Name: Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 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 Tablespoons ground cinnamon; Oil for frying (3-4 inches, about 2-3 quarts vegetable oil)

There’s something magical about the smell of fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar that instantly lifts your mood and fills the kitchen with warmth. This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe isn’t just any old donut—these twisted beauties bring a delightful texture and rich flavor that make mornings (or any time of day really) feel special.

A pile of golden-brown twisted doughnuts covered in sugar and cinnamon is arranged on white parchment paper, sitting on a wooden surface. The doughnuts have a rough, grainy texture from the sugar coating. Cinnamon sticks are scattered around the base of the pile, adding warm brown tones. Behind the doughnuts, two clear glass mugs are filled with dark black coffee, with soft reflections visible on the glass. A beige cloth with a blue stripe is loosely placed in the background against a rustic wooden wall. 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

I remember the first time I made these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts—rolling the dough into those spiral twists felt like a fun little craft project in the kitchen, and the final bite was pure cinnamon heaven. It’s such a comforting treat that feels homemade but is easier than you think.

Unique Twist Shape: The twisted design creates a delightful chewiness and a fun appearance that’s a conversation starter at any breakfast table.
Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A balance of granulated and brown sugar mixed with cinnamon gives just the right sweet-spicy kick without overpowering.
Soft yet Slightly Crisp: Frying these donuts results in a light outside crunch with a soft, fluffy interior—a combo that’s incredibly satisfying.
Great for Sharing: Makes 16 donuts, perfect for sharing with family or friends, or saving a few for later because let’s face it—you’ll want seconds.

A pile of twisted cinnamon sugar doughnuts with a golden brown color and a coarse sugar coating sits on crumpled white parchment paper. The doughnuts have a light crispy texture with sugar crystals visible on their surface. Around the doughnuts, several cinnamon sticks are scattered. In the top background, two white mugs filled with black coffee rest beside a beige textured cloth. The entire setup is placed on a wooden table with a warm tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together beautifully to create a dough that's tender yet sturdy—and the cinnamon sugar coating is the crowning glory. I’ve found using fresh yeast and high-quality butter really elevates the flavor.

Flat lay of a small bowl of warm milk with foamy yeast activation on the surface, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic plate holding a mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl combining light brown sugar and granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, all arranged in perfect symmetry placed 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 gently and helps create a tender crumb in the dough.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the rise and fluffy texture; ensure it's fresh and proofed to get those perfect donuts.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled to incorporate softness and a subtle buttery flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a lovely warm undertone that complements cinnamon beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; adjust as needed to get the right dough consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without being overpowering.
Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor overall.
Ground Cinnamon: Incorporated in the dough and the topping for that signature warm spice note.
Brown Sugar: Adds moistness and depth of flavor to the cinnamon sugar topping.

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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 these donuts just as they are, but sometimes I like to shake things up by adding different spices or dipping them in glaze instead of just cinnamon sugar. You can definitely make this recipe your own!

Variation: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the dough for a cozy twist I discovered last fall—perfect for holiday mornings!
Dietary Modifications: Swap regular milk for almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free—just make sure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Seasonal Change: In summer, drizzle a light citrus glaze on top instead of the cinnamon sugar to brighten the flavor.

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

Step 1: Proof Your Yeast for Perfect Rise

Start by stirring the warm milk and yeast together, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it tells you the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your donuts that lovely fluff.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

While waiting on the yeast, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Having these ready will make combining everything smoother without over mixing later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in your mixer bowl. Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the wet ingredients and blend together before combining with the dry ingredients. Mix with a dough hook on medium-low to get a soft, slightly sticky but smooth dough. Don’t rush—adding too much flour can make the donuts dense, so add bit by bit only if necessary.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise Twice

After kneading, pop the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it double in size—usually about an hour. Then, punch it down gently, knead out air bubbles, cover, and let it rise again for another hour. Patience here really pays off in texture.

Step 5: Craft Your Twisted Donuts

After the second rise, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, twist it by rolling your hands in opposite directions, then bring the ends together and twist a couple more times to form that signature donut shape. I find making these twists on a clean, unfloured surface helps them hold their shape better.

Step 6: Fry and Sugar-Coat

Heat oil to 325°F and fry 3 or 4 donuts at a time until golden brown, flipping to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the oil so they don’t stick or lose temperature. After frying, toss each one in the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture while still warm so it clings beautifully. A wire rack over a sheet pan keeps them crisp while frying the rest.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe foolproof. The dough texture and proofing time can make or break these donuts, so here are my go-to tips.

Yeast Activation: Always check your yeast's expiration date and proof it in warm milk (not hot!) to ensure it bubbles up properly before adding to the dough.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but not sloppy; add flour just a tablespoon at a time to avoid dry, hard donuts.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil steady at 325°F—too hot and the outside burns before inside cooks, too cool and donuts absorb excess oil.
Toss Immediately: Once fried, toss your twists in cinnamon sugar right away while warm. That sticky heat helps the sugar adhere perfectly for that signature sweet crust.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness—it’s a delightful unexpected twist that my family loves.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a rich, creamy latte or your favorite hot tea. A fresh fruit bowl or a side of scrambled eggs brightens the plate for brunch occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

I once created a donut board for a brunch party with assorted spreads like cream cheese frosting and maple butter alongside these twists, garnished with fresh berries—it was such a hit! You can also stack them on a cake stand to show off those spiral shapes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I usually re-crisp them slightly in the oven before serving to revive that freshly-fried feel.

Freezing

I've frozen these donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven or microwave before tossing in extra cinnamon sugar.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the donuts in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to keep the outside crisp and preserve that soft middle. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While these donuts are traditionally fried to get that perfect crisp exterior, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be different—less crunchy but still delicious—so adjust your expectations accordingly.

How do I know when my oil is at the right temperature?

Using a deep-fry or candy thermometer is the most accurate way to monitor the oil temperature. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle gently and rise to the surface quickly but not brown instantly. Adjust the heat accordingly to maintain roughly 325°F.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight covered tightly. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and frying the donuts for best results.

What’s the best flour to use for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe. If you want a slightly lighter donut, you can try substituting up to half with cake flour, but be mindful that it may alter the dough's structure slightly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is one of those treats that brings back childhood memories of warm bakery mornings while making new ones in your own kitchen. It’s a lovely blend of fun to make and delightful to eat, perfect for sharing or treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to try making these and experience the cozy cinnamon goodness that keeps me coming back for more!