Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe

If you’ve never tackled homemade donuts before, get ready for your new favorite kitchen adventure with this Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe! These fluffy, golden treats come together from pantry staples, but their soft, cloudlike texture and sweet, sparkly coating make them truly feel like a bakery indulgence. Twisting the dough gives every bite a playful pull, making these donuts as fun to eat as they are to share. Whether you’re serving them for a cheerful breakfast or an afternoon snack, this Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe is destined to bring smiles and maybe even a little applause to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how simple the ingredient list is for the Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe, but each element plays an important part in creating those pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Let’s take a closer look at why you really don’t want to skip a thing!

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy yet tender backbone of our donuts; it’s what gives them that light, chewy texture.
• Yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp): A single packet of yeast is all you need to get that perfect rise and airy feel.
• Sugar: Makes the donuts sweet and helps activate the yeast for fluffier results.
• Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Butter (soft): Adds richness and keeps every donut moist and soft inside.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds that lovely golden color to the finished donuts.
• Warm milk: Helps the yeast wake up, while adding tenderness and subtle flavor to the dough.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil so the delicate taste of your donuts shines through without any off flavors.
• Sugar for coating: Finishes each donut with a sparkly crunch and that old-fashioned charm.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): If you love a bit of cozy spice, tossing your sugar with cinnamon is an irresistible upgrade.

How to Make Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe by gently stirring together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly on top. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for that gorgeous rise!

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

To the bubbly yeast, add your egg, soft butter, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined—the butter will melt into the dough later and add so much softness to your donuts.

Step 3: Add Flour and Knead

Now, gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, mixing as you go. Once it starts coming together, knead the dough by hand (or with a mixer) for several minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth, stretchy, and just a bit tacky to the touch.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it hang out in a warm place for about an hour. When you peek, it should look puffed up and doubled in size—this means it’s ready to shape!

Step 5: Shape the Twists

Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 to 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, then twist two ropes together and pinch the ends to seal. This step gives your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe their signature fun look and pull-apart texture.

Step 6: Proof Again

Let the twisted donuts rest on a tray for another 30 minutes. This extra rise makes the donuts even lighter and gives them their final volume.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil to medium (around 350°F if you have a thermometer). Fry the twisted donuts a couple at a time, turning them for an even golden brown. Each batch takes just a couple of minutes per side for that perfect color and crispness.

Step 8: Sweet Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in sugar—or cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling extra cozy—so the coating sticks beautifully. Serve them straight away for the best crispy-outside, fluffy-inside experience.

How to Serve Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

The classic sugar coating is always a hit, but you can jazz up your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even a little drizzle of melted chocolate. For that bakery flair, serve with a simple vanilla or chocolate dipping sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful donuts with a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. For a light brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait—the creamy tartness balances the sweet, fluffy donuts perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a batch of your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe on a lovely cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. Skewer mini versions on wooden sticks for a playful “donut bouquet,” or arrange in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for easy sharing at picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover donuts (it’s a rare occurrence!), keep them in an airtight container on the counter for up to a day. The sugar coating helps lock in freshness, but after a little while, they’ll start to lose some of their signature fluff.

Freezing

To freeze, let the donuts cool completely and skip the sugar coating until later. Store them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay tasty for up to one month—just thaw and re-roll in sugar before serving for a just-made feel.

Reheating

For that out-of-the-fryer warmth, pop your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe into the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let them come to room temperature first, then refresh with a quick warm-up and a toss in fresh sugar.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After kneading, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature, shape your twists, and continue with the rest of the Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe—it’s a brilliant way to treat yourself to fresh donuts first thing!

Can I bake instead of fry the donuts?

While frying is what gives these donuts their classic texture, you can bake them at 375°F until golden (about 12–15 minutes). They’ll be a little less rich, but still tasty—brush with melted butter before rolling in sugar for that authentic finish.

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

A neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or sunflower is ideal. They all have a high smoke point and won’t add any unwanted flavors to your Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe.

Can I fill these donuts with cream or jam?

Traditional twisted donuts aren’t filled, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could use a piping bag to add a little jam or custard to the center after frying. Just make sure to seal the ends well before twisting to avoid leaks.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a tiny piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top within seconds. Too hot and your donuts will brown too quickly; too cool and they might stay greasy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Twisted Donuts Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s one of those little kitchen joys that delivers way more than the sum of its parts—perfect for impressing your loved ones or just indulging yourself with something homemade and special. Go ahead, twist up a batch and watch them disappear!

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