If you are in the mood for something irresistibly delicious with that perfect balance of sweet warmth and pillowy texture, then this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite delivers soft, tender dough coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a treat that feels special and homemade, bringing the perfect mix of comfort and delight to your kitchen table. Trust me, once you try these twists, they’ll become your new go-to indulgence for breakfasts, snacks, or anytime cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create that unforgettable texture and flavor. Every item plays an important role, from the warmth of milk helping activate the yeast, to the richness of butter enhancing softness and flavor, and finally the cinnamon sugar providing that timeless, aromatic coating.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: The perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: This magical ingredient makes the dough rise and gives your doughnuts that airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (two amounts – 3 tablespoons and ½ cup): Sweetness to help activate the yeast and later to coat the doughnuts for that classic finish.
- Large egg, room temperature: Adds richness and binds the dough for a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the structure of your doughnuts.
- Kosher salt: Brings balance by enhancing all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Vital for moist, tender dough with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for achieving golden, crispy edges without overpowering flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses that warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar in your coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your milk to a cozy 110°F, just right for waking up the yeast. In your stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy, showing that the yeast is alive and kicking. Then whisk in the egg to give the dough richness and elasticity.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast wakes up, whisk together your flour and salt in a separate large bowl. This ensures your salt is evenly distributed, which is key to a balanced-tasting doughnut.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Butter
Attach the dough hook to your mixer, and on low speed, slowly add about a third of the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. When the dough starts to come together, add another third. Then add your softened butter, tablespoon by tablespoon, mixing well after each addition. Expect the dough to be sticky here—that’s a good sign! Finish by adding the last third of your flour, mixing until everything combines.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Crank up the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it turns smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but pulls away from the sides easily. Avoid adding extra flour here; the texture should be just right for tender doughnuts.
Step 5: First Rise
Grease a large bowl and transfer your dough into it, then cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. This dough loves to rise at room temperature, so give it 30 to 45 minutes to double in size—it will get all puffy and welcoming.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
Gently deflate your dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and cover them loosely with a towel to prevent drying. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope, then twist by rolling one hand up and the other down. Grab the center to let it naturally braid and pinch the ends to seal. Place your twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covering them again to rest before frying.
Step 7: Second Rise
Allow your beautiful twists to relax and rise for about 8 to 10 minutes while you heat the oil. This brief second rise helps create that light, airy finish inside.
Step 8: Fry the Doughnuts
Fill a heavy pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F. Use a thermometer—this step is key for the perfect fry. Cook two to three twists at a time for about 95 seconds per side, or until they turn a glorious golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in a shallow dish of cinnamon sugar, making sure every twist is coated in that sweet and spicy goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crisp outside and fluffy inside that the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is famous for.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to jazz things up, dust your cinnamon sugar twists with a light drizzle of warm vanilla glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and hint of earthiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, enhancing their spices and sweetness. For a heartier spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creamative Ways to Present
Try serving your doughnut twists stacked in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for an inviting look. For parties, stick a few on wooden skewers as a fun, shareable treat or arrange them around a dipping bowl filled with chocolate or caramel sauce for a playful interactive dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cinnamon sugar doughnut twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they’re best when fresh. If you notice they lose some softness, a quick refresh in the microwave will bring them back to tender perfection.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. This way, you keep them fresh and ready to enjoy at your leisure.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored doughnuts by warming them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until pleasantly warm. Alternatively, a quick few minutes in a 350°F oven will crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside soft and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Either works well for this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing, but the foaming step with warm milk is still a great way to check that your yeast is alive.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease—knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the dough and feel the transformation firsthand.
Can I bake these twists instead of frying?
You can bake them, though frying gives them that signature golden crispness and soft interior. To bake, place twists on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar immediately after baking for best flavor.
How do I know when the oil temperature is right for frying?
Using a kitchen thermometer is the most reliable method for the 350°F target. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without burning, and the oil should gently bubble around it.
Can I add fillings or toppings to these doughnuts?
Since these are twisted doughnuts, fillings might be tricky, but you can stuff the dough with cinnamon sugar butter before twisting for an extra flavor punch. Also consider dipping the finished twists in chocolate or cream cheese glaze for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings joyful aromas and melt-in-your-mouth bites to your kitchen. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning. Dive in, get your hands a little floury, and experience the simple magic of homemade doughnuts that are just waiting to become your new favorite.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly twisted fried doughnuts coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Made from a yeast dough, these doughnuts are hand-shaped into elegant twists, fried until golden brown, and then generously coated in cinnamon sugar for a deliciously classic treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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 room temperature egg until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt thoroughly.
- 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. When the dough begins to form, add another one-third. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition—the dough will be sticky. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the remaining flour mixture and continue mixing.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. The dough may still stick slightly to the bowl 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 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Gently deflate the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and loosely cover with a towel. Working one piece at a time, roll each into a 14-inch rope. To create the twist, hold both ends, roll one hand upward and the other downward to twist, then pick up the rope in the center allowing the tension to form a natural braid. Pinch the ends together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Second Rise: Let the shaped twists rest for 8 to 10 minutes while you preheat the frying oil.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy). Fry two to three twists at a time, cooking for about 95 seconds per side or until golden brown. Transfer fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Monitor and adjust oil temperature as needed between batches.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the doughnuts drain and cool 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 optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to accurately gauge oil temperature for perfect frying results.
- Do not add extra flour during kneading; dough should remain slightly sticky but manageable.
- If yeast does not foam during activation, yeast may be expired or milk temperature may be too hot or too cold.
- Allow doughnuts to cool slightly before coating in cinnamon sugar to prevent melting of coating but still ensure it adheres well.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and texture.
