Soft & Fluffy Donut Twists Recipe

There’s just something magical about Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists: those golden, deeply fragrant braids that almost melt in your mouth, but still offer a gentle chew with every bite. Their airy crumb is heavenly, their crispy exterior irresistible, and the whole kitchen fills with the nostalgic aroma of childhood bakery trips as soon as they hit the oil. Whether you keep it classic with sugar or add a shimmer of cinnamon, the real secret to making them as luscious as possible is a final touch of melted butter (either in the dough or brushing before coating), as this step helps the sugar cling and adds incomparable richness. This is pure donut bliss, made at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll craft a treat that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient brings something special: from texture to flavor to that signature golden color, nothing here is extra. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the twist’s soft crumb, ensuring a gentle chew and airy rise.
• Instant yeast: This gets things bubbling quickly, so your dough is light and fluffy every time.
• Warm milk: Brings a richness and sweetness that’s absorbed into every bite for a tender texture.
• Warm water: Helps activate yeast and ensures moisture in the dough without weighing it down.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps donuts caramelize to that iconic golden tone during frying.
• Large egg: Provides richness, golden color, and structure to help the twists hold their shape.
• Unsalted butter: For melt-in-your-mouth softness and a creamy depth to every twist; make sure it’s softened!
• Salt: Balances the sweet, amplifies flavor, and highlights the buttery notes beautifully.
• Oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil for a crisp, non-greasy finish that lets the donut flavor shine.
• Coating sugar or cinnamon sugar: The finishing touch that sparkles on every twist.
• Melted butter (optional, or brushing before coating): Essential for that shiny, luscious glaze and for helping sugar adhere better to each donut twist.

How to Make or brushing before coating)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by gently mixing your warm milk, warm water, instant yeast, and just a spoonful of sugar in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes, or until the surface turns foamy and bubbly. This simple bloom ensures your donut twists will have those beautiful pillowy pockets and an irresistible lift.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a larger bowl, combine your flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture, crack in the egg, and add your softened butter. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Now the fun begins: knead by hand (or with a mixer) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is springy and smooth. If it starts to stick, dust in a little more flour. You’re aiming for a glossy dough that’s elastic but not tough, setting the stage for the fluffiest donut twists.

Step 3: First Rise

Gather the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm for 1 to 1 ½ hours. When it’s doubled in size and looks puffy, you’ll know you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Shape the Twists

Punch down your dough to release any extra air, then divide it into 10 to 12 equal portions. For each twist, roll two pieces into ropes about 8–10 inches long. Twist the ropes around each other, then pinch the ends to seal. (You can also fold a single rope in half and twist it for an even simpler approach.) Set your shaped donut twists on a lined tray, cover them lightly, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes. Watch as they puff up, getting ready for their hot oil spa.

Step 5: Fry the Donut Twists

Pour enough oil into a deep pan to reach about 2 inches, and heat it to 325–340°F (a kitchen thermometer is your best friend here). Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, carefully lower the donut twists into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1–2 minutes, until they’re golden brown all over. Move them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. The aroma at this point is absolute heaven!

Step 6: Coat with Sugar (or brushing before coating)

While the donut twists are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter (or skip it if you want them a bit lighter). Roll each twist in sugar or cinnamon sugar, making sure to get every nook and cranny coated. The melted butter (or brushing before coating) is the key here: it helps the sugar cling and adds that outrageously delicious bakery sheen.

How to Serve or brushing before coating)

Garnishes

There’s pure magic in simplicity, and these twists really shine topped with nothing more than a cascade of granulated sugar. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar or even a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re in the mood for decadence, a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate or a rich vanilla glaze (added after or brushing before coating)) can make these treats feel utterly gourmet.

Side Dishes

Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists love a good pairing! Serve them with a strong mug of coffee or tea for grown-up vibes, or hot cocoa for the little ones. Fresh fruit, like plump berries or orange slices, balances the donuts’ sweet richness, and a bowl of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for dipping turns snack time into a party. They’re also amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (best enjoyed while the donuts are still a little warm from the fryer, and after or brushing before coating)).

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your donut twists on a vintage cake stand for a beautiful brunch centerpiece, or arrange them in a brown paper-lined basket for a cozy, bakery-style feel. For festive occasions, thread them onto skewers like donut kabobs. If you’re hosting a DIY donut bar, offer a variety of sugars and flavored glazes (make sure to set up a bowl of melted butter for brushing before coating), so everyone can personalize their twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your donut twists as soft and fluffy as possible, let them cool to room temperature, then pop them into an airtight container lined with a paper towel. They’ll stay fresh for a day or so, but keep in mind that their magic is at its peak on day one. If you want to recoat with sugar, give them a quick reheat and reroll in butter (or brushing before coating) first.

Freezing

Surprisingly, these donut twists freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. To serve, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat, then freshen up the coating with another touch of melted butter (or brushing before coating) and roll in sugar again.

Reheating

To revive that just-fried deliciousness, warm the twists in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Wait until they’re warm to the touch, then brush with a little melted butter (or brushing before coating) and give them a fresh roll in sugar for extra sparkle. This simple step makes them taste bakery-fresh again!

FAQs

Why aren’t my donut twists fluffy enough?

The secret to fluffy donuts is letting the dough rise until doubled each time. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you haven’t used water or milk that’s too hot, which can kill the yeast. Also, kneading long enough to create a smooth and elastic dough makes all the difference for a soft, airy texture.

Can I skip the melted butter step (or brushing before coating)?

Absolutely! While the melted butter (or brushing before coating) guarantees a richer flavor and helps the sugar stick beautifully, you can enjoy a lighter version by skipping it. Just know that the sugar coating might not adhere quite as well.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes! Bloom your active dry yeast in the warm milk and water with a little sugar, just as you would with instant yeast. Give it about 5–10 minutes to get frothy before adding to your dry ingredients. Everything else remains exactly the same.

What oil is best for frying donut twists?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil. This ensures your donut twists fry up golden and crispy, with a clean flavor that doesn’t overpower those tender inside layers or the sugar from or brushing before coating).

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

Use a thermometer to check for 325–340°F, or drop in a small piece of dough—it should sizzle but not brown instantly. Oil that’s too cold will make donuts greasy, while oil that’s too hot can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Steady temperature yields the best donut twist texture (especially before or brushing before coating)!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists are pure comfort and joy. There’s nothing like that first bite, especially when you take the time for a final burst of flavor with a touch of melted butter (or brushing before coating). Trust me: once you try these, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to fry up another batch, just to see friends and family light up with every sugar-dusted twist!

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