How long do these last?

These will last up to 2 days at room temperature. However, I recommend eating them as soon as possible. They are the fluffiest and crunchiest when freshly fried so get them while they’re hot!

How should I heat the leftovers?

I recommend heating leftover donuts in an air-fryer or oven before eating. As they sit they lose their crunchy exterior, but a quick reheat can bring them back to their former glory. If you are strapped for time even a quick zap in the microwave can bring back their fluffy texture!

What if I don’t have a thermometer?

I highly recommend using a thermometer when deep-frying, but you can also test the temperature of the oil with a small piece of white bread. When you add the bread it should bubble lightly and slowly turn light golden brown. If the oil is bubbling rapidly the oil is too hot, and if it doesn’t bubble at all it is too cold.

Why are my donuts dense?

There are a couple of reasons why your donuts turned out oily: The dough was under-proofed: The donut hadn’t had enough time to build up air before being fried, resulting in a denser donut. The yeast wasn’t active: If your yeast is old, or wasn’t activated it won’t add any air to your dough.

How come my donuts turned out oily?

Yes definitely! Feel free to change up the flavor by adding different flavorings to the sugar. You can use vanilla sugar for vanilla donuts, freeze-dried fruit powder for something fruity, or even matcha powder for a match sugar coating. You could even ditch the cinnamon sugar altogether and glaze the donuts with a mixture of icing sugar and water.

How can I make vegan twisted donuts?

It’s simple! Use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute, swap regular milk for plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or oil.

What’s the best way to reheat twisted donuts?

Reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the softness and gives the outside a slight crispiness.

How do I prevent donuts from getting greasy?

The trick is to keep the oil at the right temperature—around 375°F (190°C). Avoid frying too many donuts at once, as this can drop the oil temperature and make them absorb more grease.

Can I freeze twisted donuts?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Why are my donuts dense and not fluffy?

Dense donuts could mean your dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure the dough has doubled in size during the proofing stage. That’s the secret to light, airy donuts!

Can I Bake These Instead of Frying

Yes. Bake at 350°F for fifteen to eighteen minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and roll in sugar immediately afterward for a lighter texture with the same sweetness.

Can I Use an Air Fryer

You can. Place the twisted dough on parchment inside an air fryer preheated to 340°F. Cook for six to eight minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

What’s the Difference Between Twisted Donuts and Regular Donuts

Twisted donuts use a yeast dough that is shaped into spirals before frying, giving them a softer, airier crumb compared to dense ring donuts. The twisting process also adds that signature layered texture.

How Should I Store Them Overnight

Keep cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for five minutes to refresh their crispness.

How Do I Prevent Greasy Donuts

Monitor your oil temperature carefully. If it drops below 350°F, the donuts absorb excess oil. Maintain consistent heat and avoid adding too many pieces at once.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time

Yes. Prepare the dough a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying for fresh, flavorful results.

How Can I Add Flavor Without Overpowering the Dough

Add subtle extracts such as almond, lemon, or vanilla to the dough, or flavor the sugar coating with matcha or cocoa powder. These hints elevate aroma without masking the yeast’s natural sweetness.

Are Twisted Donuts Suitable for Vegans

Replace milk with a plant-based alternative and use oil or vegan margarine instead of butter. Substitute eggs with flaxseed gel to retain softness while keeping the recipe entirely plant-based.

My Favorite Cinnamon Sugar Twisted Donuts Recipe

Name: My Favorite Cinnamon Sugar Twisted Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Dough; 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

Cinnamon Sugar Twisted Donut Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Soft and fluffy dough fried to crispy golden perfection and rolled in cinnamon sugar. These are the perfect twisted donuts, a staple at any Asian bakery.

Author: Catherine Zhang
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Category: Donut
Method: Intermediate
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

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

Cinnamon Sugar

200g White sugar (1 cup)
2 tsp Ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook
Add the lukewarm milk and water and mix until smooth
Add the butter and mix on medium speed until smooth and elastic, it will take up to 15 mins
Place the dough in a large oiled bowl and cover with cling wrap
Place in a warm place for 60 mins, or until doubled in size
Remove from the bowl and roll into a large rectangle (approx 20cm x 30cm)
Trim the edges and cut into 12 long strips
Twist the two ends of a strip in opposing directions to build tension
Lift the dough by the two ends and let it twist naturally, then tighten the twist with your hands to form the perfect shape
Pinch the two ends of the dough together and place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper
Cover with cling wrap to proof for 30 mins, or until almost doubled in size
Bring a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot of neutral frying oil to 280F / 140C – 300F/150C
Carefully transfer 3 donuts to the oil and fry for 2-3 mins per side, or until golden brown
Remove from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel
Repeat with the remaining donuts
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish
Add the drained donuts to the sugar and roll to coat
Enjoy!

Find it online: https://zhangcatherine.com/twisted-donuts/