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Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts: A Cozy Recipe to Warm Your Heart

Imagine the tender warmth of freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts filling your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. The scent wafts through the house, beckoning all to the table, where you can savor these sweet, golden delights. Each bite is a moment of cozy indulgence, a little hug for the soul. This recipe is not just about savoring treats; it’s about sharing joyful connections, perhaps over a cup of steaming cocoa or a classic coffee. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday brunch or a sweet surprise after school, these donuts are sure to bring smiles all around.

You’ll adore this recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts—it’s perfect for cozy weekends or holiday gatherings. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Soft: These donuts are tender and fluffy, with a delectable cinnamon twist that melts in your mouth.
Cinnamon-Sugar Heaven: The combination of cinnamon and sugar makes each bite an indulgent burst of flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to make and twist the donuts. It’s a delightful kitchen adventure for everyone!
Warm & Cozy: Perfect for chilly days, these donuts fill your home with comforting aromas that invite everyone to gather.
Quick & Homemade: With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time for unexpected guests or a cozy afternoon treat.

What You’ll Need

To make these yeasty delights, gather these 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
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, for coating)
1 ½ Tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Activate the Yeast: Stir together the warm milk and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: While waiting for the yeast, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon. Stir gently to combine.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add the milk mixture to the bowl with the whisked wet ingredients and mix to combine. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Knead the Dough: Stir until the ingredients begin to come together. Switch to medium-low speed and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more flour until it forms a smooth ball.
Time to Rise: Lightly spray a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough inside, and flip it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch Down & Second Rise: After the first rise, lightly flour a clean work surface. Knead the dough a few times by hand to remove air bubbles. Return it to the bowl, cover, and let it rise again for about 1 hour.
Shape the Twists: After the second rise, prepare a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. On a non-floured surface, cut the dough into 16 even pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, twist, and shape into a donut, pinching the ends to seal. Place each twist on the prepared sheet tray and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rest for 30 minutes to puff up.
Heat the Oil: Meanwhile, heat 3-4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven (or deep fryer) to 325°F.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
Fry the Donuts: Fry 3-4 donuts at a time for about 5 minutes, flipping them for even browning until golden brown. Allow excess oil to drain off, then immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cool and Serve: Place the fried donuts on a wire rack to keep them crisp. Enjoy your fresh Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts while they’re still warm!

Delicious Variations to Try

Zesty Orange Twist: Add orange zest to your dough for a bright citrus flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Nutty Beneath: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, onto the dough before twisting for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: After frying, drizzle a rich chocolate sauce over the donuts for an indulgent sweet treat.
Pumpkin Spice: Swap out some of the cinnamon for pumpkin spice to embrace the flavor of the season.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can freeze the shaped dough before the final rise. When ready to fry, allow them to thaw and rise for 1 hour.
Use a Candy Thermometer: For the perfect oil temperature, use a candy thermometer to avoid burning and ensure even frying.
Storage Suggestion: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Calories & Nutrition Details

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped dough before the final rise and fry them when you’re ready.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute non-dairy milk or other flours if you prefer.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How long do these donuts last?
For the best texture, enjoy them fresh, but they can be stored for about 2 days if needed.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are more than just a recipe; they’re a heartwarming tradition waiting to happen in your home. They embody the spirit of comfort and joy, perfect for warming chilly mornings and uniting friends and family. Save this recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a delightful indulgence!

Happy baking, my friends!