If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and spice in every bite, look no further than this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside twists are infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and coated in a sparkling sugar dusting that makes every mouthful a celebration. Whether you are baking for a cozy brunch or a special occasion, this recipe brings classic comfort food right to your kitchen with an inviting twist, literally. Get ready to fall in love and impress friends and family with these irresistibly delicious doughnuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients are all it takes to create these incredible doughnut twists. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender crumb texture to the perfectly crisp finish and that iconic cinnamon sugar coating.
- Whole milk, warmed: Provides moisture and richness to ensure a tender dough.
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The essential agent that helps the dough rise and become airy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds a slight richness.
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure and gives the dough the perfect chewiness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, providing golden, crispy doughnuts without overpowering flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm, comforting spice to the sugar coating.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by waking up the yeast with warm milk and a touch of sugar. Letting this mixture sit until it’s delightfully foamy guarantees your dough will rise fully, making it light and airy. Then whisk in the egg, which enriches the dough and helps it hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. This mixture forms the sturdy base for your dough, while the salt highlights the sweetness and spices you’ll add later.
Step 3: Mix and Add Butter
Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, slowly incorporate the flour into the wet mixture in thirds. Adding softened butter tablespoon by tablespoon creates an irresistibly soft, slightly sticky dough that will yield tender twists with a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This 3-5 minute process develops gluten, which is key to achieving that ideal chewy bite without being tough.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and cover it up to rise at room temperature. As it doubles in size, it transforms into a fluffy, airy base ready for shaping.
Step 6: Shape Your Twists
Deflate the risen dough gently, then divide it into 12 pieces. Each piece rolls into a long rope, then twists by rolling your hands in opposite directions. Pinching the ends seals the twist and sets the stage for frying a doughnut that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 7: Rest and Heat the Oil
Allow your dough twists to rest briefly as you heat oil to the perfect frying temperature. This short rest helps the dough relax for an even fry.
Step 8: Fry Until Golden
Carefully fry the twists in batches, turning them after about 95 seconds to develop that signature golden crust. Draining excess oil on paper towels ensures every bite is crisp without being greasy.
Step 9: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the doughnuts cool ever so slightly, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish for easy coating.
Step 10: Toss and Serve
Coat your warm doughnut twists thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar. The heat helps the sugar stick perfectly, creating a shiny, aromatic glaze that beckons you to dive right in.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar or drizzle a light vanilla glaze over the twists. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves on the side add a burst of color and freshness that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon sugar doughnuts pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a frothy chai latte. For a brunch spread, add scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad for a balanced, hearty meal that’s still indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your doughnut twists stacked in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful kitchen towel or on a beautiful wooden board. For parties, offer small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, caramel, or a cream cheese frosting to dip the twists, turning this simple dessert into a fun interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place your doughnut twists in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, perfect for those who want to savor them slowly.
Freezing
You can freeze your doughnut twists after frying and cooling. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy your favorite Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe anytime without the wait.
Reheating
To refresh frozen twists, thaw them at room temperature, then warm them briefly in a low oven or toaster oven until slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the doughnuts soggy instead of light and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I make the doughnuts without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand with a bit more elbow grease. Just be sure to knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
Why is the yeast important in this recipe?
Yeast is what makes the dough rise, creating those tender, airy pockets inside the doughnuts that give them their light texture. Without yeast, the dough would be dense and heavy.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While frying creates the classic crisp exterior and rich flavor, you can bake the twists in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown. They’ll be less crispy but still delicious.
How do I know the oil is the right temperature for frying?
Using a kitchen thermometer is the best way to monitor oil temperature at around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, doughnuts will burn outside and stay raw inside; too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
Can I substitute the cinnamon for another spice?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice blends for a delightful twist on the classic Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling fresh, warm doughnut twists out of the fryer and tossing them in cinnamon sugar, and this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is a sure way to bring that joy to your kitchen. Whether you are treating yourself on a weekend morning or surprising guests with a homemade delight, these doughnuts are guaranteed to become an all-time favorite. Go ahead, try the recipe, and watch the smiles appear with every twist and bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnut twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened treats made from a tender yeasted dough twisted into elegant shapes and fried to golden perfection. Coated generously in cinnamon sugar, they deliver classic doughnut flavors with a delightful homemade touch, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (2 to 3 inches depth)
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 it becomes foamy. Then whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate flour and butter: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. On low speed, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture. As the dough begins to form, add another one-third. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, ensuring the dough is sticky but coming together. Scrape down the bowl as needed, then add the final third of flour and continue mixing.
- Knead the dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft. It may stick to the bowl sides but should scrape off easily. Avoid adding extra flour during this step to maintain softness.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the twists: Gently deflate the risen dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions and loosely cover with a towel. Take one piece at a time and roll into a 14-inch rope. Hold both ends and twist by rolling one hand upward and the other downward. Let the tension form a natural braid, pinch the ends to seal, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Rest shaped dough: Allow the doughnut twists to rest for 8 to 10 minutes while preparing the oil for frying.
- Heat oil: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium until the temperature reaches 350°F (use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy).
- Fry doughnuts: Fry two to three twists at a time, cooking each side for approximately 95 seconds or until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Keep an eye on oil temperature and adjust heat as necessary between batches.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: While the doughnuts cool slightly, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat doughnuts: Toss the warm doughnut twists in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Do not add extra flour after initial mixing to keep the dough light and tender.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature during frying for crisp, non-greasy doughnuts.
- It’s best to fry a few doughnuts at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy doughnuts.
- Serve doughnuts fresh and warm for optimal taste and texture; they are best eaten the same day.
