Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts straight from your own kitchen, this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine golden, pillowy twists dusted with a sparkling coat of cinnamon sugar, each bite giving you that perfect balance of crunch and fluff. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet treat for friends, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something truly magical. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon and warm dough!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is how it makes the most out of simple, everyday staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role in giving these doughnuts their signature flavor, texture, and golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Active dry yeast: The key to light, airy doughnuts—this helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and ensures the cinnamon sugar coating is delightfully crisp.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and flavor, making every bite indulgent.
- Large egg: Adds structure and a touch of richness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your doughnuts just the right amount of chew.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make this perfect for crisp, golden twists.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Ensures a sweet, crunchy exterior when paired with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the doughnuts with warmth and spice, making them truly irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving your active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy. This step is like waking up the yeast—it’s how you ensure your doughnuts turn out light, fluffy, and absolutely dreamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, and your lively yeast mixture. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If you’ve never made dough before, don’t stress—it’ll come together easily and feel smooth in your hands.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, working it until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, pop it into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. This is when your dough doubles in size and gets that irresistible pillowy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Twists
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into strips roughly 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. Give each strip a gentle twist and place them on a parchment-lined tray. This is where the fun and creativity comes in—every twist will be uniquely yours!
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover your shaped doughnuts and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This final rise ensures they’ll puff up beautifully when fried, guaranteeing a light interior and golden exterior.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F and fry the twists in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pot—give each twist room to dance in the hot oil. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in your homemade cinnamon sugar mix. This is what gives the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe its signature sparkle and flavor—don’t be shy with that coating!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple and delicious finish, serve your twists piled high on a platter, dusted with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. If you want to get a little fancy, a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of elegance. Fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream on the side make these doughnuts truly celebration-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe with a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for the ultimate breakfast treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a savory egg dish to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your doughnuts into a show-stopping centerpiece by stacking them on a cake stand or threading them onto skewers for a fun twist display. Pack them into a pretty box lined with parchment for a homemade gift, or serve them in paper cones for a playful, fair-style dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any twists left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft, but that fresh-from-the-fryer taste is always best on day one—so invite friends to share the joy!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your doughnuts: simply let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. For best results, wait to coat with cinnamon sugar until after reheating.
Reheating
To revive that warm, just-fried magic, pop your doughnuts in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This will refresh the exterior without drying out the inside. If you’ve frozen them, reheat straight from the freezer and then toss in a fresh batch of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal measure. Just skip the activation step and mix it directly with your dry ingredients—your doughnuts will still rise beautifully.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
While baking is an option, you won’t get quite the same airy, crisp texture. If you want to try it, bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, but be sure to brush them with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
Can I make the dough ahead and fry later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the twists, and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bring them to room temperature before frying for the best results with this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe.
What’s the best oil for frying doughnuts?
Vegetable oil works wonderfully thanks to its high smoke point and neutral taste, but you can also use canola or sunflower oil for similar results.
How can I make these doughnuts vegan?
Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). The Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is easy to adapt for everyone!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, give this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe a try. Nothing beats the joy of homemade, still-warm doughnuts, and this recipe makes it totally doable (and completely delicious). Grab your ingredients, gather your favorite people, and let the sweet, cinnamon-scented fun begin!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts, a perfect sweet breakfast or dessert treat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these twisted doughnuts are coated with a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend for an irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, signaling the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Doughnuts: Punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into strips approximately 6 inches long and 1 inch wide, then twist each strip gently.
- Second Rise: Arrange the twisted strips on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough depth for frying doughnuts.
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry the twisted doughnuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Coat: Remove the doughnuts and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a quicker version, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used to skip the rising time.
- Doughnuts are freshest the day they’re made but can be reheated in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh texture.
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to prevent oily or unevenly cooked doughnuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
