🍩 Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts
Soft, fluffy, golden twists coated in warm cinnamon sugar
Cinnamon sugar twist donuts are pure comfort. They combine everything we love about classic donuts—pillowy dough, deep-fried goodness, and a sweet spiced coating—but with a playful twisted shape that makes them extra special. These donuts are inspired by bakery-style yeast donuts, the kind that fill the kitchen with the irresistible smell of warm dough and cinnamon the moment they hit the oil.
The twist shape allows for extra crispy edges while keeping the center tender and light. Rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm, these donuts soak up sweetness in every groove. They’re simple enough to make at home, yet impressive enough to feel like a treat straight from a professional donut shop.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 10–12 donuts)
For the donut dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 43°C / 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For frying:
- Vegetable oil or sunflower oil (for deep frying)
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)
⏱️ Time Overview
- Preparation: 25 minutes
- Rising time: 1½–2 hours
- Frying: 10 minutes
- Total time: about 2½ hours
🥣 Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to create soft, airy donuts.
👉 Tip: If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the milk too hot or too cold.
🍞 Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
👉 Texture check: Press your finger gently into the dough—it should spring back slowly.
🌤️ Step 3: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise is what gives the donuts their light, fluffy texture.
🍩 Step 4: Shape the Twist Donuts
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
Cut the dough into strips about 15 cm (6 inches) long and 2 cm (¾ inch) wide. Take each strip, hold both ends, and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Pinch the ends gently to secure.
Place the twisted donuts on a parchment-lined tray, leaving space between them.
🌬️ Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped donuts loosely and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes. They should look slightly puffy but not overly expanded.
This second rise ensures the donuts fry evenly and stay tender inside.
🔥 Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts rise, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl or shallow dish. Set aside—this will be used to coat the donuts while they’re still warm.
🍳 Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pot or heavy skillet to 175–180°C (350°F). Use enough oil so the donuts can float freely.
Carefully lower 2–3 donuts into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and puffed.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place briefly on paper towels to drain excess oil.
👉 Key tip: Maintain a steady oil temperature. Too hot, and the donuts brown too fast; too cool, and they absorb oil.
✨ Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm (but not dripping with oil), roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar cling beautifully to every twist and groove.
For extra indulgence, you can coat them twice—once right away, and once again after a minute.
🍽️ How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior is at its peak.
Serve them:
- With coffee, latte, or hot chocolate
- For brunch alongside fresh fruit
- As a cozy afternoon treat
- As a party dessert arranged on a platter
They also make a wonderful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with string.
🌟 Variations & Creative Twists
- Apple-cinnamon: Add a pinch of apple pie spice to the sugar
- Chocolate drizzle: Finish with melted chocolate
- Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix
- Filled twists: Roll dough with cinnamon sugar before twisting
- Baked version: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
This cinnamon sugar twist donut recipe succeeds because:
- Yeast dough creates a light, airy crumb
- The twist shape adds texture and visual appeal
- Cinnamon sugar delivers instant comfort flavor
- Simple ingredients yield bakery-quality results
Every bite is warm, soft, sweet, and nostalgic—the kind of treat that feels like a hug.