Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of warm, golden pastries that whisper of cozy mornings and sweet delights, you absolutely have to try these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts. Each bite is a celebration of pillowy-soft dough, a kiss of aromatic cinnamon, and an irresistible sugar crunch. With their playful twisted shape and nostalgic flavor, Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts turn any kitchen into your favorite bakery in just over an hour. They’re surprisingly simple, rewarding to make, and guaranteed to win fans, whether you serve them for breakfast, a special brunch, or a well-deserved treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these glorious Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts will remind you how magical just a handful of pantry staples can be. Each ingredient has its own important role, bringing unbeatable flavor, lift, and that classic doughnut tenderness.

• Whole Milk: Warmed to the perfect temperature, milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The key to fluffy, light doughnuts; ensures the dough rises beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and forms the sparkling cinnamon sugar coating.
• Large Egg: Gives the dough structure so it stays soft, tender, and rich.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these twists, providing just the right bite for doughnuts.
• Kosher Salt: Balances all the sweetness and elevates the flavor of every bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Makes the dough super supple and gives that unmistakable bakery taste.
• Vegetable Oil: The ideal neutral oil for frying, guaranteeing crisp, golden results.
• Ground Cinnamon: Blended into sugar, it brings warmth and a nostalgic aroma we all crave in a doughnut.
• Cinnamon Sugar: That final enchanting touch—the perfect sweet, crunchy finish for each twist.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing the warmed milk, yeast, and a sprinkle of sugar right in the bowl of your stand mixer. This little pause lets the yeast wake up and get foamy, promising light, fluffy doughnuts every time.

Step 2: Build the Dough

Now whisk in the egg, then grab a separate bowl to combine your flour and salt. With the mixer on low and the dough hook in place, add that flour mixture in thirds. After the first third has blended in, add another third, then introduce the softened butter a tablespoon at a time—let each bit work its way in before adding more. Things get wonderfully sticky, but don’t worry! Scrape down the bowl and finish with the last portion of flour.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Let your mixer do the muscle work here—flip it to medium speed and let the dough hook knead for 3 to 5 minutes. You want a smooth, satiny dough that’s still a bit tacky. No need for extra flour; that softness is the secret to delicate Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, swirl it around to coat, and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Give it 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature, until it’s puffed up and doubled in size. That patient rest gives your doughnuts their signature airiness.

Step 5: Shape and Twist

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 even pieces. Working one piece at a time, gently roll it into a long 14-inch rope. To form the twist, roll one end upward and the other downward using each hand—watch the dough spiral like magic! Lift the middle, let the tension twist it together, pinch the ends, and set each twist on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep them loosely covered while you repeat with the rest.

Step 6: Final Rise & Heat the Oil

Let the shaped doughnuts rest for 8 to 10 minutes so they puff up just a bit more while you heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Use a thermometer and aim for a steady 350°F for perfectly golden results.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Bliss

Carefully drop two or three doughnut twists into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pot! Fry for 95 seconds on each side, watching them turn beautifully golden brown. Lift them out onto a paper towel–lined tray to drain, keeping an eye that the oil temperature stays steady as you go.

Step 8: Dust with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish, then—while the twists are still warm—toss and roll each doughnut in the sweet, spiced coating. This finishing touch makes the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts utterly irresistible. Enjoy them right away, when they’re freshest and most magical!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

Garnishes

A warm doughnut twist is heaven on its own, but try a delicate dusting of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving. A quick drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar can be fun extras. If you’re serving at a party, a little chocolate or caramel sauce on the side looks—and tastes—amazing.

Side Dishes

Pour yourself a mug of strong coffee, homemade hot chocolate, or spicy chai—these doughnuts love a good dip! Balance the sweetness with a bowl of fresh berries, or for brunch, pair them with a cheesy egg bake or crispy bacon for the perfect salty-sweet combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts high on a pretty platter, stack them in a pyramid, or thread them onto a skewer for a playful display. Try serving them in mini parchment cones at brunch for a grab-and-go treat, or arrange them on a wooden board with spreads, fruits, and whipped cream for a stunning breakfast centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are truly best enjoyed on the day they’re made, but if you find yourself with leftovers, just tuck them into an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. They’ll keep their soft texture for a few hours, and a quick warm-up revives any lost magic.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze any leftover (cooled) doughnuts! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then slip them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready for whenever doughnut cravings strike. Hold off on rolling in cinnamon sugar until after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, let doughnuts thaw at room temperature (if frozen), then pop them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Roll in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating for that just-fried taste.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely. Instant yeast works perfectly in this recipe and doesn’t require proofing in warm milk—simply mix it right in with the dry ingredients if you prefer.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes things easier, you can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon and knead it on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. It’s a good arm workout, but totally worth it.

What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?

A neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best. These oils fry the doughnuts evenly, letting their sweet cinnamon flavor shine through.

How do I avoid greasy doughnuts?

Keep your oil at a steady 350°F—if it’s too cold, the dough soaks up oil; if it’s too hot, the outsides brown too fast. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches for best results.

Can I make the dough and refrigerate overnight?

Yes! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping, then proceed as usual for fresh Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend treat-seeker, there’s nothing quite like the joy of making Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts from scratch. Gather your supplies and get ready for the kind of homemade comfort that only freshly baked doughnuts can deliver—your kitchen will smell incredible, and you may never look at store-bought doughnuts the same way again!

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