Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnutsare so special. They’re not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar creates a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more.

Who doesn’t love twisting dough into fun shapes? It’s almost as enjoyable as eating them! And don’t worry if you’re new to frying you’ll find this process straightforward once you give it a try.

Ingredients

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted, melted
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm
• ⅔ cup sugar, granulated
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (that’s one packet)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup sugar, granulated
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground

These ingredients come together beautifully to create soft, fluffy doughnuts coated in a delightful mix of cinnamon and sugar. Trust me, they’re irresistible!

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the melted butter with the lukewarm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and whisk everything well. Now, here’s where patience comes in let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the yeast time to activate, which means it starts bubbling up and getting frothy on top. If there’s no foam after 15 minutes, unfortunately, your yeast might be dead, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast. But hey, we’ve got this!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. Next, sprinkle the flour into the bowl and use the hook attachment on your stand mixer to knead the dough. Keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel soft and slightly sticky. Don’t worry if it feels a little messy at first it’ll come together perfectly.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Give the dough another light spray too, so it doesn’t dry out while rising. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it aside for about an hour. During this time, the dough will puff up and double in size. Once it’s risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then let it rise again for another 45 minutes to an hour. This second rise ensures extra fluffiness.

Step 4: Divide and Roll the Dough

Now comes the fun part shaping the twists! Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 equal pieces. To prevent drying, cover the pieces with plastic wrap as you work. Take each piece and roll it into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Here’s my tip: roll the ropes on a clean surface rather than a floured one; it makes twisting easier. Hold one end of the rope in each hand and twist it by rolling one end toward you and the other away from you. Bring the ends together to form a tight twist and seal them well. Set each twist aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise one last time for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

When the twists have doubled in size, it’s time to fry! Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan (I prefer using a Dutch oven because it heats evenly). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F before adding the doughnuts. Fry the twists in batches, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown on both sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan it’s better to take your time than risk uneven frying.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the doughnuts are still hot, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a large Ziploc bag or paper bag, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Add a few fried doughnuts at a time, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until they’re fully coated. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts. The warmth of the doughnuts helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to ensure success every single time:

• Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Expired yeast won’t activate, and your dough won’t rise.
• Store unopened yeast in a cool, dry place or even in the fridge or freezer for extended freshness.
• Never pour used frying oil down the sink it can clog pipes. Instead, let it cool completely, pour it into a container, and dispose of it properly.
• If you want to prep ahead, freeze the unbaked twists for up to a month. Just remember to thaw them completely before frying.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the fryer. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort experience. You could also pair them with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. No matter how you serve them, these doughnuts are guaranteed to be a hit!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it), store the doughnuts in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the unfried twists and reheat when ready. Simply allow them to defrost fully before frying, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I substitute the yeast?

A: While you can experiment with instant yeast, active dry yeast works best for this recipe. Make sure it hasn’t expired, or your dough won’t rise properly.

Q: Is frying necessary? Can I bake instead?

A: Frying gives the doughnuts their signature crispy exterior and tender interior. However, if you’d rather bake, adjust the recipe accordingly and expect a slightly different texture.

Q: How do I know if the oil is hot enough?

A: Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F. Alternatively, drop a small piece of dough into the oil if it floats and browns within seconds, you’re good to go.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Adjust the liquid content slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

Making Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts is easier than you think, and the reward is worth every moment spent in the kitchen. From activating the yeast to shaping the twists and finally dipping them in cinnamon sugar, each step brings you closer to pure bliss.

Print