Cinnamon Love Knots Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• TOPPING:
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add milk, butter, sugar, eggs and salt. Stir in enough flour to form a stiff dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
• Punch dough down; divide into three portions. Cover two with plastic wrap. Shape one portion into 12 balls. Roll each ball into an 8-in. rope. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip rope into melted butter, then coat with cinnamon-sugar. Tie into a knot. Tuck and pinch ends under and place on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 3 dozen.

Cinnamon Love Knots published in Taste of Home February/March 2000, p29