Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Picture a crisp fall morning, with golden leaves dancing in the gentle breeze. As you step into the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of warm cinnamon fills the air, wrapping you in a soothing embrace. When it comes to kitchen comfort, few things compare to the joy of freshly baked donuts — and these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are the epitome of cozy indulgence. Their tender, fluffy texture is perfectly complemented by a warm, sugary topping that melts in your mouth with each bite. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these delightful donuts make every moment feel celebratory.

This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Cozy: Each bite offers a delightful wave of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings and pleasant mornings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, sure to win over friends and family alike.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as is, or get creative with various toppings and fillings for a personalized twist.
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of whipping up a fresh batch of donuts in your own kitchen, sending a comforting aroma throughout your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

To craft these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts, gather the following simple 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 extract
• 3 – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Let’s make it together! Follow these comforting steps to create your batch of donuts.

1. Stir together the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until activated and foamy.

2. While waiting for the yeast to activate, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl, then set it aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir briefly to mix the dry ingredients.

4. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the bowl with the other wet ingredients and whisk until well combined.

5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. Once combined, turn on the mixer to medium-low speed. The dough should start to pull away from the bowl’s sides. If it doesn’t, add more flour, a little at a time, until it does (up to ½ cup more).

6. Allow the mixer to knead the dough for 5 minutes, until it’s soft, slightly sticky, and smooth.

7. Spray a large bowl lightly with cooking spray. Place the dough inside, flipping it to coat in the spray. Cover with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot in your home to rise and double in size, about 1 hour.

8. Lightly flour a clean work surface, then place the dough on it. Knead a few times by hand to remove air bubbles before returning it to the bowl and covering again for another rise, about 1 hour.

9. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.

10. After the second rise, it’s time to create the twists! For ease, I recommend working on a clean, non-floured surface. Cut the dough in half, and then keep cutting until you have 16 even pieces.

11. Take one piece of dough at a time, keeping the others covered with a kitchen towel to prevent drying out. Roll it into a thin rope, twisting your hands in opposite directions as you do.

12. Once twisted, lift the rope by both ends and bring them together to form a circle, pinching the ends tightly to seal. Twist the donut around a couple more times to finalize the shape.

13. Place each twist on the prepared sheet tray, and cover each with a clean kitchen towel until ready to fry. Allow them to rest for 30 minutes to puff up slightly.

14. While the twists rest, heat 3-4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven (or deep fryer) to 325°F.

15. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping.

16. Carefully place 3-4 donuts into the hot oil at a time, cooking for about 5 minutes total. Turn them for even cooking until they’re golden brown. Once done, let any excess oil drip off before immediately tossing them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

17. Transfer the coated donuts onto a wire rack set over a sheet tray while you fry the remaining pieces to keep the outsides crisp and not soggy.

18. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of homemade comfort!

Delicious Variations to Try

• Chocolate Drizzled: Drizzle melted chocolate over your warm donuts for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Maple Glazed: Swap the cinnamon sugar for a maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a sweet touch.
• Fruity Fillings: Add a dollop of your favorite jam or custard filling inside the twist before frying for a delightful surprise.
• Zesty Lemon Sugar: For a brighter flavor, mix lemon zest into your sugar coating for a zesty take on these classic donuts.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Options: Prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and fry it in the morning for fresh donuts with minimal effort.
• Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave if desired.
• Freezing: These donuts can be frozen before frying; just thaw them and fry when ready to enjoy a fresh batch!
• Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying; too hot can burn them, while too cool can make them greasy.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg

Reader FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

• Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge.

• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or citrus for a unique flavor.

• How do I store leftovers? Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• How long does it last? Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to 2 days at room temperature.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are more than just a treat; they evoke a sense of home with every fluffy bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo with a nice cup of coffee, they add a sprinkle of joy to any day. Save this recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a comforting dessert or a warm breakfast! Happy baking!