As autumn paints the world in warm hues, I find myself captivated by the comforting aromas wafting from my kitchen. One particular delight has stolen my heart: Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots. Picture this: golden, pillowy knots dappled with cinnamon and nutmeg, filled to the brim with a velvety homemade pumpkin butter. Each bite offers a cozy embrace that feels like a hug from the season itself.
Not only do these knots brighten up a chilly morning, but their irresistible sweetness makes them the star of any gathering. Whether enjoyed fresh with your morning coffee or shared with friends during a festive potluck, they embody the essence of homemade comfort food. Plus, with a few simple variations, you can easily tailor them to suit your taste—perhaps adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a dollop of cream cheese filling.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to fill your home with warmth, flavor, and that unmistakable autumn spirit!
Why are Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots irresistible?
Warm, Comforting Flavors: The rich blend of cinnamon and nutmeg makes these knots feel like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day.
Homemade Richness: Unlike store-bought pastries, each knot is crafted from scratch, ensuring a fresh, delightful taste that elevates your mornings.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even festive gatherings, they adapt beautifully to any occasion.
Simple Preparation: With easy steps and common ingredients, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Once you serve these delightful knots, expect them to disappear quickly—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful aroma with this simple list!
For the Dough
- Warm Milk – Activates yeast; use at 110°F/45°C to ensure a proper rise.
- Active Dry Yeast – Essential leavening agent; can substitute with instant yeast in equal amounts.
- Sugar – Sweetens and helps activate yeast; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Butter (Melted) – Adds richness to the dough; unsalted is preferable to keep salt levels in check.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust based on your taste.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Provides that warm, comforting spice flavor; can substitute with pumpkin pie spice for added convenience.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the dough; make sure to measure accurately.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and flavor; remember to avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has extra sugars.
For the Filling
- Pumpkin Butter Filling – A cozy mix of pumpkin puree, softened butter, honey, and spices; maple syrup can add a delicious twist.
For the Topping
- Chopped Pecans – Adds a delightful crunch; can be substituted with walnuts or pumpkin seeds for variety.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon – Sweetens and enhances texture; adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
Let these ingredients pave the way for your very own Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots—a true autumn favorite!
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots
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Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for a fluffy texture!
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Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and canned pumpkin puree. Gradually add all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms that’s slightly sticky to the touch.
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Knead and Rise: Flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Make Filling: While the dough rises, whisk together pumpkin puree, softened butter, honey, and spices in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy for your delicious filling.
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Shape Knots: Once dough has risen, punch it down to deflate. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each piece into a long rope, and tie a knot. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
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Add Filling: Gently indent each knot with your finger and fill the centers with the creamy pumpkin butter mixture, being generous but careful not to overfill.
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Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. After brushing the knots with melted butter, sprinkle the topping evenly over each knot.
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Final Rise and Bake: Let the knotted dough rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Optional: Brush with additional melted butter for an extra golden finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots?
These delightful knots are perfect for creating a cozy and inviting autumn meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor.
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Warm Apple Cider: The sweet and spicy notes of apple cider beautifully complement the pumpkin spices, creating a comforting beverage pairing.
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Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Rich and indulgent, this drink adds a luxurious twist to your knots, making every bite an experience of pure comfort.
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Maple Glazed Bacon: The smokiness of bacon drizzled with maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the knots, offering a delicious contrast to their rich flavors.
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Fruity Salad: A light salad with crisp apples, cranberries, and goat cheese helps balance the sweetness with some tang, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.
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Whipped Cream Cheese Spread: Serve a creamy whipped spread alongside for a delightful dip that enhances the pumpkin butter’s richness, turning your knots into a decadent treat.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Looking for a sweet dessert to finish the meal? These bars align perfectly with the flavors of fall, making for a heavenly indulgence.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai will echo the flavors of your knots, providing a cozy drink to enhance the overall experience.
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For a brunch spread, these muffins add to the autumn theme, ensuring your table is filled with delightful, seasonal flavors.
Pair any of these lovely accompaniments with Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots, to create a memorable and delightful dining experience!
Expert Tips for Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots
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Correct Temperature: Ensure your warm milk is at 110°F (45°C) for optimal yeast activation; too hot will kill the yeast and impact your dough rise.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your knots while baking to prevent them from drying out; they should be soft and golden, not hard.
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Final Rise Importance: After shaping your knots, don’t skip the final rise. This step is critical for fluffy Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots.
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Experiment with Fillings: Have fun with flavors! Swap out the pumpkin butter for cream cheese or even chocolate chips to create personalized treats.
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Check Yeast Freshness: Before using active dry yeast, make sure it foams when mixed with warm milk. If it doesn’t, it’s best to start with fresh yeast.
How to Store and Freeze Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots
- Room Temperature: Store your knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
- Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, but be aware they may lose some softness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the knots individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy your Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and soft.
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots Variations
Feel free to infuse your creativity into these delightful knots for a personalized touch!
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Cream Cheese Filling: Substitute the pumpkin butter with a blended cream cheese mixture for a rich, tangy surprise inside.
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Chocolate Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips into the pumpkin butter for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the spices.
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version that’s still crunchy and satisfying.
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Pumpkin Spice Swap: If pumpkin isn’t your favorite, swap it out entirely for applesauce or mashed bananas for a fruity alternative.
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Flavored Sugar: Elevate the topping by using flavored sugars, like vanilla or maple sugar, to give your knots a unique sweetness.
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Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary or sage into the dough for a savory hint that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
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Mini Knots: Make bite-sized versions of these knots for easy snacking or serving at gatherings—simply adjust the baking time!
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Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for an unexpected spicy twist.
Make Ahead Options
These Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you shape the knots, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to deepen while keeping the dough fresh. To maintain the quality, let the knots come to room temperature before the final rise (about 30 minutes) and baking. Additionally, you can make the pumpkin butter filling up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fill and bake the knots for a cozy treat with minimal effort!
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For this recipe, use canned pumpkin puree, which provides that essential moisture and flavor. Be careful not to grab pumpkin pie filling—this contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste of your knots.
How should I store my Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots?
To keep your knots fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but note that they may lose some of their delightful softness.
Can I freeze Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap each knot in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the yeast freshness by ensuring it foams when combined with warm milk. If it doesn’t foam within 10 minutes, you may need to start with a new batch of yeast. Make sure you’re also in a warm environment, as cooler temperatures can hinder rising.
Can I use alternative ingredients for dietary preferences?
The more the merrier! You can adjust this recipe for different dietary needs. For gluten-free variations, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a non-dairy milk for the dough.
What can I use as a topping instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, consider swapping them out for chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds. For a simpler twist, you can also omit the nuts entirely and just use a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a delightful finish.
Irresistible Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare Dough: Mix the yeast mixture with melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and canned pumpkin puree. Gradually add all-purpose flour until soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Make Filling: Mix together pumpkin puree, softened butter, honey, and spices until smooth.
- Shape Knots: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, roll each into a rope, and tie a knot. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Add Filling: Indent each knot and fill with pumpkin butter mixture.
- Prepare Topping: Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush knots with melted butter and sprinkle topping.
- Final Rise and Bake: Let knots rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes.