There’s something truly magical about the warm, sweet aroma of fresh donuts right out of the fryer. This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe delivers that comforting, nostalgic joy with a fun twist—literally! These soft, fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar are a fantastic treat for any morning or afternoon coffee break.

A pile of golden brown twisted doughnuts covered in a thick layer of cinnamon sugar fills the center. The twisted doughnuts have a slightly rough texture from the sugar coating and are stacked in a heap with many cinnamons sticks scattered around the base. Behind the doughnuts, two clear glass mugs filled with dark black coffee sit side by side. A cream-colored woven cloth with a navy blue stripe is draped softly in the background, and the whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t get enough of these donuts—they’re simple enough to make at home but feel fancy enough to impress friends and family. The twisted shape adds the perfect touch of charm, and that cinnamon sugar coating? Pure comfort.

Homemade goodness: You control every ingredient, so there’s no mystery additives, just pure, fresh flavor.
Fun to make: The twisting process is surprisingly soothing and makes the donuts look extra special.
Perfect cinnamon sugar balance: The topping isn’t too sweet—it’s just right, with a lovely light crunch.
Great for sharing: This recipe yields 16 donuts, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy and gift.

A pile of twisted, golden brown pastries covered in sugar and cinnamon are placed on crumpled white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Around the pastries are several whole cinnamon sticks with a warm brown color. The pastries have a crunchy sugar coating with a slight shine, and they vary in twist shapes and sizes, looking soft and fluffy inside. In the upper part of the image, two clear glass cups filled with dark coffee with pops of light reflections sit side by side. A tan textured cloth is draped on the top left corner, adding warmth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe plays a vital role—bringing texture, flavor, and that tender crumb you’ll love biting into. Here’s a quick breakdown so you know why they’re all important.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast granules, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vanilla extract, a simple white ceramic bowl piled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, all carefully 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 and adds moisture to keep the dough tender.
Active dry yeast: The secret behind the fluffy rise that makes these donuts airy and light.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the dough for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to balance the cinnamon.
All-purpose flour: The base structure; you’ll adjust the amount slightly for perfect dough consistency.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and helps create that golden crust when fried.
Fine sea salt: I love using sea salt here because it enhances the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Ground cinnamon (dough): A subtle hint right in the dough to layer the cinnamon flavor from inside out.
Granulated sugar, light brown sugar & cinnamon (topping): This combo creates that classic cinnamon sugar coating with a bit of chewiness from the brown sugar and aroma from extra cinnamon.

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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 about the Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust the spice level or swap out sugar types, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra cozy flavor burst—trust me, it’s worth trying!
Dietary swaps: For a lighter version, you can try baking these twists instead of frying, though they won’t get quite as crisp and golden.
Seasonal twists: Adding finely chopped nuts or drizzling with a vanilla glaze is a great way to dress them up for holiday mornings.

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

Step 1: Bring the yeast to life

Start by stirring the warm milk and yeast together, then let them sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. This is the moment when your yeast is waking up and ready to make your dough fluffy, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Whisk your wet ingredients

While the yeast activates, whisk the egg, melted butter (cooled so it doesn’t kill the yeast), and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mixing the wet ingredients now makes the next step smoother.

Step 3: Combine your dry ingredients

In your mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a quick stir just to distribute everything evenly.

Step 4: Make the dough

Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine. Then pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until it just starts coming together, then knead with your stand mixer using a dough hook on medium-low speed. If it’s still sticky and not cleaning the sides, add more flour gradually — but careful not to add too much. You want a soft, slightly sticky, smooth dough.

Step 5: First rise

Lightly spray a large bowl and coat the dough with the spray too—it helps prevent sticking. Cover with plastic wrap and tuck the bowl into a warm spot to double in size, which should take about an hour. This is where the dough transforms into that fluffy pillow you want.

Step 6: Punch and second rise

Once risen, gently deflate the dough on a floured surface and knead it a few times to get out air bubbles. Pop it back into the bowl, cover again, and let it rise for another hour—it’s worth the wait!

Step 7: Shape your twists

After the second rise, cut the dough into 16 even pieces. Taking one at a time, roll it into a thin rope. Now, roll your hands in opposite directions to create that beautiful twist. Bring the ends together, pinch tightly to seal, and twist around a couple more times to finalize the shape. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover with a towel to rest for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Fry to golden perfection

Heat your oil to 325°F—using a deep fryer or a Dutch oven works great. Fry 3-4 twists at a time, cooking about 5 minutes total and flipping to get an even golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pot or the temp will drop. Drain briefly and immediately toss each donut in your cinnamon sugar mix while still warm—this helps the sugar stick perfectly.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe, the perfect dough texture and oil temperature are key. If your dough is too dry or your oil too hot, the final donuts won’t be as tender or evenly cooked.

Check oil temp closely: I recommend using a candy thermometer—325°F gives the best golden, crispy outside without greasy, undercooked insides.
Don’t over-flour your dough: Adding too much flour makes the twists tough. Aim for slightly sticky but manageable dough.
Work quickly when twisting: The dough is easier to handle fresh from the rise and you’ll get better, tighter twists that hold shape while frying.
Coat donuts while warm: Toss right out of the oil so the cinnamon sugar clings perfectly for that classic crunchy finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a dusting more cinnamon sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate the donuts without overpowering. If I’m feeling fancy, a little powdered sugar sifted on top adds a delicate, snowy look that’s extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a rich coffee, chai, or even a hot chocolate for colder mornings. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries makes a nice contrast too, cutting through the sweetness and adding freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the twists in a circle on a large platter with small ramekins of dipping sauces—think salted caramel, chocolate, or cream cheese glaze. It turns a casual treat into a conversation-worthy centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend placing a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and keep the outside crisp as much as possible.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap each twist individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-fried magic, warm the donuts in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the twists in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t have the traditional crispy fried exterior but will still be delicious and softer in texture.

What type of oil is best for frying donuts?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best. They fry donuts evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors.

How do I know when the yeast is properly activated?

The yeast mixture should become foamy and slightly bubbly after about 5 minutes when combined with warm milk. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying for best results.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe, it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. There’s nothing quite like sharing warm, cinnamon-scented treats with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee and a donut fresh from the fryer. I know you’ll love making and savoring these as much as I do—so roll up your sleeves and get twisting!