Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight. These tender, pillowy bread knots are infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warming spices, then filled with a luscious homemade pumpkin butter that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a autumn gathering or simply craving something special for your morning coffee, these knots deliver comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight are the perfect blend of bakery-quality results and homemade warmth. The soft, spiced dough creates beautiful knots that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The real magic happens with the creamy pumpkin butter filling that adds richness and depth to each bite. The topping of crunchy pecans and cinnamon sugar provides the perfect textural contrast, making these knots irresistibly satisfying.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – serve them warm for breakfast with your favorite coffee, present them as an elegant side dish at dinner, or enjoy them as a cozy afternoon treat. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and buttery richness creates a flavor profile that embodies everything we love about autumn.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
For the Pumpkin Butter Filling
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with active dry yeast and a pinch of the sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead and Rise Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Butter Filling While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining the pumpkin puree, softened butter, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 5: Shape the Knots Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. Place the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Add the Filling Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each knot. Fill each indentation with about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin butter filling.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush the tops of the knots with melted butter, then sprinkle with the pecan mixture.
Step 8: Final Rise and Bake Cover the knots and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the knots sound hollow when tapped.
Helpful Tips
Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is at the correct temperature (110°F/45°C) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won’t activate it properly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the knots during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown but still soft and tender inside.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these knots up to the point of the final rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and complete the final rise before baking.
Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with the pumpkin butter by adding a touch of maple syrup or vanilla extract for different flavor profiles.
Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 knots
Difficulty: Intermediate
Notes
These Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the pumpkin butter filling is at its creamiest. The combination of textures and flavors makes them perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
For the best results, use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional spices and sweeteners that can throw off the balance of flavors. Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully too if you prefer to make your own.
The knots can be shaped and filled earlier in the day, then covered and refrigerated until ready for the final rise and baking, making them convenient for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in the same amount. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without activating it first in warm milk.
Q: How do I know if my yeast is still active? A: Fresh yeast will foam and bubble within 5-10 minutes when mixed with warm milk and sugar. If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired.
Q: Can I make these knots without the pumpkin butter filling? A: Absolutely! The knots are delicious on their own. You can brush them with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead.
Q: What if I don’t have pecans? A: Walnuts, chopped almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make excellent substitutions for the topping.
Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped knots before the final rise. Thaw completely, then let rise and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual knots in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. The pumpkin butter filling will become wonderfully creamy again when heated.
For the best texture, avoid refrigerating the knots as this can make the bread become stale more quickly.
Conclusion
These Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight represent everything wonderful about fall baking – the warm spices, rich pumpkin flavors, and that irresistible homemade aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your bread-making journey, this recipe delivers professional-looking results that taste even better than they look.
The beauty of these knots lies not just in their delicious flavor, but in their ability to bring people together. They’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings, giving as thoughtful gifts to neighbors, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning.
Make a batch today and discover why these Spiced Pumpkin Butter Knots: A Cozy Autumn Delight are destined to become your new favorite fall tradition. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be asking for them again and again.
