These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a fun and delicious breakfast or dessert treat that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. With their sweet cinnamon sugar coating and irresistible twist shape, these donuts will be a favorite in no time.

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Though these donuts require a little time to rise, the process is straightforward and simple.
Irresistibly Sweet and Cinnamon-y: The cinnamon sugar coating gives these donuts a delightful sweetness and spice, making them a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light, fluffy, and slightly sticky, ensuring your donuts are soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Stir together 1 cup of warm milk and 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

While waiting for the yeast to activate, whisk together 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the hook attachment, combine 3 cups of flour, ⅔ cup sugar, ¾ teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients until mixed.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the wet ingredients (egg, butter, vanilla). Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Turn the mixer on medium-low and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth, soft, and slightly sticky. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add up to ½ cup more flour to help it clean the sides.

Step 5: First Rise

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, add the dough, and flip it to coat with the spray. Cover with plastic wrap and set it in a warm place for 1 hour to rise until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead out any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, about 12 inches long, then twist it into a donut shape by bringing the ends together, pinching them to seal.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the formed twists on a parchment-lined sheet tray, cover with a clean towel, and let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up slightly.

Step 8: Heat the Oil

While the dough is resting, heat 3-4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 325°F.

Step 9: Fry the Donuts

Once the oil is hot, fry 3-4 donuts at a time, flipping them every minute for about 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Remove the donuts from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drain, and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Step 10: Serve

Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool slightly and serve warm for the best experience. Enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead: You can store the raw dough twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Sauce Pairing: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Substitute for Yeast: If you’re short on time, you can use biscuits or puff pastry dough, but they won’t have the same texture as traditional yeast donuts.

FAQ

Can I bake the twists instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the twists at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. However, frying will give them a crispier texture.

Can I use a different sugar for the coating?

You can substitute the granulated sugar with turbinado or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture in the coating.

How do I store leftover twists?

Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and restore some freshness.

Enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts as a cozy breakfast or snack, and they’re perfect for sharing with family or friends!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

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Author: Amelia

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Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a fun and irresistible breakfast or dessert treat! Soft, fluffy, and coated with a perfect cinnamon-sugar blend, these donuts will be your new go-to. Best of all, they’re easy to make and taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, stir together warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until activated and foamy.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the hook attachment, combine 3 cups flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients together briefly.

Form the Dough:

Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture begins to combine.

Switch the mixer to medium-low speed and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky but smooth. If the dough isn’t pulling away from the sides of the bowl, add more flour, up to ½ cup.

First Rise:

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside. Flip the dough so it’s coated in the spray. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Second Rise:

Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Knead it a few times by hand, then return it to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise again for 1 hour.

Shape the Twists:

After the second rise, preheat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 325°F.

Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a thin rope and twist the rope by turning the ends in opposite directions. Bring the ends together and pinch to seal, forming the twist.

Place each twist on a lined sheet tray and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rest for 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts:

Fry the twists in batches (3-4 at a time) for about 5 minutes, flipping them as needed, until golden brown.

Once cooked, drain excess oil by placing the twists on a wire rack over a sheet tray to keep them crisp.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the coating.

While the donuts are still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Serve:

Serve the donuts warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare the twists and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separate the twists with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Dipping Sauces: These donuts are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or cream cheese icing.

Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh, warm effect.

Yeast Tip: Make sure your milk is 110°F to properly activate the yeast. Too hot or too cold will affect the dough’s rise.

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients