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 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); 1 ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon; 3-4 inches oil for frying

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet aroma of freshly made doughnuts, especially when coated in cinnamon and sugar. This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe delivers that warm, homemade goodness with a fun twist—literally! These donuts are a delightful treat that will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery.

The image shows a large pile of golden-brown twisted doughnuts coated thickly with cinnamon sugar, resting on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The twists vary in size and shape, some larger and fluffy while others are smaller and tighter. Scattered around the doughnuts are several whole cinnamon sticks, adding a warm brown contrast. Behind the pile, two clear glass mugs filled with black coffee sit side by side. A beige cloth with a dark stripe is draped casually in the background against a wooden backdrop. The scene feels cozy and inviting, with warm tones and textures. 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

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s not just delicious, but also a joy to make. Twisting the dough feels like a mini craft project that yields the yummiest reward—perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar.

Fun and Unique Shape: The twists give these donuts a playful look that’s way more interesting than your average round donut.
Perfect Balance of Cinnamon and Sugar: The topping is spot-on—not overpowering but enough to satisfy a sweet craving.
Homemade Easy Dough: Made with simple ingredients and a stand mixer, the dough is soft and easy to work with.
Great for Sharing: Yields 16 treats, so there’s plenty to go around for family or friends.

A pile of twisted cinnamon sugar pastries with a golden-brown color and a grainy sugar texture covers a sheet of crumpled white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Several whole cinnamon sticks are scattered around and atop the pastries, adding a rustic touch. In the upper part of the image, two clear glass mugs filled with dark coffee complete the cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is carefully chosen to create that tender, flavorful dough and that classic cinnamon sugar coating. Using real butter, fresh yeast, and a hint of vanilla makes all the difference in taste and texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with warm milk next to a tiny heap of active dry yeast granules, one large whole uncracked brown egg resting nearby, a small white bowl filled with melted unsalted butter, another small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a simple pile of white all-purpose flour, a mound of granulated sugar, a pinch of fine sea salt crystals arranged neatly, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl containing light brown sugar, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 and adds moisture for soft dough; make sure it’s not too hot or it might kill the yeast.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise; always check freshness for best results.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds flavor and tenderness; melted helps mix evenly without cooking the egg.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch for a warm, inviting flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s structure; add gradually for the perfect softness without stickiness.
Granulated sugar (in dough & topping): Sweetens the dough and combos with cinnamon for that perfect coating.
Sea salt: Enhances flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (in dough & topping): The star spice, adds that distinct warm, spicy aroma and taste.
Light brown sugar (topping): Adds moisture and depth to the cinnamon sugar coating.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often switch up the spices or try different glazes to keep things interesting—and you can, too!

Variation: I've experimented with adding nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for extra warmth, which works beautifully.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, swap butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk alternative—just make sure the milk stays warm for the yeast.
Sweet twist: Try tossing the donuts in powdered sugar right after frying for a lighter coating if cinnamon sugar feels too intense.

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

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

First, I pour warm milk (about 110°F) into a small bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. After giving it a gentle stir, I let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to do its thing, which you don’t want to skip or rush!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

While the yeast is proofing, I whisk together the egg, melted butter (cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg), and vanilla in a medium bowl. Once the yeast looks bubbly, I add it in and whisk everything together to blend those flavors perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In my stand mixer bowl, I toss in the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon, then give it a quick mix to evenly distribute the dry bits. This makes sure every bite of donut has just the right flavor.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together and Knead

Next, I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Initially, I stir by hand or with a spatula just until it starts to come together. Then, I switch to the mixer with the dough hook on medium-low speed. The dough will be soft, slightly sticky, but should pull away from the bowl’s sides. If not, I add flour a tablespoon at a time until it does.

I let the mixer knead the dough for 5 minutes—this helps develop the gluten for that perfect texture.

Step 5: First Rise

After kneading, I lightly spray a large bowl with cooking spray, then place the dough inside and turn it to coat in the spray. Covering it with plastic wrap, I set it somewhere warm and draft-free, letting it double in size over about an hour. Watching it puff up always feels like a little kitchen miracle.

Step 6: Punch, Knead, and Second Rise

Once risen, I gently deflate the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to release air bubbles. Then, it goes back into the bowl, covered again, for a second rise of about an hour. This step really develops the flavor and texture.

Step 7: Shape the Twists

After the second rise, I cut the dough into 16 even pieces. Working with one at a time, I roll each piece into a thin rope and twist by rolling my hands in opposite directions. Then, I lift both ends and bring them together, pinching tightly to seal the shape, twisting it a bit more around itself. The clean surface here is key for easy shaping—no flour needed to avoid stickiness.

Step 8: Rest Before Frying

With the twists laid out on a parchment-lined tray, I cover them with a towel for 30 minutes. They puff up just a little more while I get my oil ready. This rest makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.

Step 9: Fry and Coat

I heat 3-4 inches of oil to 325°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot. In a bowl, I mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the coating. Then, frying 3-4 donuts at a time, I cook them about 5 minutes, flipping to ensure even golden browning. As soon as they come out, I toss them one by one in the cinnamon sugar mix—while still warm—to get that perfect sticky coating.

Finished donuts go on a wire rack over a baking sheet to stay crisp instead of soggy. They're best enjoyed right away!

Top Tip

From my experience making these cinnamon sugar twist donuts, a few tips can make all the difference between good and amazing:

Yeast Activation Matters: Always let the yeast proof until foamy; if it doesn’t activate, your dough won’t rise properly.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This gives the final doughnuts that tender, fluffy interior that makes you want to come back for more.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 325°F; too hot burns the outside, too cool makes them greasy.
Coating Timing: Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while still warm—this locks in that delicious coating.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

cinnamon sugar donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I like adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra flair. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts works surprisingly well, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte. For brunch, I love serving these donuts alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, arrange the donuts on a tiered stand or stack them in a donut tower centerpiece. I once tied little festive ribbons on the twists for a holiday brunch, and they disappeared almost instantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the texture from getting soggy, placing a paper towel underneath helps absorb any moisture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts before—after frying and cooling, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh taste, I pop leftover donuts in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This crisps up the outside without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as they tend to become chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, but you don’t need to proof it in warm milk first. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and adjust the liquid amount slightly, but be mindful as it acts faster and your rising times might be shorter.

Why are my twists not holding their shape?

Make sure you pinch the ends tightly and twist the dough gently without overstretching. Overworking the dough can make it lose elasticity and the twists won’t hold well. Also, shaping on a clean, non-floured surface helps the dough grip as you twist.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake these twists for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 375°F, place the twisted doughnuts on a parchment-lined sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden. After baking, toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating while warm. They won’t have the same crispiness as fried but are still delicious.

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

Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer is the most reliable way. The ideal temperature is 325°F; too hot and the exterior burns before the inside is cooked, too cool and your donuts absorb too much oil and become greasy. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises steadily without browning too fast, it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe has become one of my favorite weekend rituals. There’s nothing like seeing those golden twists come out of the fryer and coating them in the cinnamon sugar—it feels like a warm hug in donut form. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. Trust me, once you try making these yourself, you’ll want to revisit this recipe over and over!