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Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Easy cinnamon sugar donut twists are soft, fluffy treats made with all-purpose flour, eggs, and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon sugar. These braided doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and take just 2 hours to prepare, including rising time. Perfect for a weekend indulgence, they yield 12 delightful servings.
Growing up in Charleston, I learned early how simple ingredients could turn into irresistible desserts, and these doughnuts remind me of sneaking a taste of dough while my mom wasn’t looking. Trust me, the wait while they fry and are coated in cinnamon sugar is worth every second.
Table of Contents
- Why make these doughnuts?
- What ingredients do you need for Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts?
- How do you make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
- How to store and reheat cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts
- Expert tips for better cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts
Why make these doughnuts?
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are perfect for anyone craving a bakery-quality treat at home. Their soft interior, crispy exterior, and sweet coating make them unforgettable.
- Perfectly customizable: You can control the sweetness and spice to suit your taste buds.
- Beginner-friendly: The dough comes together easily with basic pantry staples and a little patience.
- Impressive presentation: The braided twist adds a professional touch that looks incredible served to guests.
- Versatile timing: These doughnuts can be enjoyed fresh for breakfast, or saved for an afternoon snack with coffee.
What ingredients do you need for Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts?
This recipe uses pantry staples and a few key ingredients like yeast and cinnamon to create soft and flavorful doughnuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
The combination of active dry yeast and warm milk ensures the dough rises beautifully, giving the doughnuts their signature fluffiness.
How do you make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts step by step?
This recipe involves kneading, shaping, and frying the doughnuts before coating them in cinnamon sugar. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Step 1 — Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Step 2 — Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
You might also enjoy our pumpkin bread with cinnamon sugar topping.
Step 3 — Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Add the warm milk, yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 4 — Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5 — Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 6 — Shape the doughnuts
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and twist two ropes together to create a braided shape.
Step 7 — Let the twists rise again
Place the twisted doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
For more ideas, check out our cinnamon brown sugar cookies with.
Step 8 — Fry the doughnuts
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the oil, frying 2-3 at a time, for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Step 9 — Coat with cinnamon sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in the mixture until fully coated. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for convenience.
What’s the best oil for frying these doughnuts?
Vegetable oil is best because it has a neutral flavor and can withstand high frying temperatures.
How do I know the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C). Too cool and the doughnuts will absorb oil; too hot and they’ll burn.
Looking for something similar? Try our peach cobbler cinnamon rolls with.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
This recipe is designed for frying. Baking would yield a different texture, so frying is recommended for authentic results.
How do I prevent doughnuts from becoming greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature and drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels immediately after cooking.
How to store and reheat cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts
To keep your doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheat frozen doughnuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-made warmth.
Expert tips for better cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts
- Don’t skip the second rise: This ensures the doughnuts are light and fluffy after frying.
- Keep dough uniform: Roll each piece to similar lengths so they fry evenly.
- Test oil temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent heat, avoiding greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
- Coat while warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the doughnuts are still warm but not dripping with oil.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- baking sheet
- deep fryer or large pot
- wire rack
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the warm milk, yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and twist two ropes together to create a braided shape.
- Place the twisted doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the oil, frying 2-3 at a time, for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the doughnuts and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes
Nutrition
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