There is nothing quite as comforting and utterly delightful as homemade fried dough, especially when it comes to this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy twists of dough freshly fried to golden perfection, then lavishly coated in that irresistible blend of cinnamon and sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of sweet spice and melt-in-your-mouth texture—a joyous treat that’s wonderful for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a little sweet magic. This recipe makes 12 servings, enough to share or to savor throughout the day, filling your kitchen with warm, fragrant goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect doughnut texture, flavor, and golden-brown color. From the active yeast that gives life to the dough to the cinnamon sugar that adds the final sweet crunch, every item counts.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Key for activating the yeast and ensuring a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The magical raising agent that makes the dough light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough to feed the yeast and in the coating for sweetness.
- Large egg, room temperature: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The main building block for the dough’s structure and chew.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the dough with moisture and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: The cooking medium that crisps the doughnuts evenly.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to the sugar coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—just the right temperature to wake up your yeast without killing it. Combine the warm milk with yeast and a little sugar in your mixer’s bowl, then let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This foaming is a fantastic sign that your yeast is alive and ready to create that classic airy dough. Whisk in the egg thoroughly to join the wet ingredients together.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your yeast mixture is coming to life, whisk together the flour and kosher salt in a separate large bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of salt, which is important for balanced flavor and a nicely structured dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Butter
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and slowly add about one-third of the flour mix to the yeast batter on low speed. As the dough starts forming, add another third of the flour mixture. Then gradually work in the softened butter, tablespoon by tablespoon, mixing well after each—though the dough will feel sticky, don’t be tempted to add more flour just yet. Finish by adding the last third of the flour. Scrape down your bowl when needed to keep everything well combined.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Increase your mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for roughly 3 to 5 minutes until it’s smooth and soft. The dough may stick slightly to the bowl but should easily come off with a scraper. This kneading step develops the gluten, giving your doughnuts that perfect chewy texture without toughness.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a generous, greased bowl, then cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Watching the dough nearly double is always exciting because it’s a sure sign of a successful rise and a fluffy end result.
Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts
Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces on a floured surface. Work with one piece at a time, rolling each into a 14-inch rope. To make the twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward, the other downward—this creates a lovely braid as the dough naturally twists. Pinch the ends to seal and place your twists on parchment-lined baking sheets, loosely covering them to rest.
Step 7: Second Rise
Let these twisted beauties rest for another 8 to 10 minutes while you prepare your frying setup. This short rise is key to keeping the dough light and giving it one last puff before frying.
Step 8: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F—a kitchen thermometer helps keep the temp steady. Fry two or three doughnut twists at once, about 95 seconds on each side, until they’re gloriously golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil, watching the oil temperature so it doesn’t fluctuate too much between batches.
Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar and Coat
While the doughnuts cool slightly, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar generously, coating every crevice in sweet spice. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp taste and texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already divine treat, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a shiny, sweet finish. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also add a lovely touch of sweetness and color.
Side Dishes
These twists pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. You can also serve alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt dip for a balanced spread that’s perfect for brunch or an indulgent snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the doughnut twists in a circular pattern on a platter and place a small bowl of warm dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel in the middle. Or thread them through decorative skewers for an edible centerpiece that invites everyone to grab a twist and share the love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The best way to keep these doughnuts fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps retain their softness while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delicious twists later, freeze them after frying and coating, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen doughnuts at room temperature, then warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer warmth and softness.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe?
Yes! Instant yeast can be used interchangeably with active dry yeast in this recipe. It usually doesn’t require proofing and can be added directly to the flour, but since this recipe activates yeast in the milk mixture, you can treat them similarly for best results.
What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other good options include canola or peanut oil.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While baking is a healthier alternative, it won’t give you the same crisp golden exterior or that classic fried dough texture. If you’d like to try baking, make sure to brush them with butter and bake at a high temperature, but frying is recommended for authentic results.
Why is the dough sticky after adding butter?
The dough will be sticky because butter adds moisture and richness to the dough. Resist the urge to add extra flour; the stickiness leads to a lighter, softer finished doughnut.
How can I tell when the doughnuts are done frying?
Look for a deep golden brown color on each side, which usually takes around 95 seconds per side at 350°F. The twists should float to the top easily and feel puffed up when fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about making Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe from scratch. Every step, from that first yeast activation to the final toss in fragrant cinnamon sugar, feels like celebrating the joy of baking and sharing. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting friends and family, this recipe promises warm, sweet comfort in every twist. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll quickly see why these doughnuts become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- 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 irresistibly sweet treats. Made from a yeasted dough that’s rolled, twisted, and deep-fried until golden brown, then coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture for the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Ideal for breakfast or a special dessert, these doughnuts combine the classic flavors and textures of traditional doughnuts with a fun twisted shape that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
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 (2 to 3 inches deep in a heavy-bottomed 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. As the dough begins to come together, add another third of the flour. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition—the dough will be sticky at this point. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, add the remaining flour and continue mixing to combine.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. The dough might still stick slightly to the bowl but should be manageable and easy to scrape off. Avoid adding extra flour to keep the dough tender.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Gently deflate the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and loosely cover them with a towel. Take one piece at a time and roll it into a 14-inch rope. Twist the rope by holding both ends and rolling one hand upward while rolling the other downward, letting the dough naturally braid. Pinch the ends together to secure the twist and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover the shaped twists and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough twists to rest and slightly rise for 8-10 minutes while you prepare for frying.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium until it reaches 350°F, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. Fry two to three doughnut twists at a time, cooking each side for approximately 95 seconds or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Keep an eye on the oil temperature and adjust as necessary between batches.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the fried doughnuts drain and cool slightly, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, mixing thoroughly.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not add extra flour during kneading to keep doughnuts light and soft.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and proper cooking.
- Fry in small batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping too much and doughnuts absorbing excess oil.
- Consume doughnuts soon after frying for optimal freshness and crispness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in a low oven or air fryer for best texture.
