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.