If you have been searching for a show-stopping treat that tastes like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, look no further than this delightful Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. These golden, airy twists are perfectly fried to achieve a tender inside with a crisp exterior, then lovingly coated in the ideal blend of cinnamon and sugar. The gentle sweetness paired with their light, fluffy texture creates an irresistible balance that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting, homemade indulgence. I promise, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe plays a crucial role in creating those perfectly tender, flavorful doughnuts. The combination of simple pantry staples, quality butter, and fresh yeast ensures a dough that is rich, soft, and wonderfully aromatic after frying.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Activates the yeast and adds moisture for tender dough.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast for that perfect rise.
- Large egg, room temperature: Adds richness and structure for an airy crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it strength and elasticity.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying to crisp the doughnuts to golden perfection.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice in the sugar coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer’s bowl. Letting this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy signals that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough. Then, whisk in the egg until it’s smooth and fully incorporated—this little step sets the stage for a beautifully risen doughnut base.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your yeast mixture rests, whisk together the flour and kosher salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed and prevents it from killing the yeast, which helps produce light, fluffy doughnuts in the end.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Butter
Switch to your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. On low speed, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. When the dough starts coming together, add another third. Now it’s time to add softened butter—one tablespoon at a time—to build that rich, silky texture. Finish by adding the last portion of flour and mix until combined. It will be sticky and stretchy, a good sign you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for smooth, soft dough that sticks lightly but pulls away from the bowl. Avoid adding extra flour here, as that can make the doughnuts heavy instead of fluffy.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature until it doubles in size—about 30 to 45 minutes. This rest allows the yeast to develop flavors and creates those signature airy pockets.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
Gently deflate the dough, then divide it into 12 equal parts. Roll each portion into a long rope about 14 inches in length. To twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward and the other downward, creating a beautiful spiral braid. Pinch the ends together to seal and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered lightly to rest.
Step 7: Second Rise
Allow your doughnut twists to rest for 8 to 10 minutes while you heat oil for frying. This step ensures your twists puff up slightly and stay light during frying.
Step 8: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Carefully fry two or three twists at a time, turning after 95 seconds or when golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Maintaining oil temperature is key to crispy, non-greasy results.
Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While your twists cool just slightly, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss the warm doughnuts generously in this fragrant blend—this final step delivers that signature sweet spice coating.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your doughnuts with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor, offering delightful contrasts to the sweet cinnamon sugar.
Side Dishes
Serve these doughnuts alongside a comforting cup of coffee, chai tea, or rich hot cocoa for a cozy experience. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness with fresh, juicy brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe in a festive basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin at brunch gatherings. You can also serve them in individual treat bags tied with twine for party favors or gift ideas—everyone will appreciate the homemade charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To retain their crispiness, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooled doughnut twists by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, making it a great option for preparing ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, which brings back the delightful crisp exterior and tender inside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for achieving that perfect balance between structure and tenderness, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier bite. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can absolutely make the dough by hand! Mix your ingredients in a large bowl and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a great workout and still yields delicious results.
How important is oil temperature when frying?
Maintaining oil temperature around 350°F is crucial. Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and the doughnuts absorb too much oil and become greasy. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here!
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While frying delivers the classic doughnut texture and flavor, you can bake these twists at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes for a lighter, less oily version. The cinnamon sugar coating afterward remains just as delicious.
Is it possible to make these doughnuts vegan?
To make this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter for excellent results.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is more than just a tasty treat—it’s an experience filled with warmth, comfort, and a hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, these doughnuts bring joy to every bite. Trust me, once you try making these irresistible twists, you’ll want to keep them in your recipe rotation forever. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly magical today.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts, made from a soft, homemade yeast dough twisted into unique shapes and fried to golden perfection. Coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar (38g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (520g)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (84g), softened, room temperature
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active. Then whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Flour and Butter: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture. Once the dough starts coming together, add another third. Then add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be sticky at this stage. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and continue mixing.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. It may still stick to the sides of the bowl but should be easy to scrape off. Avoid adding more flour.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal parts on a lightly floured surface. Loosely cover with a towel. Working with one piece at a time, roll each into a 14-inch rope. Twist by holding both ends and rolling one hand upward while rolling the other downward, creating a natural braid by pinching the ends together. Place twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet and loosely cover.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped twists to rest for 8-10 minutes while you heat the frying oil.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F. Fry two to three twists at a time, cooking each side for 95 seconds or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Monitor and adjust the oil temperature between batches for consistent frying.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While doughnuts are draining and cooling slightly, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for ideal frying results.
- Do not add extra flour while kneading; the dough should remain slightly sticky for the best texture.
- Twisting the dough ropes gently creates a beautiful braided shape without deflating them too much.
- Serve doughnuts warm for a soft texture and the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat gently before serving.
