Twisted Donut Recipe: Perfectly Sweet Cinnamon Delight

As a child, weekends at my grandmother’s house meant waking up to the heavenly aroma of freshly fried goodies wafting through the kitchen. Among my favorites were her twisted donuts. These treats were not just a breakfast staple but a reminder of the warmth and love that went into every meal she prepared. The memory of those delightful twists inspired me to recreate them, and today I’m thrilled to share this twisted donut recipe with you!

Twisted donuts hold a special place in my heart because they symbolize the essence of home cooking—simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. In this twisted donut recipe, you’ll find that the process of making them is as rewarding as the final product. Each twist and turn in the dough is an invitation to enjoy the process, and the result is a delightful confection that brings joy to any table.

When you bite into a twisted donut, the crispy exterior, combined with the soft, fluffy interior, offers a perfect balance of textures. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness that makes these donuts irresistible. You’ll find that this twisted donut recipe is not only straightforward but also incredibly satisfying, capturing the joy of cooking from scratch.

Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet treat, these twisted donuts are a testament to the power of simplicity and the joy of sharing homemade delights with loved ones. Let’s dive into the essentials of crafting these delicious pastries!

Twisted Donut Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the secrets to making perfect twisted donuts at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Learn techniques for airy dough and a deliciously crispy finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400g All purpose flour (3 1/3 cup)
• 125ml Lukewarm water
• 125ml Lukewarm milk
• 25g White sugar (2 tbsp)
• 8g Instant yeast (1 tbsp)
• Pinch of salt
• 45g Unsalted butter (3 tbsp)
• Neutral oil for frying
• 200g White sugar (1 cup)
• 2 tsp (10 ml) Ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Place the all-purpose flour, white sugar, instant yeast, and a pinch of salt into the bowl of a mixer with a dough hook attachment.
2. Pour in the lukewarm milk and water, stirring until the mixture is uniform.
3. Incorporate the unsalted butter and blend on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy, which may take up to 15 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough into a generously oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap.
5. Allow it to rest in a warm environment for about an hour, or until it has expanded to twice its original size.
6. Take the dough out of the bowl and shape it into a large rectangle, roughly 20cm by 30cm.
7. Cut away the edges and slice the dough into 12 long, narrow pieces.
8. Twist the ends of each strip in opposite directions to create tension.
9. Hold the strip by the ends and let it naturally coil, then further twist it by hand to perfect the shape.
10. Bring the ends of the dough strip together and press to seal, placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Cover the dough with plastic wrap to let it rise again for 30 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size.
12. Heat a deep fryer or a pot filled with neutral oil to a temperature between 280F (140C) and 300F (150C).
13. Gently add three donuts into the hot oil, frying each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn golden brown.
14. Take them out of the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
15. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough pieces.
16. Mix the white sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow container.
17. Roll each drained donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
18. Enjoy your freshly made twisted donuts!

Notes

• Ensure the milk and water are lukewarm for proper yeast activation.
• Knead until the dough is smooth and stretchy for good texture.
• Coat warm donuts with cinnamon sugar for best flavor adherence.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Française

Nutrition

• Calories: 228 calories
• Fat: 3.4 g
• Protein: 4.1 g

Keywords: cinnamon sugar donuts, twisted donuts recipe, homemade fried donuts, yeast donut recipe, cinnamon twist donuts, fried donut technique

Twisted Donut Recipe: Fundamentals and Preparation

Fundamentals

The twisted donut recipe begins with simple, pantry-staple ingredients. You’ll need 400g of all-purpose flour, 25g of white sugar, 8g of instant yeast, and a pinch of salt. These form the dry base of your dough. Adding 125ml each of lukewarm water and milk creates the necessary moisture to bind these ingredients together. The lukewarm liquids help activate the yeast, which is key for making your donuts rise to perfection.

Another crucial ingredient is unsalted butter. At 45g, this butter not only enriches the dough with flavor but also contributes to its smooth, stretchy texture. Don’t forget to have some neutral oil on hand for frying, as it ensures your donuts turn out golden and crispy. Finally, for the finishing touch, a mixture of 200g of white sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon creates the irresistible coating that completes this delightful treat.

Preparation/Setup

Begin by placing the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt into the bowl of a mixer with a dough hook attachment. Next, pour in the lukewarm milk and water, stirring until the mixture is uniform. Incorporate the butter, blending on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy. This step may take up to 15 minutes, but patience is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Transfer the dough into a generously oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest in a warm environment for about an hour, or until it has expanded to twice its original size. During this time, the yeast works its magic, giving the dough the rise it needs. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a large rectangle, roughly 20cm by 30cm, and cut it into 12 long, narrow pieces. These will become your twisted donuts.

Twisted Donut Techniques and Tips

Technique

Creating the perfect twist in your donuts involves a bit of finesse. Take each dough strip and twist the ends in opposite directions to create tension. Hold the strip by the ends, allowing it to naturally coil. This natural twist gives the donut its characteristic shape. For an added touch of artistry, further twist the dough by hand to perfect the shape.

Once twisted, bring the ends of the dough strip together and press to seal. Place each shaped donut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise again for 30 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size. This second rise is essential for achieving the fluffy interior that makes these donuts so delightful.

Tips/Tricks

To ensure your donuts fry evenly, heat a deep fryer or a pot of neutral oil to a temperature between 280°F (140°C) and 300°F (150°C). This temperature range allows the donuts to cook through without burning the exterior. Fry three donuts at a time, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown. After frying, let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.

For a flawless cinnamon sugar coating, immediately roll the drained donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm. The warmth helps the sugar adhere to the surface, ensuring each bite is perfectly sweetened. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t look picture-perfect!

Perfecting Twisted Donuts: Results and Variations

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect twisted donut is an art that comes with practice and attention to detail. A successful donut has a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, airy interior. The key is in the dough preparation and the frying technique. Ensuring the dough is well-kneaded and allowing it to rise properly are both crucial steps. Additionally, monitoring the oil temperature during frying is essential to avoid overcooking or undercooking your donuts.

Uniformity in size and shape also contributes to even cooking. When cutting and twisting the dough, try to keep each piece as consistent as possible. This way, all donuts cook at the same rate, preventing any from becoming too dark or remaining doughy inside.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you encounter issues with your donuts, consider these troubleshooting tips. If your donuts are too dense, it may be due to insufficient rising time or over-kneading. Allowing the dough to rest in a warm spot can help achieve the right texture. If the donuts are too greasy, the oil temperature might have been too low. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent excessive oil absorption.

For those looking to experiment, try incorporating different flavors into the dough or coating. Add a touch of vanilla extract to the dough for extra aroma, or mix some nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist. You can even explore savory variations, drawing inspiration from unique recipes like Venison Donuts with Mustard Glaze.

Serving Twisted Donuts: Presentation and Storage

Serving/Presentation

Presenting your twisted donuts can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Arrange them on a platter lined with a decorative cloth or paper for a charming, rustic look. If serving for a special occasion, consider dusting the donuts with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances their visual appeal.

Pair your donuts with a variety of dipping sauces, like a simple vanilla glaze or a rich chocolate ganache. These additions offer a delightful contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating and invite guests to enjoy a custom flavor experience. For more meal inspiration, you might enjoy exploring our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe or the savory Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs Recipe.

Pairings/Storage

Twisted donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later indulgence. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to preserve them longer, consider freezing the donuts. Simply wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in an oven to refresh their crispiness.

For a complete homemade meal experience, consider pairing these donuts with a hearty soup like Caldo de Res. This combination offers a balance of savory and sweet that is sure to satisfy. If you’re looking for more unique meal ideas, our Easy and Unique Sloppy Joe Recipes are also worth exploring.

Conclusion

Crafting twisted donuts is a joyful process that combines simple ingredients with a bit of technique to produce delightful results. The recipe celebrates the art of home cooking, bringing warmth and sweetness to your table. With the right approach, these donuts can be a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

This twisted donut recipe highlights the beauty of transforming basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, these donuts offer a taste of nostalgia and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. With each twist and bite, you’ll experience the magic of home cooking at its finest.

FAQs – Twisted Donut Recipe