Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich warmth of cinnamon and sugar with the soft, airy texture of freshly made doughnuts. The twist on these doughnuts comes from the fun, visually appealing shape and the perfect balance of flavor. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a special event, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The History of Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
The history of doughnuts dates back centuries, with origins traced to Dutch settlers in America. They originally made fried cakes, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the doughnut, as we know it today, began to take shape. The cinnamon sugar twist version likely emerged in the mid-20th century as bakers sought new ways to incorporate the beloved flavors of cinnamon and sugar into their doughnut offerings. The twist shape became popular because it not only makes the doughnuts visually appealing, but it also allows for an even coating of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts, the ingredients are simple but crucial to getting that perfect texture and flavor. The dough consists of basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and butter, with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon to add warmth to the dough itself. For the coating, a mixture of cinnamon and sugar is essential, giving the doughnuts their sweet, spiced exterior. If you want to add a little extra flair, some recipes also include vanilla extract, egg, or milk, which help create a soft and fluffy doughnut.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes active and foamy. Add flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and melted butter to the mixture and stir until it forms a dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Doughnuts: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut strips of dough and twist them into a spiral shape.
- Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the doughnuts are still hot, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until they are evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the doughnuts cool slightly before serving, and enjoy them fresh with a hot drink of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
To achieve the perfect doughnut texture, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cold, and the doughnuts will be greasy. It’s also crucial to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten and achieve the fluffy texture. Additionally, rolling the dough out to an even thickness ensures that the doughnuts cook uniformly. Finally, don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating—it’s what makes these doughnuts so irresistible.
Variations and Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are versatile, and there are several ways you can make them your own. For a chocolate version, you can incorporate cocoa powder into the dough or dip the fried doughnuts in melted chocolate before coating them with cinnamon sugar. If you’re a fan of fruit, try adding apple or blueberry filling inside the doughnuts before twisting them. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds into the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts are undoubtedly delicious, they are best enjoyed in moderation, as they can be high in calories, sugar, and fat. A typical doughnut made with traditional ingredients can have anywhere from 200 to 300 calories, depending on its size and the amount of sugar used. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, you can try baking the doughnuts instead of frying them. This will significantly reduce the fat content. You can also use whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar in the doughnut or the coating. However, keep in mind that these doughnuts are a treat, and it’s always a good idea to balance them with other healthier food options in your diet.
FAQ
Q: Can I make cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying the doughnuts.
Q: Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the doughnuts for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover cinnamon sugar twist doughnuts?
A: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Doughnuts
Ingredients
Doughnuts:
- ▢ 1 ½ cups whole milk warmed to 110°F
- ▢ 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- ▢ 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 38 g
- ▢ 1 large egg at room temperature
- ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour 520 g
- ▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ▢ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 84 g, softened to room temperature
- ▢ Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar:
- ▢ ½ cup granulated sugar 100 g
- ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Doughnuts:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast. Once ready, whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. With the mixer running on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture. Once the dough begins to come together, add another third of the flour mixture. Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. At this point, the dough will be sticky. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Add the remaining third of the flour mixture.
- Once the dough starts to form, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and soft. While the dough may still stick to the sides of the bowl, it should be easy to scrape away with a spatula or dough scraper. (Avoid adding extra flour at this stage.)
- Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30-45 minutes at room temperature until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Loosely cover the dough with a kitchen towel. Working with one piece at a time, stretch and roll the dough into a 14-inch rope.
- To form the twist, place your hands at both ends of the rope. Roll one hand upward while rolling the other hand downward, causing the dough to twist. Pick up the twisted dough at the center of the rope. The natural tension in the dough will braid it together. Pinch the end seam and place the twist on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover with a kitchen towel and repeat the process with the remaining dough.
- Allow the dough to rest for 8-10 minutes while heating the oil.
- Attach a kitchen thermometer to a heavy-bottomed saucepan (like a Dutch oven or cast iron pan). Fill the pot with 2-3 inches of oil and set it over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F.
- Carefully place two or three doughnut twists into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 95 seconds on each side, until golden brown. Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Note: The oil temperature will fluctuate as you add raw doughnuts. Keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure the doughnuts cook properly without burning or remaining undercooked.
Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside until ready to coat the warm doughnuts.
- Once the doughnuts are done, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
For forming twists, you can also roll the dough into a 14-inch strip, fold it in half, and braid it until you have at least four twists. The method outlined in the instructions creates a tighter braid.