Sink your teeth into pure joy with this Twisted Donuts Recipe—a playful spin on classic donuts that brings together a golden, crisp exterior and a buttery, pillowy inside. Each twist is perfectly sweet and coated in sparkly sugar for that irresistible, just-finished-baking touch. Whether you’re treating yourself or dazzling guests at brunch, these twisted donuts are delightfully easy to make at home and sure to become a cherished kitchen ritual!

Ingredients You’ll Need
With the Twisted Donuts Recipe, you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of everyday ingredients that, when combined, create magic. Each item in the lineup plays a starring role, influencing the final flavor, rise, and beautiful texture of these donuts.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, giving structure and a soft crumb.
- Yeast (1 packet, about 2 ¼ tsp): Activates the dough and ensures those pillowy, airy centers.
- Sugar (3 tbsp + ½ cup for coating): Adds sweetness in the dough and crunch on the outside.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (2 tbsp, soft): Provides richness and tenderness to every bite.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and lends a lovely golden hue.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
- Oil: For frying to achieve that coveted golden crust.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp, optional for coating): For a hint of warm spice in your sugar coating.
How to Make Twisted Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by pouring your warm milk into a mixing bowl and adding the yeast and sugar. Let this sit for about five minutes, until it’s foamy and fragrant—it’s a sign your yeast is alive and ready to do its job! This is the secret to those light, cloud-like twists that make the Twisted Donuts Recipe so special.
Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg, add the soft butter, and sprinkle in the salt. Give everything a good stir until well combined. Not only does this enrich the dough, but it also ensures every donut will have that tender bite you crave.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously. Once it comes together, transfer your dough to a clean surface and knead until it’s smooth and stretchy—usually around 7–10 minutes. The more love you give the dough, the better the texture will be.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour. You’re aiming for it to double in size, a clear sign that your Twisted Donuts Recipe is on the right track!
Step 5: Shape the Twists
Once the dough has puffed up, punch it down gently and divide into 10–12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, then twist two ropes together and pinch the ends to secure. It’s a fun, hands-on step that makes each donut unique.
Step 6: Proof the Donuts
Let your twisted creations rest for another 30 minutes under a clean towel. This extra rise guarantees they’ll fry up beautifully light and airy every single time.
Step 7: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When hot, carefully fry each twisted donut until golden brown on all sides, working in batches if needed. The aroma is pure bakery heaven!
Step 8: Sugar Coating
While the donuts are still warm, roll them generously in sugar—or mix the sugar with cinnamon for an extra hint of warmth. This final touch seals in flavor and gives that signature sparkle to every piece.
How to Serve Twisted Donuts Recipe

Garnishes
For a stunning finish, dust your Twisted Donuts Recipe with a fine snow of powdered sugar, or dip the tips in melted chocolate for a gourmet twist. A drizzle of honey is another fabulous way to enhance that fresh-from-the-fryer aroma and add a sticky-sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
These twisted donuts make a dreamy pairing with a hot cup of coffee, rich cocoa, or an iced latte. For brunch, plate them alongside fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad to balance the sweetness and make your table feel extra inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the donuts in a pyramid for crowd-pleasing drama, or thread mini twists onto skewers for party-perfect treats. If you’re feeling fancy, serve individual donuts on small plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a few slices of fresh fruit for café-style charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover twisted donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and tasty, but make sure they’re fully cooled before closing them up to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these donuts! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month—just skip the sugar coating until after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your Twisted Donuts Recipe back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 8 minutes or zap for a few seconds in the microwave. If you froze them without coating, warm them up first, then roll in fresh sugar or cinnamon sugar for that bakery-fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, cover, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and frying. This makes the Twisted Donuts Recipe even easier for a fresh morning treat.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. These oils help your donuts achieve that golden crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the dough.
How do I know when my oil is hot enough?
A piece of dough dropped into the oil should sizzle gently and rise up quickly without browning too fast. Ideal frying temperature is around 350°F, so use a thermometer if you have one for perfect results each time.
Can I skip the egg for an egg-free version?
Yes—replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or yogurt. The texture might be a little different, but you’ll still get delicious twists with this customized Twisted Donuts Recipe.
Is it necessary to add cinnamon to the sugar coating?
Not at all! Cinnamon is entirely optional and adds a warm, comforting touch. If you’re not a fan, simply coat your donuts in plain sugar or even powdered sugar for a classic take.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the secrets, you’ll see why the Twisted Donuts Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser. Share them warm with someone you love, or keep the whole batch for yourself—either way, you’re just a few simple steps away from totally irresistible, homemade donuts. Ready, set, twist!
PrintTwisted Donuts Recipe
Indulge in these delicious homemade twisted donuts that are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10-12 twisted donuts
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (soft)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup warm milk
- Oil for frying
Coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Yeast Mixture: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Leave it for 5 minutes till it looks foamy.
- Add Ingredients: Add egg, butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Knead the Dough: Slowly add flour and knead until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
- Let it Rise: Cover and let it rise for about 1 hour (it should double in size).
- Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough and cut it into 10–12 pieces. Roll each into a rope and twist two together. Pinch the ends.
- Rest the Donuts: Let the twisted donuts rest for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil on medium flame. Fry the donuts till golden brown on both sides.
- Coat and Serve: Roll the hot donuts in sugar (or cinnamon sugar) and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twisted donut
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg