Homemade Twisted Doughnuts
If you love freshly made, soft, and slightly crispy doughnuts with a hint of sweetness, these homemade twisted doughnuts are perfect for you. Light and airy on the inside with a delicious golden-brown crust, they are an irresistible treat that you can enjoy at breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert.
These twisted doughnuts are made with simple pantry ingredients and require a bit of patience for the dough to rise, but the result is well worth the wait. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this step-by-step guide will help you make the best twisted doughnuts at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with everyday ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- Soft & Fluffy – The perfect combination of a soft interior and a golden, crispy exterior.
- Fun Twisted Shape – A unique take on classic doughnuts, adding a delightful texture.
- Customizable – Coat with sugar, cinnamon, or even drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy them with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or serve them as a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2-3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup warm milk (not too hot, about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 1 pinch salt
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For Coating:
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
- Cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
For Frying:
- Oil (vegetable or canola oil for deep frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter, warm milk, egg, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour in portions while stirring to form a dough.
- Once the mixture starts coming together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 3-5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles.
- Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and knead the dough lightly for a few minutes.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, then cut each portion into five smaller pieces.
- Take one piece of dough and roll it into a long rope shape on your cutting board.
- As you roll, move one hand upward and the other downward to create a natural twist in the dough.
- Pick up the twisted dough, bring the two ends together, and allow the tension to form the final twisted shape.
- Place the twisted dough on a floured tray or cutting board and repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
- In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the twisted dough pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Coat with Sugar
- While the doughnuts are still warm, place granulated sugar (and cinnamon, if using) in a brown paper bag or a large bowl.
- Add the warm doughnuts and shake a few times until they are evenly coated with sugar.
- Repeat this process for all the doughnuts.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the doughnuts warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle them with melted chocolate or dip them in honey.
Tips for the Best Twisted Doughnuts
- Proper Dough Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place (like inside an oven with the light on) to help it double in size.
- Even Twisting: Roll the dough ropes evenly and ensure a consistent twist to get a uniform shape.
- Correct Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly and remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil.
- Best Served Fresh: These doughnuts taste best when eaten fresh and warm. However, you can store leftovers and reheat them.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the doughnuts for a decadent touch.
- Glazed Doughnuts: Instead of sugar coating, dip them in a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla extract).
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon into the sugar coating for extra warmth and spice.
- Nutella or Jam Filling: Slice the doughnuts open and spread Nutella or fruit jam inside.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, though they may lose some of their softness.
- Freezing: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave Reheating: Heat for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, but they won’t have the same crispy exterior as fried doughnuts.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, reduce the rising time to 1-2 hours instead of 3-5 hours.
Why are my doughnuts greasy?
This happens when the oil temperature is too low. Always heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and store it in the fridge overnight. Shape and fry the doughnuts the next day.
These homemade twisted doughnuts are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy any time of the day. Soft, fluffy, and covered in sugar, they are a delight with every bite. Try this recipe and enjoy the magic of fresh, homemade doughnuts today.