If you have a soft spot for sweet, fluffy treats with that perfect touch of spice, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts are light, airy twists fried to golden perfection and generously coated in the classic combination of cinnamon and sugar, creating a warm, comforting flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or an anytime indulgence, these doughnuts bring that homemade charm and a delightful crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting those irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts just right starts with a few simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s helping the dough rise beautifully, adding richness, or delivering that signature sweetness and spice.
- Whole milk (1 ½ cups, warmed to 110°F): This warmth activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough’s texture.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast (1 Tablespoon): The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become wonderfully airy.
- Granulated sugar (3 Tablespoons + ½ cup for coating): A little inside the dough for subtle sweetness, and plenty outside to give that irresistible crunch.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind ingredients and enriches the dough for tenderness.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving structure and chewiness.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (6 Tablespoons, softened): Adds moisture and a rich, buttery taste that makes these doughnuts extra luscious.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Provides the perfect frying medium to achieve crispy and golden twists.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): The star spice that pairs beautifully with sugar to finish the doughnuts.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Once activated, whisk in the egg thoroughly until everything is smooth.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour and salt in a separate large bowl. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed and prevents any unwanted clumps in your dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Butter
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and on low speed, gently add about one-third of the flour mixture. As the dough starts to come together, add another third. Next, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition—expect the dough to be sticky now, but don’t fret. Scrape the bowl sides as needed, then add the last third of the flour mixture and continue mixing until the dough forms a rough ball.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. It might still stick a bit to the bowl, but resist the urge to add more flour—you want to keep the dough tender and light!
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough ball to a large greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until it doubles in size. This rise is key for those dreamy, fluffy twists.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into 12 equal portions on a floured surface. Cover with a towel while you work. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope. To create the signature twist, hold each end and roll one hand up and the other down, letting the dough naturally braid and twist. Pinch the ends tightly and place your twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and allow to rest for 8 to 10 minutes while you prepare to fry.
Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry two or three twists at a time for about 95 seconds on each side, until golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and keep an eye on the temperature to maintain the perfect fry.
Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the doughnuts cool slightly yet remain warm, toss them in a shallow dish filled with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until every twist is beautifully coated. This final step delivers that classic flavor and crunch that makes this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds a fresh burst of flavor and a sparkle that makes the twists even more tempting. For a little flair, drizzle with mild glaze or melted white chocolate, giving these doughnuts an elegant twist on their rustic appearance.
Side Dishes
Pair these doughnuts with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate to balance their sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream makes a lovely accompaniment that brightens the experience and adds a fresh contrast to the warm, cinnamon-spiced richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Play with presentation by placing several twisted doughnuts in a rustic basket lined with vibrant napkins or on a tiered stand to wow guests at brunch. You could even thread twine through the twists and hang them as a fun edible decoration for parties—a whimsical and delicious centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coating may soften, but gentle reheating can bring back much of that fresh fried texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried doughnuts after coating by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy that Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the doughnuts in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior without drying out the soft interior. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—just be prepared for a bit of an arm workout as you work the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
What if I don’t have a kitchen thermometer for frying?
While a thermometer helps a lot, you can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles actively and rises to the surface in about 30 seconds, your oil is ready. Adjust heat as needed during frying.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
This particular recipe is designed for frying to achieve that crisp exterior and delicate crumb. Baking will change the texture significantly and might not give the same satisfying crunch.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content more precisely, but if you only have salted butter, reduce added salt slightly to keep the flavors balanced.
How do I prevent the twists from unraveling during frying?
Pinching the ends tightly and allowing the twist to rest before frying helps the dough hold its shape. Also, gently handling the dough and frying at the right temperature keeps them intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade doughnuts, and this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe captures that perfectly—a tender, twisted delight coated in cinnamon and sugar that’s both nostalgic and fresh. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a joyful process and a delicious result that brightens any day. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to bring a little twist of sweetness into your kitchen again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden-fried treats twisted into elegant rope shapes. Coated generously in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend, they deliver a delightful crunch followed by a soft, airy bite. Made from a yeasted dough, these doughnuts require two rises and are deep-fried to perfection, making them a perfect homemade indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 (about 2 to 3 inches depth in pot)
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, indicating the yeast is active. Then whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Incorporate Flour and Butter: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. On low speed, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. When the dough begins to come together, add another third of the flour. Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition; note the dough will be sticky at this stage. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add the final third of the flour mixture and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. 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 portions and loosely cover with a towel. Working one piece at a time, roll each into a 14-inch rope. To twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward while the other rolls downward, creating a natural twist. Pick up the rope in the center and let the tension form a braid. Pinch the ends together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover and repeat for remaining pieces.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped twists to rest for 8 to 10 minutes while heating the frying 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 thermometer for accuracy). Fry two to three doughnut twists at a time, cooking each side for approximately 95 seconds or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to remove excess oil. Maintain oil temperature 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 thoroughly coated. Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure your milk is warmed to around 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Do not add extra flour during kneading unless dough is extremely sticky; the dough should remain slightly tacky for soft doughnuts.
- Use a kitchen thermometer when frying to maintain the correct oil temperature, which ensures even cooking and avoids soggy doughnuts.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve doughnuts warm for the best flavor and texture; they are best eaten the day they are made.
