Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Get ready to experience the irresistible charm of Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts—a playful, golden-fried treat that wraps everything you love about classic fair donuts into a shareable, homemade form. With a golden crust shimmering from cinnamon-kissed sugar and that glorious soft dough inside, these donuts pull apart into tender twists that beg to be devoured warm. A simple prep using refrigerated pizza dough means anyone can whip up a batch in no time, whether you’re out to impress guests or simply craving an extra-special morning treat. If you love the aroma of sweet spice and the magic of melt-in-your-mouth pastries, this one is destined to become your newest kitchen tradition!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of accessible staples, making Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts is both approachable and delightfully rewarding. Each ingredient brings a pop of flavor, texture, or visual appeal, so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need—and why it matters.

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough: This shortcut creates fluffy interiors and crisp exteriors without fuss—no yeast or rise time required!
• Butter, Melted: Brushing donuts with warm melted butter ensures the cinnamon sugar clings beautifully, adding rich flavor and shine.
• Granulated Sugar: The sweet backbone of the coating, sugar adds sparkle and that signature sweet crunch to every twist.
• Ground Cinnamon: Earthy, warm, and aromatic, cinnamon transforms the sugar into that beloved spiced-sweet topping.
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like canola or vegetable) so your donuts fry up crisp and golden.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Fry Station

Begin by heating your oil in a deep fryer or a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot. You’re aiming for a stable 350°F (175°C), so use a thermometer if possible for best results. Having everything ready before you start keeps the process smooth and ensures your donuts fry up perfectly golden every time.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough

Lightly dust your countertop with flour, then unroll the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle roughly 1/4 inch thick. Grab a pizza cutter or a sharp knife and slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Give each strip a gentle twist for that signature coil, then pinch the ends so they hold their stunning shape during frying. Twisting the dough adds both visual flair and lovely pull-apart layers!

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Carefully add 2-3 twists at a time to the hot oil, making sure they don’t crowd each other. Fry each twist for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side—they should puff up and turn a dreamy golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn them and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels for draining. The scent alone at this step is totally irresistible!

Step 4: The Cozy Cinnamon Sugar Finish

While the twists are still nicely warm, brush them all over with melted butter—be generous, this step is pure magic. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut twist in the spiced sugar until every little crevice is coated in sweet, aromatic goodness. The butter not only helps the sugar stick but adds a delectable richness to every bite.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are best served while warm and just coated, when the interiors are pillowy soft and the outsides are sparkling. Arrange them in a basket or pile them high on a platter—either way, they’ll disappear faster than you think!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts

Garnishes

Though these twists are amazing on their own, a little extra garnish can make your platter pop. Sift a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar over the top for sparkle, or drizzle with a touch of vanilla glaze if you want even more sweetness. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts bring color and a touch of sophistication to your serving plate.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts pair perfectly with your favorite morning brews—think fresh coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. For a little indulgence, serve alongside bowls of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or a warm caramel dipping sauce. In a brunch spread, these twists become the star among fresh fruit or even alongside savory quiche for a sweet-salty balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the twists on a tiered dessert stand for a festive centerpiece, or thread them onto skewers for a playful donut kabob. For crowd-friendly brunches, serve Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts in a basket lined with a cheerful tea towel. They also make delightful party favors—just bag a few up and tie with pretty ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Placing a sheet of parchment between layers will help maintain their texture and prevent sticking.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled, uncoated donut twists in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, reheat and finish with butter and cinnamon sugar so the coating stays crisp and fresh.

Reheating

To revive day-old twists, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw at room temperature before warming. Re-brush lightly with butter and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar for that just-made sparkle and taste.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! If you enjoy making dough from scratch, a basic enriched yeast dough works beautifully for Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts. Just be sure to roll and twist as directed, and allow for the proper rise time before frying for the best texture.

What oil is best for frying these donuts?

For frying, choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil or coconut oil, as their flavors might overpower the sweet, cinnamon-spiced taste you want in your donuts.

How can I make the donuts extra fluffy?

The key to fluffiness is not to overwork the dough when rolling and shaping. Also, make sure your oil is preheated to the correct temperature so the donuts can puff up quickly without absorbing too much oil.

Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?

No deep fryer needed! Any sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot will work fine—just use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady. This makes Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts extra accessible whether you’re in a college kitchen or a family home.

Can I flavor the sugar coating with something besides cinnamon?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, feel free to experiment with cardamom, pumpkin spice, or even a bit of cocoa powder blended into the sugar for a different spin. The basic technique works with all kinds of sweet flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to make your kitchen smell like a dreamy bakery and enjoy treats worth sharing, give these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts a spot on your table. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to create sweet memories, one twirly, sugar-dusted bite at a time.

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