Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Sweet, pillowy dough meets a heavenly cinnamon sugar twist doughnut that melts in your mouth.

These golden-brown treats promise pure bakery-style magic right from your kitchen.

Every bite delivers a delightful crunch of caramelized sugar and warm spice.

The delicate pastry swirls with rich, aromatic notes that dance across your palate.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these doughnuts turn an ordinary morning into a celebration of comfort.

Crisp on the outside and tender within, they beckon you to savor each delectable twist.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these doughnuts are the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Cinnamon Twist Doughnuts

• Whole Milk: Warm liquid activates yeast and creates soft, tender doughnut texture with rich, creamy undertones.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical microorganism that helps dough rise and develop delightful airy structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps yeast fermentation process.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients, adds richness, and contributes to golden doughnut color.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base providing structure and creating classic doughnut consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious moisture, tender crumb, and deep buttery nuance.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep-frying, creating crispy exterior and golden-brown finish.
• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates irresistible sweet-spicy coating that transforms plain doughnuts into crave-worthy treats. Select freshly ground cinnamon for maximum aromatic punch and vibrant flavor.

Equipment Needed to Fry Doughnuts

• Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough efficiently and creating smooth texture.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Heavy Pot or Deep Fryer: Crucial for safely frying doughnuts at consistent temperature.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients and incorporating egg.
• Wooden Spoon or Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape and mix dough ingredients.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches precise 350°F for perfect frying.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Helps remove doughnuts safely from hot oil.
• Shallow Dish: Used for coating doughnuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough into even strips.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Twist and Cook the Doughnuts

Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Twists

• Yeast Activation

Warm milk transforms into a bubbly magic potion when mixed with yeast, creating the foundation for our delectable treats. Let the mixture sit and watch it come alive with frothy excitement.

• Dough Creation

Blend flour and salt into a soft, pillowy mixture. Gently incorporate eggs and butter, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and silky. The texture should feel like a warm cloud in your hands.

• Dough Transformation

Allow the dough to rest and grow, doubling in size like a culinary superhero. This resting period helps develop rich, complex flavors and tender texture.

• Twist Formation

Roll the dough into elegant, slender strips. Gracefully twist each piece, creating beautiful spirals that will become crispy, golden delights. Let the twisted strips relax for a few moments before their big adventure.

• Frying Magic

Carefully lower the twists into hot oil, watching them dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Each twist will transform into a crispy, puffy wonder in just moments.

• Cinnamon Sugar Embrace

Lovingly coat the warm twists in a sweet, fragrant mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The warm pastry will eagerly capture every delicious spice crystal, creating an irresistible coating.

• Serving Celebration

Enjoy these heavenly twists immediately, while they’re still warm and crispy. Share with friends and watch their faces light up with pure joy.

Tips for Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• Sweet Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for an intense flavor punch that adds delightful texture and warmth to every bite.
• Dough Texture Trick: Allow the dough to rest slightly longer during rising time for softer, more pillowy doughnuts that melt in your mouth with incredible lightness.
• Storage Smart Tip: Keep leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, re-crisp them quickly in a warm oven for fresh-like texture.
• Ingredient Swap Magic: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty undertone and slight nutritional boost without compromising the doughnut's delicate structure.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spice blends like cardamom or nutmeg mixed into the cinnamon sugar coating to create unique taste experiences that surprise and delight your taste buds.

Serving the Doughnuts While Fresh

• Sweet Morning Gathering: Invite friends over for a cozy breakfast and serve these warm, golden twists alongside fresh coffee. The aroma will draw everyone to the table, creating a delightful shared moment.
• Dessert Centerpiece: Place these cinnamon sugar doughnuts on a rustic wooden board for a stunning after-dinner treat. Dust with extra cinnamon sugar and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these twists in a wicker basket for an outdoor adventure. Wrap them individually in parchment paper to keep them fresh and easy to grab during a park outing or beach day.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Create a breakfast spread with these doughnuts as the star attraction. Pair them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a selection of jams for a decadent weekend brunch experience that will impress family and friends.

Storage for Extra Doughnuts

• Quick Snack Prep: Whip up these doughnuts on weekend mornings for a delightful family breakfast treat. Make extra batches to share with neighbors or bring to weekend gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a tasty bite.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, but consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and crispy texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and quickly reheat in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispy exterior.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Enjoy these doughnuts within 2 hours of cooking for the most incredible taste and texture. Warm briefly in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes if they've cooled down, bringing back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic.

Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts blend sweet nostalgia with classic bakery charm. Crisp exterior and tender interior make these treats irresistible for anyone craving a delightful breakfast or dessert companion you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (946 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 6 tbsps (84 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 3 tbsps (36 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer, allowing the mixture to develop a frothy texture for 5 minutes to confirm yeast’s vitality.
2. Dough Formation: Blend the activated yeast with egg, then gradually incorporate sifted flour and salt, mixing at low speed. Fold in softened butter until the dough becomes silky and slightly tacky.
3. First Proofing: Transfer the dough to a greased container, covering completely. Let it rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, approximately 30-45 minutes.
4. Dough Shaping: Roll out the dough on a floured surface, dividing into 12 elongated strips. Twist each strip into classic doughnut shapes and allow to rest for 8-10 minutes.
5. Frying Process: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully fry the twisted dough in batches, achieving a rich golden-brown color by cooking approximately 95 seconds per side.
6. Final Coating: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Generously coat the freshly fried, warm doughnuts with the aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Serving: Present the doughnuts immediately while crisp and warm to ensure the most delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can result in dense, flat doughnuts.
• Dough Consistency Check: The perfect dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour sparingly if too wet.
• Proofing Precision: Room temperature matters—aim for 75-80°F for ideal dough expansion and texture development.
• Frying Temperature Control: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked doughnuts.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg