Few treats bring sheer delight quite like Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts. These pillowy, hand-twisted wonders are crisp on the outside, ultra-soft inside, and generously dusted with a shimmering, aromatic cinnamon sugar coating that instantly transports your senses. Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe brings bakery-style magic right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts surprisingly relies on just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient has its role—some for texture, others for flavor, and a few for that irresistible golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness, making the dough tender and flavorful.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: Gives the dough its beautiful lift and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens both the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Large egg: Adds structure and a touch of decadence for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that brings the dough together while keeping it light.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and a soft crumb, making every twist delightfully tender.
- Vegetable oil: Used for deep frying, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior with no lingering flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that beautiful aroma and iconic cinnamon bite in the sugar coating.
- More granulated sugar (for coating): The magic dust that makes every bite sparkle and sweetens the deal.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warmed milk, yeast, and a little sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it about five minutes to get foamy and active—this is when the dough will truly come to life. Whisk in the egg until the mixture looks smooth and unified.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. With your stand mixer on low and the dough hook attached, slowly add a third of the flour mixture. Once it’s absorbed, add the next third and then, one tablespoon at a time, add the softened butter. The dough will be sticky but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want for soft, airy twists. Finish with the last third of the flour and let everything come together.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Crank the mixer speed up to medium and let it knead for 3 to 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and supple, clinging a bit to the sides but still easy to scrape off. Resist adding flour—even sticky dough leads to light, fluffy doughnuts.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer your dough in, turning it once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in volume. Watching it puff up is almost as satisfying as eating the doughnuts!
Step 5: Shape the Twists
Once it’s risen, gently press out the air and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time: on a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 14-inch rope. Twist by rolling one hand up and the other down—this is the signature look of Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts. Pinch the ends to seal, place on a parchment-lined sheet, and cover with a towel as you shape the rest.
Step 6: Second Rise and Heat the Oil
Let your beautiful twists rest for another 8 to 10 minutes while you preheat your oil. Fill a heavy pot with a few inches of vegetable oil and gently bring it to 350°F. Keep a kitchen thermometer handy to maintain the perfect fry temperature.
Step 7: Fry to Perfection
Work in small batches—two to three twists at a time—to avoid dropping the oil temperature. Fry each twist for about 95 seconds per side until they’re golden all over. Move them to a paper towel-lined tray as they finish, letting any excess oil drain away.
Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the twists are still warm (but not piping hot), toss them in your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating stick beautifully and become fragrant for that classic Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts experience. Enjoy them while fresh for pure bliss!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Garnishes
The beauty of these doughnuts lies in their simplicity, but if you want to dress them up, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a few curls of lemon or orange zest to really make the warm spices pop.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts pair perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside a fruit salad or a platter of scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and create an irresistible meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the twists on a pretty cake stand and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar over the top for a dramatic bakery look. For parties, skewer them on sticks for “doughnut kebabs,” or serve with little bowls of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. No one can resist them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for a day but are definitely at their best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, skip the sugar coating, wrap completely cooled doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Reheat from frozen, then toss in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving for that just-made vibe.
Reheating
For a quick revival, warm the twists in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or zap for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. If the sugar coating needs a refresh, roll the warmed doughnuts in another batch of cinnamon sugar right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight, then shape, rest, and fry your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts fresh the next day for maximum flavor and convenience.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries—mix and knead the dough by hand. It might take a few extra minutes of elbow grease, but the results are every bit as delicious and rewarding.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
While baking can yield a lighter, breadier result, you won’t get exactly the same crispness or flavor as frying. If you want to try baking, brush the twists with melted butter and bake at 375°F until golden, then toss in cinnamon sugar while hot.
Can I add fillings to the doughnuts?
These are delicious as-is, but you can get creative! Try sandwiching the finished twists with a swipe of Nutella, fruit preserves, or even cream cheese for a fun twist on tradition.
What’s the best oil for frying doughnuts?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, are perfect. They fry the doughnuts evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors and go a long way in delivering that classic Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s fun to make and impossible to resist, look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts! I hope you give this recipe a whirl and share the joy (and the aroma) with your favorite people. Happy twisting!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
These irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar layer. Freshly fried and twisted for a beautiful presentation, they make a perfect homemade treat for breakfast or an indulgent snack. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience!
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut twists
Ingredients
Doughnuts:
- 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:
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Incorporate Flour and Butter: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. With the mixer on low, gradually add 1/3 of the flour mixture. When the dough starts coming together, add another 1/3. 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. Add the final 1/3 of the flour mixture and continue mixing.
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough forms, increase the mixer speed to medium. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. It may still stick to the bowl sides but should be easy to scrape off. Do not add 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. On a lightly floured surface, divide it into 12 equal parts and loosely cover with a towel. Working with one piece at a time, roll each into a 14-inch rope. To create the twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward while rolling the other downward, causing the dough to twist. Pick up the rope in the center and let the tension create a natural braid. Pinch the ends together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover and repeat with remaining dough.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped twists to rest for 8-10 minutes while you heat the oil.
- 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 (use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy). 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.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the doughnuts drain and cool slightly, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar until well coated. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed within one day of frying for maximum freshness.
- For a different twist shape, roll the dough into a 14-inch strip, fold in half, and braid together to create at least four twists; the instructions above yield a tighter braid.
- Be sure not to add extra flour—sticky dough yields fluffier doughnuts.
- Monitor oil temperature throughout frying to prevent burning or undercooking.
- You can reheat leftovers in the oven to crisp them up slightly, though fresh is always best.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 325kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 407mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 34mg