Name: Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 large egg; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 2 teaspoons vanilla; 3 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoons fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); 1 ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 3-4 inches of vegetable oil (for frying)

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is one of those comforting treats that just fills your kitchen with warmth the moment you start making it. The perfect blend of soft, tender dough with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating makes these donuts truly hard to resist. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll understand why they’re worth every minute in the kitchen.

A pile of twisted doughnuts covered in granulated cinnamon sugar takes center place, each with a golden-brown crispy outside layer speckled with fine sugar grains, showing various sizes and shapes stacked on white parchment paper. Around them are scattered cinnamon sticks in shades of warm brown with a rough texture. Two clear glass cups filled with dark black coffee stand behind the doughnuts, sitting on a white marbled surface. A cream and black striped cloth is draped softly in the background, adding a cozy touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe stand out for me is how it combines simplicity with a twist—literally. It’s not just about the soft, rich dough but also the fun of shaping and coating each twist, giving you a hands-on experience that ends with delicious satisfaction.

Easy to Follow: The recipe uses simple ingredients and clear steps, making it approachable even if you’re new to donut-making.
Fun Shaping Process: Twisting the dough into those beautiful spirals adds a playful, creative element to baking.
Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The mix of granulated and brown sugar with cinnamon creates that addictive crunchy layer.
Irresistibly Soft Inside: The dough stays tender and fluffy without being greasy or dense—a true homemade donut dream.

The image shows a pile of twisted cinnamon sugar pastries with a golden brown color, covered in a layer of sugar and cinnamon powder giving a slightly grainy texture. The pastries are placed on crumpled white parchment paper, which rests on a rustic brown wooden surface. Around the pastries, several whole cinnamon sticks are scattered, adding a warm brown color contrast. In the top part of the image, two clear glass cups filled with dark coffee are visible. A beige, textured cloth is partially seen on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe plays an important role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. I always recommend using fresh yeast and quality vanilla because they really elevate the dough’s richness.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk with a foamy surface, a single large whole egg with a smooth clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted unsalted butter with a golden hue, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon powder, a small mound of fine sea salt crystals on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of all-purpose flour elegantly arranged on a white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast granules, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Warm milk: Activates the yeast and gives the dough a tender crumb.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Unsalted butter: Gives softness and flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer of flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the coating perfectly.
Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, especially in the sugar coating.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe by adding little twists of my own—pun intended! It’s fun to swap spices or toppings depending on the season or my mood. You can easily make this recipe your signature morning treat with a few simple customizations.

Variation: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix. It gave the donuts a delightful spicy kick that was a hit with family and friends.
Gluten-Free Option: Try substituting part of the flour with a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten, but expect a slightly different texture.
Sweet Twist: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cinnamon sugar coating for extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Proof the yeast for bubbly magic

Start by stirring the warm milk with the active dry yeast. Leave it be for about 5 minutes until you see that foamy layer on top—that’s your yeast alive and kicking! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, so swap it out before moving forward.

Step 2: Whisk together the wet ingredients

While the yeast activates, whisk the egg, melted butter (cooled, so it doesn’t kill the yeast later), and vanilla together in a medium bowl. This mixture will add richness and that subtle vanilla aroma.

Step 3: Mix and knead the dough

I put the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon into my stand mixer first and give them a quick stir. Then once the yeast is foamy, I combine it with the wet ingredients and add everything to the dry. Using the dough hook on medium-low, I mix until the dough starts to pull clean from the sides of the bowl. If it’s still sticky, I carefully add a little flour, no more than a half cup, to avoid tough donuts. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes—you want it soft, smooth, and just a bit tacky to the touch.

Step 4: First rise in a cozy spot

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and drop in your dough, rolling it around so all sides get coated. Cover with plastic wrap and tuck it somewhere warm—like near a sunny window—to let it double in size, roughly an hour. Seeing your dough puff up like this always feels so rewarding.

Step 5: Punch down and let it rise again

Once risen, lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough a few times to push out any air bubbles. Pop it back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise another hour. The double rising makes these donuts wonderfully fluffy inside.

Step 6: Shape your twists

Here’s the fun part! Cut your dough into 16 even pieces, then roll each piece out like a rope. Twist your hands in opposite directions to create those beautiful spirals, then connect the ends tightly to form each donut. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly, and let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up a bit more.

Step 7: Fry ‘em up and coat with cinnamon sugar

Heat your oil to 325°F—using a deep fryer makes this a breeze, but an electric skillet or Dutch oven works great too. Fry 3 or 4 twists at a time, flipping carefully until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Immediately toss each one in a mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon—this is what makes the exterior irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.

Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly and keep that crunch intact. I love serving them warm, but they’re great even at room temperature.

Top Tip

From my many attempts with this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe, I’ve learned that a few small steps make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tips will help you nail these delicious donuts every time.

Don't Skip the Second Rise: Trust me on this. It’s what gives the donuts that light, airy texture you’ll love.
Oil Temperature Matters: Keeping your oil steady at 325°F prevents undercooking or greasiness.
Use a Wire Rack: Placing fried donuts on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps the coating crisp and not soggy.
Protect Your Yeast: Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot when mixing with yeast to keep those bubbles alive.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to the cinnamon sugar mixture because it’s classic and addictive, but sometimes I sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate for extra flair. Freshly chopped nuts also add a lovely crunch if you want to elevate it further.

Side Dishes

Pair these twists with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning. A bowl of fresh berries or some creamy yogurt on the side balances the sweetness nicely. For brunch, crispy bacon or sausage links make an awesome savory companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like stacking the donuts in a pretty pyramid on a cake stand and decorating around them with fresh flowers or cinnamon sticks. You can also thread a ribbon through their holes and make donut garlands for festive gatherings—trust me, guests love that little playful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating them briefly to bring back that soft texture and crisp coating.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts after frying and cooling. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slightly in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

For reheating, I find a 5-minute stint in a 350°F oven keeps them just right—warm and soft inside, with a still-crispy cinnamon sugar crust. Avoid microwaving without a tempurized finish or they might turn soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant yeast, but skip the proofing step—just add it directly to the dry ingredients and reduce the warm milk time. It may speed up the rising process, so keep an eye on your dough.

My dough is too sticky, what should I do?

If your dough is sticky, add flour gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable but still soft. Too much flour can toughen the donuts, so balance is key. Also, environmental factors like humidity can affect stickiness.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While the traditional method is frying for that crispy outside and soft inside, you can bake the twists at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes. They’ll be lighter and less crispy but still delicious. Brush them with butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar right out of the oven for best results.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best eaten the same day for optimal freshness. If stored properly in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature, but the texture may not be as crisp as freshly made.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe always takes me back to those cozy mornings when the whole family gathered 'round the kitchen, licking cinnamon sugar off our fingers. It’s a recipe full of warmth, fun, and just a pinch of magic—that perfect combo we all crave. So grab your mixing bowl, and I promise you, you’ll end up with donuts that feel like a big hug in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!