Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a delightful treat with a soft, fluffy interior and a sweet, crunchy coating. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these homemade donuts combine warm cinnamon and sugar in every bite.

A close-up view of many twisted cinnamon sugar doughnuts piled on white parchment paper, showing their golden-brown color covered with a light layer of cinnamon sugar crystals. The doughnuts have a ridged texture from the twist and show a soft, fluffy inside under the crisp sugar coating. Around them are several cinnamon sticks lying flat, adding warm brown tones. The background surface is a white marbled texture with two glass mugs of dark coffee slightly blurred in the back, creating a cozy, warm scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Stir together the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes activated and foamy.
Step 2: While waiting for the yeast, whisk the egg, melted butter, and vanilla together in a medium bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Once the yeast is foamy, add it to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine. Then add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl.
Step 5: Stir the mixture until it begins to come together, then mix on medium-low speed. The dough should form and clean the sides of the bowl. If it is too sticky, gradually add up to ½ cup more flour until it reaches this consistency.
Step 6: Knead the dough with the mixer for 5 minutes. The dough will be soft, slightly sticky, but smooth.
Step 7: Lightly spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside, turning it to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 8: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Knead gently a few times to release air bubbles. Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let it rise for another hour.
Step 9: Prepare a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 10: After the second rise, cut the dough into 16 equal pieces by halving repeatedly.
Step 11: Working with one piece at a time (keep the rest covered), roll it into a thin rope. Twist it by rolling your hands in opposite directions, then bring the ends together and pinch tightly. Twist the loop a few more times to create the donut shape.
Step 12: Place the twisted donuts on the prepared tray and cover with a clean towel. Repeat with all pieces and let rest for 30 minutes to puff slightly.
Step 13: Heat 3-4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 325°F.
Step 14: In a large bowl, mix together the topping sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Step 15: Fry 3-4 donuts at a time, turning occasionally until golden brown, about 5 minutes total. Drain briefly on paper towels and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
Step 16: Place finished donuts on a wire rack over a sheet tray to keep them crisp while frying the rest. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough along with the cinnamon.
Use half brown sugar and half granulated sugar in the dough for a richer taste.
Try glazing the twists with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a different finish.
If you don’t have a deep fryer, a heavy pot with a steady thermometer works perfectly for frying.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave to restore softness. For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A pile of golden-brown twisted doughnuts covered in a rough, grainy cinnamon sugar coating fills the center, each doughnut having a thick, soft texture and twisted shape with visible seams. The doughnuts rest on white crumpled parchment paper that lines a flat white surface. Scattered around the doughnuts are several tightly rolled cinnamon sticks, adding warm brown hues to the scene. In the background, two clear mugs filled with a dark liquid sit on the white marbled textured surface, adding depth and a cozy atmosphere to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and frying.

What type of oil is best for frying these donuts?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without imparting extra flavors.