to any vegan pastry tray.
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 knots
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Knots are an easy, flaky, and sweet puff pastry dessert made with just four simple ingredients. They’re dairy-free, eggless, and baked until golden, then coated in melted vegan butter and a generous cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for holidays or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry: base for the flaky knots
- 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter: adds richness and helps cinnamon sugar stick
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling): sweetens the inside
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling): provides warm spice flavor
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): used after baking for sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): enhances the outer flavor
Instructions
- Let the puff pastry defrost at room temperature for about 40 minutes, until pliable but still cold.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet.
- Brush the pastry with 1 ½ tablespoons of melted vegan butter.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered pastry.
- Fold the pastry in half and cut it into 8 equal strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Twist each strip and coil it into a knot, tucking the ends underneath.
- Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet and brush with another 1/2 tablespoon of vegan butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl for the coating.
- Remove the knots from the oven, cool for 1–2 minutes, then brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Roll each knot in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated and serve warm.
Notes
- Use puff pastry while it’s still cold for best flakiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Customize by adding fillings like Nutella, cookie butter, or jam.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 111 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg