Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these Twisted Doughnuts are a classic homemade treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. The dough is lightly sweetened, shaped into beautiful twists, fried until golden, and finished with sugar for that irresistible old-fashioned flavor.
Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or serving with coffee or tea, these doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Why You’ll Love These Twisted Doughnuts
- Soft, fluffy, and tender inside
- Beautiful golden and crispy exterior
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to shape
- Delicious with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar
- Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying
For Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Twisted Doughnuts
1. Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl.
Add the yeast and a teaspoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until slightly foamy.
The milk should be warm, not hot.
2. Make the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Twists
Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into approximately 12–14 pieces.
Roll each piece into a long rope, about 8–10 inches long.
Fold the rope in half and twist the two strands around each other. Pinch the ends together so the twist stays closed.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Let Them Rest
Place the shaped doughnuts on a lightly floured or parchment-lined tray.
Cover loosely and let them rest for about 15–20 minutes.
This short second rise helps make the doughnuts lighter and fluffier.
6. Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Avoid overcrowding the pot because adding too many doughnuts at once can lower the oil temperature.
7. Fry the Doughnuts
Carefully place a few twisted doughnuts into the hot oil.
Fry for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, turning gently, until they are evenly golden brown.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
8. Coat With Sugar
While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
For a simpler version, you can use plain granulated sugar or dust them with powdered sugar after they cool slightly.
Tips for Perfect Twisted Doughnuts
Don’t make the dough too stiff.
A soft dough produces lighter, fluffier doughnuts.
Give the dough enough time to rise.
The first rise is important for developing the airy texture.
Keep the oil temperature steady.
Oil that’s too hot can brown the outside before the center cooks, while oil that’s too cool can make the doughnuts greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Fry in small batches.
Seal the ends well.
This prevents the twists from coming apart while frying.
Easy Variations
Cinnamon Sugar
The classic choice. Toss the warm doughnuts in sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Powdered Sugar
Let them cool slightly and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Glazed Twists
Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled doughnuts.
Chocolate
Dip one end into melted chocolate and allow it to set before serving.
Honey
Drizzle a small amount of honey over warm doughnuts for a simple, naturally sweet finish.
How to Store Them
Twisted doughnuts are best eaten the same day because they are at their softest and freshest when warm.
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1–2 days. Warm them briefly before serving to bring back some of their softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without yeast?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Yeast gives these doughnuts their characteristic soft, airy texture.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then brought back toward room temperature before shaping and frying.
Why are my doughnuts greasy?
Usually, the oil temperature is too low. Maintaining a consistent frying temperature helps the doughnuts cook properly without absorbing excessive oil.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes, although baked twisted doughnuts will have a softer, bread-like exterior rather than the crisp texture produced by deep frying.
Final Thoughts
These Twisted Doughnuts are the perfect old-fashioned homemade treat. With a soft, yeast-raised dough, a beautiful twisted shape, and a golden fried exterior covered in cinnamon sugar, they’re simple enough for a weekend breakfast but special enough to serve to guests.