Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are soft, fluffy, golden-fried donuts twisted into fun shapes and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix. These donuts are a perfect homemade treat—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of warm, cozy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these twist donuts bring a playful spin to the classic cinnamon sugar combo. Twisting the dough gives them a beautiful bakery-style look, and the simple coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether I’m serving them fresh for breakfast or treating myself to a mid-day snack, they always feel like something special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Instant yeast

• Salt

• Whole milk (warm)

• Egg

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Vanilla extract

For frying:

• Oil (vegetable or canola, for deep frying)

For the coating:

• Granulated sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Melted butter (optional, for extra coating adhesion)

Directions

1. I start by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until foamy.

2. I stir in the egg, vanilla, and softened butter, then gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

3. I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

4. Once risen, I roll out the dough into a large rectangle and cut it into strips.

5. I take two strips, twist them together, and pinch the ends to seal, repeating until all twists are formed.

6. I let the shaped donuts rise again for about 30 minutes while I heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

7. I fry the donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and puffed, then drain them on paper towels.

8. While still warm, I brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 twist donuts. It takes 20 minutes to prep, 1.5 hours to rise, and 15–20 minutes to fry and finish—ready in just over 2 hours.

Variations

Sometimes I stuff the dough strips with a bit of Nutella or cream cheese before twisting. For a more indulgent version, I drizzle them with vanilla glaze or dip them in melted chocolate. I’ve also made mini versions for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their softness.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I bake them at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, then brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar. They’re not quite as crisp but still delicious.

Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes, I dissolve active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it proof for about 5–10 minutes before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.

Why do I twist the dough?

The twist adds texture and visual appeal—it also gives the coating more surface area to stick to, making every bite flavorful.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I freeze them after frying but before coating. I reheat them, brush with butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving.

What’s the best oil for frying?

I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil. I monitor the temperature with a thermometer to ensure even frying.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are the ultimate homemade treat—fun to make, beautiful to look at, and irresistible to eat. The soft, fluffy dough, warm spice, and sweet coating make every bite a delight. Whether I’m making them for a weekend breakfast or a special gathering, they always bring smiles to the table.