There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling through the kitchen. It wraps around you like a warm hug, instantly transporting you to cozy mornings, slow weekends, and moments worth savoring. These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts capture that nostalgic magic in every single bite — golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and generously coated in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar finish.
Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked beauties are light, fluffy, and wonderfully simple to prepare. They’re perfect for breakfast treats, brunch spreads, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea. With a soft crumb and just the right hint of spice, these twist-shaped delights look charmingly homemade while delivering bakery-quality flavor. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make them perfectly every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- ✨ Baked, not fried, for a lighter texture
- ✨ Quick 27-minute total time
- ✨ Soft and fluffy interior with golden edges
- ✨ Perfect balance of sweetness and warm cinnamon
- ✨ Kid-friendly and fun to shape
- ✨ Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- ✨ Made with simple pantry staples
Ingredients (With Exact Amounts)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure and base for the donuts.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and enhances browning.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice throughout the dough.
• 1/2 cup milk – Brings moisture and creates a soft texture.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and tenderness.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness with warm aroma.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) – Creates the sweet outer layer.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) – Adds a bold cinnamon finish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking from the moment the donuts go in. A fully heated oven helps activate the baking powder immediately, giving you a beautiful rise and soft texture.
Lightly grease your donut pan so the twists release easily after baking. Even non-stick pans benefit from a thin coating.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Whisking thoroughly ensures the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed. This step prevents pockets of spice or uneven rising and gives you a consistent flavor in every bite.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. The melted butter should be slightly cooled before mixing so it doesn’t scramble the egg. The mixture should look creamy and slightly thick.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together.
Mix until just combined. The batter should look slightly lumpy — this is perfect. Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, resulting in dense donuts instead of light and tender ones.
5. Form the Donuts
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and gently divide it into even strips. Roll each strip lightly with your hands to smooth it out, then twist it into a spiral shape and connect the ends to form a donut.
They don’t need to look perfect. In fact, slight imperfections give them that charming, homemade feel. Aim for similar thickness so they bake evenly.
6. Transfer to the Pan
Place each twisted donut carefully into the greased donut pan. Make sure they sit comfortably without overlapping or crowding.
If needed, gently press them to fit the mold, but avoid flattening too much — you want them to keep their airy structure.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out. The edges should feel lightly firm while the center remains soft.
8. Prepare the Coating
While the donuts are baking, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) in a shallow bowl.
Stir thoroughly so the cinnamon is evenly blended with the sugar. This ensures each donut gets a balanced coating of sweetness and spice.
9. Coat and Serve
Allow the donuts to cool for about 3–5 minutes. They should still be warm but cool enough to handle.
Roll each donut generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres beautifully. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly, creating that signature sparkling finish.
Serve immediately while warm for the ultimate soft, fragrant experience.
Variations & Customizations
1. Extra Cinnamon Kick
If you love bold spice, increase the cinnamon in the coating slightly. This enhances the warmth without altering the base dough.
2. Light Glaze Drizzle
After coating, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
3. Mini Twist Donuts
Divide the dough into smaller strips and create bite-sized twists. Reduce baking time slightly and watch closely for doneness.
4. Brunch Presentation
Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a charming brunch platter. Their twisted shape makes them visually stunning on a serving tray.
5. Crispier Exterior
Bake for an additional minute if you prefer slightly firmer edges, but keep a close eye to prevent dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?
Dense donuts are usually the result of overmixing the batter. Stir only until the ingredients are combined. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which makes baked goods tough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best baked immediately for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance and combine them right before baking.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to restore softness.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, freeze them without the coating in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat and then roll in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving.
Why roll them while warm?
The slight warmth helps the cinnamon sugar stick naturally without needing extra butter or glaze. It creates that classic bakery-style finish.
Nutrition & Time Table
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
Soft, fluffy baked twist donuts coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat anytime.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Divide dough into strips, twist into donut shapes.
6. Place into greased donut pan.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
8. Mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
9. Cool slightly, roll in cinnamon sugar, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 2 g
