Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet, crispy, and utterly irresistible, then you are going to love this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts bring together the perfect balance of light, fluffy dough and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating that wraps every bite in warmth and nostalgia. Twisted into charming shapes, these doughnuts feel like a special treat you could easily make at home, turning any ordinary day into a delicious celebration. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for comfort food mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each item plays a key role in building the perfect doughnut: the milk creates a tender crumb, yeast provides that lovely rise, and cinnamon sugar gives the final golden crust all its magic. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the doughnuts light and fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Large egg, room temperature: Adds structure and tenderness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness, making the dough soft.
• Vegetable oil, for frying: Perfect frying medium to give a crispy crust without overpowering flavor.
• Granulated sugar for coating: Combines with cinnamon to give the doughnuts their signature sweet crust.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice into the sugar coating for that classic doughnut taste.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — this temperature wakes the yeast up without killing it. Mix the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer bowl and let it sit for around 5 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbling. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to create that dreamy rise for your doughnuts. Then, whisk in the egg until fully combined, creating a silky base.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the yeast activates, whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. This ensures the salt is well distributed and creates uniformity in your dough’s texture.

Step 3: Combine and Begin Kneading

Fit your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and start adding the flour mixture gradually — one-third at a time to the wet mixture on low speed. When it starts to pull together, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Don’t be alarmed if the dough is sticky; that’s how it’s supposed to be!

Step 4: Knead to Perfection

Once all ingredients are in, increase your mixer speed to medium and knead for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. You want a dough that’s slightly tacky but not overly sticky so it’s easy to handle later. Resist the temptation to add extra flour here — the dough will perform beautifully if you’re patient.

Step 5: First Rise

Transfer the dough into a large greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until it has doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for lightness, so don’t rush it or skip it.

Step 6: Shape the Twist Doughnuts

After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide into 12 equal pieces on a lightly floured surface. Roll each piece into a 14-inch long rope. To create that signature twist, hold both ends and roll one hand upward while the other rolls downward, letting the dough twist naturally and form a gentle braid. Once twisted, pinch the ends together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely while you finish the rest to keep the dough soft and pliable.

Step 7: Rest Before Frying

Allow the shaped twists to rest for about 8 to 10 minutes to relax the gluten before frying. This rest period helps maintain their shape and prevents shrinking once in the hot oil.

Step 8: Frying the Doughnuts

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F — using a kitchen thermometer here is a game-changer for consistent frying temperatures. Fry two or three twists at a time, cooking for about 95 seconds on each side until gorgeously golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer your doughnuts to a paper towel-lined tray for draining excess oil. Keep an eye on the oil temperature in between batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 9: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the doughnuts cool for just a minute or two, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss the warm doughnuts gently into this fragrant mixture so each twist is perfectly coated with that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve these warm, cinnamon sugar-coated twists right away for the ultimate fresh-from-the-fryer experience. The crackling sugar shell and pillowy interior will brighten any day!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your cinnamon sugar twists by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a shiny finish that adds a little gooey goodness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe with a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a mug of steamed milk. The warmth of the drink complements the cinnamon spice perfectly, creating a cozy combo that’s ideal for breakfast or afternoon snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on serving, place the doughnuts in a rustic basket or on a large wooden board sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar. Add fresh berries or sliced apples on the side for a pop of color and freshness. You could even stack them into a twist doughnut tower for a striking centerpiece at brunch or parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store the cinnamon sugar twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the doughnuts soft but be mindful they’re best enjoyed fresh for that ideal crispy exterior.

Freezing

You can freeze the doughnuts after frying and cooling, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer texture, reheat your doughnuts in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the sugar coating soggy, and you want that signature crunch!

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour can work in this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe and may create a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content. However, stick to all-purpose if you prefer a softer crumb.

Is it necessary to use a stand mixer?

While a stand mixer makes kneading easier and more consistent, you can absolutely knead this dough by hand. Just be prepared to mix and knead for a little longer to achieve the same smooth elasticity.

What if I don’t have a kitchen thermometer?

A thermometer is ideal to maintain a stable frying temperature, but if you don’t have one, heat the oil over medium and test it by dropping a small piece of dough in. If it bubbles and rises steadily without burning, you’re likely close to 350°F.

Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for frying, which creates that classic crispy shell. Baking might yield a softer doughnut but will miss the signature crunch of a fried twist. For best results, stick with frying.

How do I keep the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil?

Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is key. If the oil is too cool, doughnuts soak up more oil. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot, and drain the finished twists well on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts Recipe is like inviting joy right into your kitchen with every twist and fry. The process is so satisfying, and the results are even better — light, golden twists dusted with perfectly spiced sugar that warm your heart with every bite. Don’t hesitate to give these a try; they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moves around your breakfast table!

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