Cinnamon Twisted Donuts
There’s something irresistible about a freshly fried donut rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. These Cinnamon Twisted Donuts are soft, fluffy, golden on the outside, and coated in the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar.
They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery — warm milk, yeast, and sweet spice filling the air. And while they look impressive with their beautiful twisted shape, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.
Whether for a weekend breakfast, brunch gathering, or indulgent dessert, these donuts are always a hit.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who has tested countless breakfast and dessert recipes, I love this one because:
- The dough is soft and pillowy
- The twists look bakery-worthy
- The cinnamon sugar coating is perfectly balanced
- They’re best enjoyed warm (and who doesn’t love that?)
They pair beautifully with comforting classics like Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack or Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves, making them ideal for brunch spreads.
Cinnamon Twisted Donuts
Soft and fluffy twisted donuts fried until golden and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: min
Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy.
- Add egg, flour, salt, butter, and remaining sugar. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let dough rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough, cut into strips, twist each strip, and pinch the ends to seal.
- Let shaped donuts rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together, then roll warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 calories
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Protein: 6 g
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make 12 donuts:
Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- Oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Milk Temperature: Around 110°F is ideal to activate yeast without killing it.
- Butter: Softened butter helps create a tender dough.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- Cinnamon: Adjust to taste for a stronger spice flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Add egg, flour, salt, butter, and remaining sugar. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
3. First Rise
Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Twists
Roll out the dough and cut into strips. Twist each strip and pinch the ends to seal.
5. Second Rise
Let the shaped donuts rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
7. Coat
Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Roll warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve warm for the ultimate experience.
Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Don’t rush the rises — proper proofing gives fluffy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even browning.
- Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drops.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm for best adhesion.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These donuts are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate your brunch table with:
- Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack
- The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide – 1 Base Recipe, 6 Easy Flavors
If you’re planning ahead for the week, you might also enjoy Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep to balance out the sweetness.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 6g
A sweet indulgence that’s worth every cinnamon-sugar bite.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy homemade baked (and fried!) treats, try:
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack
- Classic French Toast – The Golden Breakfast Everyone Loves
- Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails
- The Ultimate Overnight Oats Guide – 1 Base Recipe, 6 Easy Flavors
They’re perfect additions to your weekend baking lineup.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Twisted Donuts are soft, golden, and generously coated in sweet cinnamon sugar — everything you want in a homemade treat. While they take a little time for rising, the reward is bakery-quality donuts right from your own kitchen.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your experience, your favorite glaze additions, or your brunch spread ideas. And don’t forget to follow along for more comforting, from-scratch recipes.
– Jason Griffith
