Go Back

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Delightfully fluffy and golden, these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat, combining the warmth of cinnamon and sugar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Donut Dough
  • 1 cup warm milk at 110°F Activates the yeast
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast For the dough rise
  • 1 large egg Adds richness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled Adds creaminess
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor
  • 3-3 ½ cups all-purpose flour Base for the donuts
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar For sweetness
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt Balances flavors
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon For spice
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • ½ cup granulated sugar For coating
  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar Enhances flavor
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon For coating

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Stir together warm milk and active dry yeast in a bowl; let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 cups flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Add the foamed yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Switch to medium-low speed and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
  6. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, up to ½ cup, until it cleans the sides of the bowl.
  7. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Shaping
  1. After the first rise, flour a clean surface and knead the dough gently. Cover and let it rise again for about 1 hour.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the dough into 16 pieces.
  3. Take one piece, roll it into a thin rope, and twist it into a donut shape. Pinch the ends together.
  4. Let the shaped donuts rest for 30 minutes while you heat 3-4 inches of oil to 325°F.
Frying
  1. Mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping.
  2. Fry 3-4 donuts at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from oil and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture while warm. Set on a wire rack.
  4. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating nutmeg or lemon zest. Keep an eye on oil temperature; too hot can burn, too cool can make them greasy. Try different toppings or fillings for variation.