Spiced Pumpkin Knots

Oh my gosh… have you ever smelled fresh pumpkin bread in the oven? These Spiced Pumpkin Knots are soft, warm, and so yummy. I made them last week, and they were gone so fast!

They taste like fall. Sweet, a little spicy, and super fluffy. I couldn’t stop eating them, and my family loved them too.

They’re easy to twist and bake. And the best part? You get to enjoy them fresh and warm with butter. Let’s bake these cozy pumpkin knots together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Autumn-Inspired: These knots are loaded with warm pumpkin and spice flavors that are perfect for the cooler months.
• Soft & Fluffy: The dough is soft and pillowy, and the pumpkin filling adds an extra touch of richness.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the spice levels or make a glaze to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want something comforting to snack on, these pumpkin knots are the ideal treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it for later, making it perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining.

Required Kitchen Tools

To get started, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls: To combine the dry ingredients, the wet ingredients, and the dough.
• Stand mixer (optional): You can knead the dough by hand, but a stand mixer with a dough hook will save you some time and effort.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough.
• Baking sheet: For the knots to bake on.
• Parchment paper: To prevent the dough from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the melted butter onto the knots.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for both the dough and the pumpkin filling. Be sure to use fresh ingredients to get the best flavor!

For the Dough:

• 4 1/4 cups bread flour – Bread flour gives these knots that fluffy, chewy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (100°F-106°F) – Warm milk activates the yeast, which helps the dough rise beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – A small amount to help activate the yeast and add a slight sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast – The star ingredient to make your dough rise and become airy and soft.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To balance the flavors of the dough and filling.
• 1 egg – Adds structure and helps to create a soft texture.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 4 tablespoons softened butter – Gives the filling a creamy, rich texture.
• 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that really brings that fall flavor to life.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the filling just enough.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.

Variations for Spiced Pumpkin Knots

• Cream Cheese Filling: If you’re a fan of cream cheese, swap out part of the butter in the filling for softened cream cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy element, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze over the knots once they’re baked for a sweet, sticky finish.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly heartier version, try using whole wheat flour instead of bread flour. It will give the dough a nuttier flavor and more texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

To start, you’ll need to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the yeast activating and it’s a good sign that it’s working!

Once the yeast is frothy, add in the melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until combined. Slowly add in the bread flour, one cup at a time, until you have a dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

If you’re using a stand mixer, fit it with a dough hook and knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the pumpkin filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Shape the Knots

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.

Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Next, roll the dough up tightly from one long edge to the other. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.

To make the knots, take each piece and gently roll it into a rope. Tie the rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends under to form a cute knot shape.

5. Let the Knots Rise Again

Place the knots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until they’ve puffed up.

6. Bake the Knots

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the knots are rising. Once they’ve puffed up, bake the knots for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

7. Brush with Butter

Once the knots come out of the oven, brush them with a little melted butter for an extra touch of flavor and shine. You can also sprinkle some additional pumpkin pie spice on top for a fragrant finish.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Knots

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve these warm with a cup of coffee or chai for the perfect fall breakfast.
• With a Sweet Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweeter treat.
• In a Bread Basket: These knots are also great for serving at brunch or alongside soup. They’re soft enough to tear apart easily, making them perfect for sharing.
• With Butter or Jam: You can’t go wrong with a little bit of salted butter or your favorite jam spread on top.

Presentation Tips

• For a Festive Touch: Dust the knots with powdered sugar or a bit more pumpkin pie spice before serving for a cozy, festive look.
• Serve Warm: These pumpkin knots are best served warm, but they’ll keep well for a day or two, especially if you reheat them in the microwave.

Storing Spiced Pumpkin Knots

At Room Temperature: Store leftover knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.

• In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last a little longer, you can store the knots in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: These pumpkin knots freeze really well! Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition for one pumpkin knot (without any glaze):

Nutrient	Amount per serving (1 knot)
Calories	200-220 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	6g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	12g

Keep in mind that the nutrition values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Spiced Pumpkin Knots are the ultimate fall treat, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you make them for a cozy breakfast, a sweet snack, or a showstopping dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the pumpkin filling brings all the flavors of autumn right to your plate. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and fun to share.