The beauty of these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts lies in their simplicity and irresistible texture. Each piece is golden brown, perfectly crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, generously dusted in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that melts in your mouth. They’re fried to perfection and make an ideal treat for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or whenever your sweet tooth comes calling. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients just a few pantry staples and some pizza dough. Whether you’re making these for kids, guests, or a self-care Sunday morning, they’re guaranteed to bring warm, sugary joy to your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh and warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or even dipped in a glaze or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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Oil for frying
Directions:
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
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Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut dough into 1-inch wide strips.
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Take each strip and twist it several times, then pinch the ends to secure the shape.
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Fry the twists in batches, 2-3 at a time, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
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Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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While still warm, brush each twist with melted butter.
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In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut twist in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
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Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 8 twists
The Ultimate Guide to Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts
If you’re searching for a nostalgic treat that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor, Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts check every box. These delightful pastries combine the beloved crunch of deep-fried dough with the warm, aromatic sweetness of cinnamon and sugar, resulting in an indulgent twist (literally and figuratively) on a classic donut.
Perfect for weekend brunches, cozy breakfasts, or spontaneous dessert cravings, cinnamon sugar twist donuts are easy to prepare using store-bought pizza dough no yeast proofing or dough rising required. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the background, variations, cooking techniques, storage, and serving suggestions for this delicious treat.
The History Behind Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Donuts (or doughnuts) have been around for centuries, with records tracing similar fried dough treats back to ancient Rome and Greece. However, the ring-shaped version we know today gained popularity in the 19th century in the United States, particularly among Dutch settlers who made “olykoeks,” or oil cakes.
The addition of cinnamon sugar as a coating is rooted in American traditions, especially in the New England region, where cinnamon was a staple spice. The sweet-spiced coating became iconic for its ability to transform even the simplest baked or fried goods into something extraordinary. Pairing this with fried dough created the irresistible cinnamon sugar donut.
The twisted version adds a new layer of visual appeal and texture. A twist offers more surface area to catch the cinnamon sugar coating and makes the donut easier to share or tear apart if you’re feeling generous.
Why Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Are So Popular
There are countless donut variations, but cinnamon sugar twist donuts continue to win hearts for several reasons:
1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring these donuts to life store-bought dough, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and oil for frying. Despite their simplicity, the resulting flavor is indulgent and comforting.
2. Quick and Easy
Unlike yeast-based donuts, these require no rising time. With refrigerated pizza dough, you can prepare and fry a batch in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate last-minute treat.
3. Kid-Friendly and Customizable
From helping twist the dough to rolling the final donuts in cinnamon sugar, this recipe is a great activity for little helpers. You can also customize the twist shape, thickness, or even turn them into filled donuts or donut holes.
4. Perfect Texture
These donuts fry up golden and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy and tender inside. The melted butter brushed over the hot dough helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while adding richness.
Creative Variations to Try
While the original version is a crowd-pleaser, here are a few twists on the twist donut to keep things interesting:
1. Stuffed Cinnamon Twist Donuts
Before twisting, add a small line of sweet cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit jam inside the strip of dough, then seal the edges before frying. This adds a delicious surprise inside every bite.
2. Glazed Cinnamon Twists
Instead of brushing with butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar, dip the fried twists into a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sticky-sweet finish. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Cut the dough into small pieces, roll them into balls, fry, and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture for irresistible bite-sized snacks perfect for parties or sharing.
4. Vegan or Dairy-Free Options
Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil and ensure your dough is plant-based. These substitutions won’t sacrifice flavor and open the recipe up to more dietary needs.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts
Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few expert tips can elevate your results:
1. Temperature Control is Key
Maintaining the oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking without greasy or underdone centers. Use a kitchen thermometer to stay accurate.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Frying too many twists at once will drop the oil temperature, making your donuts soggy. Fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between rounds.
3. Twist Firmly and Evenly
When twisting the dough strips, be sure to give them a tight but not overly stretched twist. Pinch the ends so they hold shape while frying.
4. Coat While Warm
For the cinnamon sugar to stick properly, coat the donuts as soon as they’re cool enough to handle but still warm. Brushing with melted butter before coating enhances the flavor and helps the sugar adhere.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These donuts are best served fresh and warm, but how you present them can make all the difference:
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Serve with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or mid-morning snack.
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Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra flair.
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Plate with a fruit compote or warm dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate ganache.
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Make it a brunch centerpiece by stacking twists on a cake stand with fresh berries and a pitcher of cream.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you manage not to eat them all in one sitting, storing your cinnamon sugar twist donuts properly ensures they stay fresh.
Short-Term Storage:
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Place cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Long-Term Storage:
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Freeze uncoated, cooked donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
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Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crisp exterior, as it tends to soften the texture too much.
Are These Donuts Healthy?
Like most fried desserts, cinnamon sugar twist donuts are best enjoyed in moderation. While they’re not exactly a health food, you can make them a bit lighter by:
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Using an air fryer instead of deep frying (although texture may differ).
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Reducing the sugar slightly or using a sugar alternative.
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Using whole wheat dough or making your own from scratch to control ingredients.
But let’s be honest these are a treat, and that’s perfectly okay. Food should be joyful, and these donuts deliver happiness in every bite.
Conclusion:
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a nostalgic and comforting treat that never goes out of style. They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and they require minimal time and effort but the reward is huge. The aroma of cinnamon, the crackle of sugar, and the pillowy bite of warm fried dough bring a sense of joy that few desserts can match.
Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with a special weekend breakfast, bring a homemade treat to a brunch, or satisfy an afternoon craving, this recipe is your ticket to instant satisfaction. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your comfort food rotation.
