If you’ve ever dreamed of a warm, golden doughnut that wraps you in a sugary hug, the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine fluffy homemade dough twisted into elegant spirals, fried to crisp perfection, then rolled in a sparkly coat of cinnamon sugar. These doughnuts deliver the enchantment of a bakery treat in your own kitchen, and let me tell you, each bite is packed with nostalgic comfort and a hint of magic. If you’ve got a craving for something sweet, a flair for a little hands-on fun, and an appreciation for irresistible doughnuts, this recipe is about to become a family favorite!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, from creating the soft, pillowy dough to forming that unforgettable, spicy-sweet finish. Don’t overlook the little details — they’re what set homemade doughnuts apart!

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons/1 packet): This is the secret to that gorgeous rise and the doughnuts’ airy texture.
Warm milk (3/4 cup, about 110°F): Warm (not hot) milk helps activate the yeast for a perfectly light crumb.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, plus 1/2 cup for coating): Some goes into the dough for subtle sweetness, and the rest creates the signature sugary sparkle on the outside.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and softness to the dough—you’ll taste the difference!
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash boosts aroma and brings a bakery-worthy depth of flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and brings the flavors together.
Large egg (1): Helps bind everything and gives the dough its lovely, tender bite.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups, plus more for dusting): Provides the structure; add just enough for a soft, workable dough.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral-tasting and reliable for crisp, golden cooking — don’t be skimpy!
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Spicy, aromatic, and absolutely essential for that classic cinnamon sugar coating.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving your yeast in warm milk in a large bowl—this makes sure your doughnuts puff up with that bakery-style fluffiness. Give it 5–10 minutes to get nice and foamy. When you see bubbles forming, you’ll know the yeast is awake and ready to go. This step sets you up for success.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add your sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything’s well combined, then slowly add the flour until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for smooth, elastic, slightly springy dough — it’s such a satisfying feeling!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and tuck it somewhere warm. Give it about 1 hour to double in size. Watching it swell and soften is such an exciting part of any homemade bread or doughnut adventure. Patience pays off here — don’t rush!

Step 4: Shape the Doughnut Twists

Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut it into strips roughly 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long. Now for the fun part: twist each strip a few times and pinch the ends together so they hold their pretty shape. Lay them on a floured baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let them rest for 20–30 minutes while you heat up the oil. This extra rest helps them puff even more in the fryer.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pan to 350°F (a thermometer makes this a breeze). Fry the twists in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Each doughnut only needs 1–2 minutes per side — they’ll balloon up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels. That aroma? Absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The sugar will stick in a light, sparkling layer, and the cinnamon will perfume your kitchen. This is what makes the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe so special — every twist is sweet, cozy, and impossible to resist.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

A fresh, warm twist is already delightful, but you can fancy things up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate. For an extra pop, a little citrus zest (orange or lemon) sprinkled overtop really brightens the flavors and adds color to your platter.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with big mugs of coffee, spiced chai, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving them for brunch, a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of Greek yogurt makes a wonderful contrast with the sweet, warm doughnuts. Their cinnamon sparkle adds a lovely balance to richer breakfast foods like bacon or savory egg dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

The joy of the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is that it’s perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions. For a festive twist, arrange the doughnut twists in a pretty basket lined with colorful napkins, or serve them on rustic wooden boards for a “farmer’s market” feel. You can even thread them onto skewers or stack them into a “doughnut tower” centerpiece for brunch or birthdays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While nothing beats a fresh doughnut twist, you can absolutely store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still be soft but may lose a bit of their initial crispness. If you want to keep them a touch longer, refrigerating is fine, but eat within three days for best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the twists cool completely and skip the cinnamon sugar coating at first. Place the plain doughnuts in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat. Roll in fresh cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm, and they’ll taste just-baked!

Reheating

For a homemade doughnut experience, pop twists into a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds if you’re in a hurry. If the sugar coating looks a bit tired, toss them with a little more cinnamon sugar after reheating, and they’ll be as good as new — and just as magical as when you first made them.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients—no need to proof. The rise time may be slightly shorter, so start checking the dough after 45 minutes.

What’s the best way to keep the twists from unravelling in the fryer?

After twisting each strip, make sure to firmly pinch the ends together—this seals the dough and helps it hold its shape, even as it puffs up in the hot oil. Letting the twists rest before frying also helps set their form.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape the twists, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish their final proof (about 30 minutes) before frying as usual.

Is there a baked version of these doughnut twists?

While the classic Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is all about that irresistible fried crispness, you can bake them at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, or until golden. The texture will be more like a soft roll, but the cinnamon sugar coating is delicious either way!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

You can try a 1-for-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though results will vary. The dough may be a little softer, so handle it gently. The real charm of this recipe is the light, stretchy dough—so experiment and find what works best for you!

Final Thoughts

Give yourself, your friends, and your family the simple joy of a sweet, homemade treat with the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. Each twist is a celebration of coziness and creativity—and honestly, there’s no better way to make an ordinary day feel special. Grab your ingredients and let the doughnut fun begin!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including rise time)
Yield: 12 doughnut twists 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of these homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts. A crispy, twisty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnut Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For Frying and Coating:

Vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk, then add sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and egg. Mix in flour to form dough.
Knead and Rise: Knead dough, let it rise until doubled.
Shape Dough: Roll out dough, cut into strips, twist and shape.
Fry: Fry twists until golden brown.
Coat: Toss warm twists in cinnamon sugar.