It’s been a while since I posted a bread recipe (although I did share my bagel recipe…), but not because I’ve given up proofing and kneading. I’m still making about one all-purpose (i.e., sandwiches, toast, tea-time snacking…) loaf each week, but I don’t often make “fancy” rolls like this. It’s a time thing. I’m always glad when I make the extra effort because not only are these rolls tasty-fine, you get 24 of the little buggers and since they store beautifully in the freezer when wrapped well, you get some rolls for now and some rolls for later!
The technique for forming the knots takes a bit of brain energy, but once you get rollin’ (see what I did there?), they’re a cinch.
BTW, these rolls go perfectly with my Hoppin’ John Sliders!

Cracked Wheat-Pumpkin Topknots
- Prep Time: 120
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 150
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
These diminutive golden breads are perfect for sliders, or alone as dinner rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup cracked wheat (bulgur)
- 1 Tbsp. salt, divided
- 1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk (I used almond)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 1/4 tsp. regular yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- ~2 cups whole wheat flour
- ~3 cups bread flour
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the bulgur and boiling water along with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and let stand for about 30-40 minutes. Bulgur will become tender and absorb some of the water.
- In a small saucepan, combine the non-dairy milk, coconut oil, and pumpkin puree. Heat just until the coconut oil melts.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and maple syrup. Let sit for about 5 minutes or until foamy. Add the remaining salt and the flours. Drain the bulgur and add it to the flour mixture; then pour in the non-dairy milk mixture. Using the paddle attachment, stir the dough until it starts to come together and then switch to the dough hook. Process for about 6 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, or until dough is smooth and elastic. It should be fairly sticky. Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment. Dump the dough onto a floured surface and deflate. Divide into two and place one half back in the bowl and cover so that it does not form a crust as you work with the other half.
- Divide the half into 12 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll it into a 10″ rope. Grasp one end of the rope and wrap it around your fingers. One end is held by your thumb; tuck the other end into the space where your fingers are. See below for what this looks like. Place the knot onto one of the baking sheets and proceed with the remaining dough. Give the rolls a light spritz with oil and cover. Let rise until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Heat the oven to 375-degrees F. If you like, sprinkle the top of the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, flaxseeds, or a combination. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes. Let rolls cool a little before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 617
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 0

For a short video on how to make top knot rolls, click here.
This might be the perfect use for some bulgur wheat languishing in my cupboard. I love the photos of the pre-baked dough, all airy and full of holes.
Get in there and bake some rolls, Lorna :-)!
I love your appetizing pictures & that recipe rocks! I saw that video too & that woman explained it very well! 🙂 Thanks to you both! 🙂 I never made bread knots before,…sounds like fun & it is great that you added bulhhur & pumpkin to this tasty recipe! Yum yummm! 🙂
It’s very fun, Sophie. And even the ones that I didn’t form quite right came out beautifully.
Gorgeous! These are almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST.
We managed to consumer each and every one of these cute little things.
What a knotty girl you’ve been Miss Annie!! Love that bowl. It’s modern but still reminds me of my Grandmom’s kitchen 😉
Ya know, if you didn’t live in the middle of no where, you could open up a fabulous little Vegan bakery and sell beauties like these to the rest of us who aren’t quite so talented, Arrggggggg!!!
Hehe, good one, Angela! I could do a mail order bakery ;-)…
Kel would definitely kneed to help 😉
You’re on a ROLL!
I wish I was on one of those rolls right now. I’m 7-11 bound this morning 🙁
Oh that’s rough!!
These look beautiful and delicious and I love the added pumpkin!! These would sure look fancy at a get together/party this summer! 🙂
Those are beautiful. I want to eat one. Now. Er rather – now, please.
This has me seriously wishing I didn’t have to stop eating gluten for health reasons. Gosh darn it, it looks so good!
I’m so excited for pumpkin season’
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