If you have a sweet tooth and love a treat that’s both comforting and irresistibly tasty, then this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Soft, airy doughnuts twisted into elegant spirals, then fried to a golden perfection and coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend—each bite is a perfect balance of crisp outside and pillowy inside, with that warm cinnamon sweetness that just feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a fun family treat, these doughnuts bring that special homemade charm you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one helps create that classic doughnut texture and flavor—from the warm milk that activates the yeast, to the softened butter that enriches the dough, and the cinnamon sugar that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: This temperature helps activate the yeast gently without killing it.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The crucial ingredient for that light and fluffy rise.
- Granulated sugar: A pinch of sweetness that feeds the yeast and gives the doughnut its subtle sweetness.
- Large egg, room temperature: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough providing strength and structure.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the doughnut tenderness and a beautiful crumb.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil ideal for achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: For the classic coating that makes these doughnuts unforgettable.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Letting this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy is key; that foaming means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, ensuring your doughnuts will be light and fluffy. Once foamy, whisk in the egg until you have a smooth base to start mixing the dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast mixture is coming to life, whisk together your flour and salt in a separate bowl. This combination might seem simple, but it’s essential—it keeps your dough balanced in flavor and makes sure the salt is evenly distributed, which helps develop the gluten properly during mixing.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Butter
Attach your dough hook and, on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to your yeast bowl, about a third at a time. When the dough just starts to come together, begin adding the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will feel sticky and a bit loose at this point, which is perfect. Finish by adding the rest of the flour mixture and keep the machine moving until it looks like dough.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to let the mixer work a bit harder. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough that still clings lightly but is easy to scrape from the bowl. Resist the temptation to add more flour; stickiness here means beautiful airy doughnuts!
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel—this little rest lets the yeast do its best work, doubling the dough’s size and developing that soft, airy texture we all love in a doughnut. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope—this is where the fun begins! Twisting each rope by rolling in opposite directions creates that beautiful spiral shape. Pinch the ends together to seal. Your twists go onto a parchment-lined tray and a quick cover while you prepare for frying.
Step 7: Second Rise
Let your twisted doughnuts rest for about 8 to 10 minutes. This short second rise helps them puff up nicely while you heat the oil, setting you up for perfectly crispy, golden doughnuts.
Step 8: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully fry two or three twists at a time, about 95 seconds per side, until golden and fragrant. Don’t crowd the pot—this keeps the oil temperature steady. Drain your doughnuts on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Step 9: Coat and Serve
While still warm, toss the twists in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they’re completely coated with that classic, irresistible cinnamon sugar. Enjoy them immediately for the best texture and flavor explosion—this finishing touch is what transforms these twists into doughnut perfection.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for an extra special touch. A little sea salt sprinkled on top can elevate the flavor contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee, a steaming latte, or even a chilled glass of milk to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait offers a delightful balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these doughnuts on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper and garnish with cinnamon sticks or small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, vanilla glaze, or berry compote. You can also thread smaller twisted doughnuts onto skewers for a fun, shareable presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover doughnuts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their crispy outside, avoid refrigeration, which tends to dry out fried dough products.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness, warm your doughnuts in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery. This keeps the texture just right, as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make the doughnuts without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just requires a bit more elbow grease to get the dough smooth and elastic, but the results are just as delicious.
What if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil?
A simple test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises gradually without browning immediately, your oil is ready. Maintaining medium heat is key to avoiding burnt or greasy doughnuts.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Baking is possible, but frying creates that signature crispy exterior and soft interior combo that defines this cinnamon sugar twist doughnut. For baking, try brushing with butter and then coating in cinnamon sugar to mimic the texture.
How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but not overly wet. It should pull away from the bowl easily when scraped. Kneading for 3-5 minutes on medium speed usually achieves this.
Can I substitute the cinnamon sugar coating?
Feel free to get creative! Powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a simple sugar glaze work beautifully. But the cinnamon sugar is classic and really elevates the doughnuts.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe from scratch—the way the dough feels between your hands, the scent of cinnamon filling the kitchen, and the golden, warm twists you get to savor. Give this recipe a try; I promise it will quickly become a treasured homemade treat you’ll love sharing with friends and family.
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Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts, featuring a soft, yeasted dough twisted into elegant shapes, fried to golden perfection, and generously coated in a classic cinnamon sugar blend. These doughnuts offer a perfect balance of fluffy texture and sweet spice, ideal for a comforting breakfast or indulgent snack.
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
For Frying
- 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 foamy, then whisk in the egg until fully incorporated to activate the yeast and prepare the dough base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution of salt throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Flour and Butter: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. With the mixer on low, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture. Once the dough starts coming together, add another one-third. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, even though the dough will be sticky at this stage. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and continue mixing until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. The dough may stick slightly to the bowl sides but should be easy to scrape off. Avoid adding extra 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 it doubles in size, allowing the dough to develop flavor and structure.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Gently deflate the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, divide it into 12 equal parts and loosely cover with a towel. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope. To create the twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward while rolling the other downward, producing a natural braid-like twist. Pinch the ends together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped twists to rest for 8-10 minutes while heating the oil, permitting slight puffing for a lighter texture.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium until the oil reaches 350°F, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. Fry two to three twists at a time, cooking each side for approximately 95 seconds or until golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Monitor and adjust oil temperature between batches to maintain consistent frying.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the doughnuts drain and cool slightly, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish to prepare the coating.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warmed to 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results.
- Do not add extra flour during kneading to keep dough soft and tender.
- Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding and temperature drop.
- Serve doughnuts warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for one day; reheat gently before serving.
