Warm, fluffy, and utterly irresistible, Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are a home baker’s dream come true. Each bite is perfectly pillowy on the inside with a golden, crisp exterior all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of sweet cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at brunch, treat yourself with an afternoon snack, or simply want an excuse to fill your kitchen with the scent of fresh doughnuts, this recipe is pure comfort. One twist and you’ll be hooked!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts lies in their simple lineup of ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating the ultimate texture and flavor. With pantry staples and a few fresh additions, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bake magic at home.

Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Activates the yeast and adds richness, making your doughnuts soft and tender.
Active dry yeast (or instant yeast): Gives these doughnuts their light, airy lift and signature rise.
Granulated sugar (for dough and coating): Sweetens the dough and caramelizes the exterior for that satisfying crunch.
Large egg, room temperature: Helps bind the dough and adds a pleasant richness to every bite.
All-purpose flour: The structure behind every fluffy doughnut—measure carefully for best results.
Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings forward the doughnut’s flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: Layers in a luxurious moisture and extra flavor, making each doughnut melt in your mouth.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral, high smoke-point oil for perfectly golden frying.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the sugar coating and gives these doughnuts their nostalgic aroma.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by warming your milk to 110°F—it should feel just warm to the touch, not hot. Combine this with the yeast and a touch of granulated sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it five minutes to bloom; you’ll see foamy bubbles form, telling you the yeast is ready to work its magic. Whisk in your room temperature egg until the mixture is smooth and unified.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk your flour and kosher salt to distribute the salt evenly. Using your mixer’s dough hook on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture. Once the dough starts to form, toss in another third. Add your softened butter one tablespoon at a time, making sure each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finish with the last bit of flour, scraping down the bowl as needed. Once things look cohesive, turn the speed up a bit and knead for 3 to 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth, soft, and perhaps slightly sticky—but resist the urge to add extra flour.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your dough into a generously greased bowl, making sure it’s lightly coated so it doesn’t stick or dry out. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for doubled size and a puffed, pillowy texture—your patience will be rewarded.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnut Twists

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Pop it onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Keep the dough covered with a towel as you work to prevent drying. Take one piece at a time and roll it into a 14-inch rope. Place both hands at either end: roll one hand forward and the other backward to twist. Pinch the ends, lift the rope at the center, and let the twist naturally braid together. Place each twist on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover loosely while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Second Rise

Let the shaped dough rest on the counter for about 8 to 10 minutes. This gives them a little more volume as you heat your oil to just the right temperature, making for ultra-tender Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Set a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and fill it with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil. Attach a kitchen thermometer and bring the oil to 350°F. Fry two or three twists at a time, taking care not to overcrowd your pan. Cook each side for about 95 seconds or until gorgeously golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried doughnuts onto a paper towel-lined sheet to drain. Remember, the oil temperature dips when you add doughnuts, so keep a close eye and adjust heat as needed.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix your remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. While your doughnuts are still warm, toss each generously in the cinnamon sugar until every curve and twist is covered. Don’t wait too long or the sugar won’t stick as well—the magic happens when they’re fresh from the fryer!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

Garnishes

When it comes to Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts, the cinnamon sugar coating is already a showstopper, but you can add a gentle drizzle of honey or a dusting of edible gold for a fun, festive touch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze of vanilla icing can also add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, especially for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your doughnuts with a hot mug of coffee, spiced chai, or a steamy hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food moment. For a more decadent breakfast or brunch spread, a bowl of fresh fruit, yogurt parfait, or even a creamy latte makes the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts the star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your doughnuts piled high on a rustic cake stand, or thread them onto a wooden skewer for a whimsical centerpiece. For parties, offer an assortment of dipping sauces—think chocolate ganache, caramel, or fruit compote. You can even tuck them into parchment-lined baskets for a vintage bakery vibe, or box up a few for friends to spread the joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, keep them as fresh as possible by storing the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about a day, though the sugar coating is at its best right after frying. To reduce stickiness, place parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

These doughnuts freeze beautifully! Let any extras cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to two months. For the best texture, frost with cinnamon sugar only after reheating.

Reheating

To bring your doughnuts back to life, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 7-10 minutes or until warm and soft. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature first. Finish with a toss in fresh cinnamon sugar to recapture that just-fried sparkle and crunch.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the result is every bit as delicious and well worth the effort.

What if I don’t have a kitchen thermometer for frying?

If you don’t have a thermometer, try the wooden spoon trick: dip the end of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form steadily around it, your oil is hot enough. Stay attentive, though, as temperature fluctuation is common.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives you the classic doughnut taste and texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They’ll be a bit denser but still delicious—toss in cinnamon sugar while warm!

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when shaping?

Lightly flour your work surface and your hands, and keep a dough scraper handy. If your dough feels unmanageable, let it rest uncovered for a minute before shaping; a bit of patience works wonders.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be prepared and allowed to rise in the fridge overnight. Pull it out and allow to come to room temperature before shaping and frying for ultra-fresh Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts in the morning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for pure, homemade joy, these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are about to become your new go-to treat. Every batch fills your kitchen with warmth and brings a huge, sugary smile to anyone lucky enough to try one. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give these a whirl soon and taste the magic!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of sugar in a twisted, fried doughnut. Perfect for breakfast or as a special dessert!

Instructions

Doughnuts: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in the egg until incorporated.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Attach the dough hook attachment to the stand mixer. With the mixer running on low, add 1/3 of the flour mixture. Once the dough starts to come together, add another 1/3 of the flour mixture. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the remaining 1/3 of the flour mixture.
Once the dough starts to form, increase the mixer speed to medium. Knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft. Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl. Cover and allow it to rest for 30-45 minutes until doubled in volume.
Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal parts. Stretch and roll each piece into a 14-inch strip. Twist the dough and form into doughnut shapes. Allow to rest for 8-10 minutes.
Heat oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts for 95 seconds on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss warm doughnuts in the mixture until coated.
Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts while warm!

Notes

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure perfectly cooked doughnuts.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating to suit your taste preferences.
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American