Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts represent a delightful pastry that enhances ordinary breakfast moments into sweet, memorable experiences.

These spiral-shaped treats capture the essence of comfort and indulgence with their golden, crispy exterior.

Soft, pillowy dough gets expertly enhanceed through careful techniques that elevate simple ingredients into something magical.

Warm spices dance across the surface, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons anyone nearby.

Light and airy textures contrast beautifully with the rich, caramelized sugar coating that provides a delicate crunch.

Homemade doughnuts offer a personal touch that store-bought versions can never replicate, making them a special weekend project.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts That Feel Like Bakery Morning Magic

• Savor Delightful Homemade Texture: These doughnuts offer a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, pillowy inside that melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible contrast of textures.
• Enjoy Foolproof Baking Method: The step-by-step process makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, with clear instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Experience Quick Weekend Treat: From start to finish, these cinnamon sugar twists can be prepared in under two hours, making them an ideal lazy weekend morning project that fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas.
• Indulge in Nostalgic Comfort: The classic cinnamon sugar coating brings back memories of childhood bakery treats, delivering a familiar and heartwarming flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients to Twist and Fry the Perfect Cinnamon Doughnuts

• Whole Milk: Warm milk activates yeast and helps create soft, tender dough texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and developing light, airy doughnut structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps yeast fermentation process.
• Large Egg: Adds richness, structure, and helps bind ingredients together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for doughnut with consistent protein content.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor, moisture, and creates tender doughnut crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil perfect for deep frying doughnuts.
• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic sweet-spicy coating for final doughnut finish, providing traditional flavor profile.

Instructions for Dough That’s Fluffy, Sweet, and Golden

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.

Whisk in the egg completely.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Salt

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, incorporating each addition fully before adding the next.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue mixing on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature until it doubles in size, approximately 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Shape Twisted Treats

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 14-inch strip and twist into a delightful doughnut shape.

Allow twisted strips to rest for 8-10 minutes before frying.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for about 95 seconds until achieving a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Thoroughly coat warm doughnuts in the sweet, spicy mixture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve doughnuts immediately while warm and crispy for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Get Crisp Edges and a Soft, Spiced Center

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating a perfect frothy base for soft, fluffy doughnuts.
• Achieve Dough Perfection: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky, indicating proper gluten development for tender texture.
• Control Frying Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil heat, preventing greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
• Prevent Dough Sticking: Dust work surfaces lightly with flour and use a bench scraper to handle delicate twisted dough without tearing.
• Maximize Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Dip warm doughnuts immediately after frying to help the sweet-spicy mixture adhere perfectly, creating a delightful crispy exterior.

Store and Warm Doughnuts Without Losing Their Texture

• Refrigerate: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain their crispy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicious flavor and soft interior.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed doughnuts in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and tough. Sprinkle with fresh cinnamon sugar right before serving to revive their original delightful taste.

Coffee and Dips That Love These Cinnamon Twists

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these warm, crispy cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the sweet and spicy notes of the pastry.
• Indulge in Creamy Contrast: A cold glass of vanilla bean milkshake provides a smooth, cool counterpoint to the warm, sugary doughnuts, creating a delightful taste sensation.
• Elevate with Spiced Chai: A fragrant, spiced chai latte echoes the cinnamon flavors in the doughnuts, enhancing the overall warmth and comfort of the dessert experience.
• Fresh Fruit Freshness: Serve alongside a small side of fresh berries or sliced peaches to add a light, tangy brightness that cuts through the doughnuts' richness.

Variations That Add Creamy Fillings or Extra Crunch

• Chocolate Drizzle Doughnuts: Enhance the classic cinnamon sugar doughnuts by melting dark chocolate and drizzling it over the warm pastries. Sprinkle extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a rich, decadent touch.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Crush toasted almonds or pecans and mix them into the cinnamon sugar coating. Roll the freshly fried doughnuts in the nutty mixture for added texture and depth of flavor.
• Berry Burst Doughnuts: Create a quick berry compote by simmering fresh strawberries or raspberries with a touch of sugar. Serve the warm doughnuts with a side of fruity sauce for dipping or drizzle the compote over the top.
• Maple Glazed Version: Replace the cinnamon sugar with a smooth maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup. Drizzle generously over the warm doughnuts for a sweet, Canadian-inspired treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts deliver a delightful dance of sweet warmth and crispy texture. Homemade pastry comfort comes alive with golden-brown spirals coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar, promising pure indulgence that melts in your mouth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

Leavening and Sweetening Agents:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Seasoning and Coating:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by blending warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer. Let the mixture develop a frothy texture for approximately 5 minutes, confirming the yeast’s vitality.
2. Incorporate the egg thoroughly into the activated yeast mixture, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
3. Sift flour and salt together in a separate large bowl. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, mixing at low speed and allowing each portion to fully integrate before adding the next.
4. Incrementally fold in softened butter, one tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing on medium speed until the dough achieves a silky, slightly tacky texture, which typically takes 3-5 minutes.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased container, covering it completely. Allow the dough to proof at room temperature until it expands to double its original volume, roughly 30-45 minutes.
6. Gently release the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 uniform portions, rolling each segment into elongated 14-inch strips.
7. Carefully twist each strip into classic doughnut shapes, then let them rest for 8-10 minutes to stabilize their structure.
8. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F. Carefully submerge the twisted dough in batches, frying each side until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 95 seconds per side.
9. Blend granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Generously coat the freshly fried, warm doughnuts with the aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Serve the doughnuts immediately while they retain maximum crispness and warmth, guaranteeing an optimal culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep ahead becomes a breeze by mixing dry ingredients the night before, ensuring quick morning assembly.
• Yeast activation depends on warm milk temperature, so use a thermometer to hit the perfect 110°F sweet spot.
• Twisting technique requires gentle hand movements, creating elegant spiral shapes that look professionally crafted.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg