Introduction
If you’ve ever strolled past a bakery and caught a whiff of freshly fried donuts, you know the irresistible temptation they bring. Donut twists are a delightful variation of the classic donut — soft, pillowy, and lightly golden, with a fun twisted shape that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. This recipe will guide you through creating bakery-style donut twists at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you glaze them, dust them with sugar, or enjoy them plain, these donuts will surely become a family favorite.
My recipe story
Donuts have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother would make batches of freshly fried donuts on Sunday mornings. They weren’t just a treat — they were part of family tradition. The first time I saw her twist the dough into long, elegant braids before frying, I was fascinated. The smell filled the house, and biting into one of those warm, fluffy twists was pure comfort. This recipe is my way of recreating that childhood memory and sharing it with you. It’s simple enough for beginners but delivers results that will rival any bakery.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple pantry ingredients you already have at home.
- Fun twisted shape that looks impressive but is easy to make.
- Versatile — enjoy plain, glazed, or sugar-coated.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a special dessert for gatherings.
Ingredient breakdown
This recipe uses basic baking ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect donut twist. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the dough.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure and softness. You’ll need just over 3 cups to form a smooth dough that’s easy to work with while still tender when fried.
Yeast: Instant yeast is the key to fluffy, airy donuts. It works quickly and requires no proofing, though mixing it with warm milk and water helps kick-start the rise.
Milk & Water: Warm milk adds richness and flavor, while water ensures the dough isn’t too heavy. The warmth also helps activate the yeast for a good rise.
Sugar: Just enough to lightly sweeten the dough while feeding the yeast. You can adjust depending on how sweet you like your donuts.
Egg: One egg enriches the dough, adding both structure and tenderness.
Butter: Softened butter brings a rich flavor and helps create a soft crumb. It also makes the dough more pliable when shaping into twists.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor — don’t skip it!
Equipment you’ll need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Wire rack and baking sheet (for cooling and draining excess oil)
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and a teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will give your donuts a beautiful rise.
Step 2: Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Knead and first rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand if not using a mixer. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky but not sticky. Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the twists
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Cut into strips about 6–7 inches long and 1 inch wide. Take each strip, gently stretch, and twist both ends in opposite directions to form a spiral. Lay the twisted strips on a floured surface, cover loosely, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the donuts
Heat oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the twists, a few at a time, and fry for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar, roll in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor — nothing beats a fresh donut twist straight out of the fryer!
Variations & substitutions
Donut twists are highly versatile. Here are some ways to customize them:
- Glazed Donut Twists: Dip in classic vanilla glaze or chocolate glaze for a bakery-style finish.
- Spiced Sugar Twists: Toss in cinnamon-sugar or pumpkin spice sugar for a cozy seasonal touch.
- Filled Twists: After frying, pipe in custard, Nutella, or jam for a surprise filling.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Mini twists: Cut smaller strips and make bite-sized donut twists perfect for parties.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot — too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it ensures the twists are airy and not dense.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying. Too low = greasy donuts, too high = burnt outsides and raw insides.
- If your dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- For extra soft donuts, don’t overwork the dough during shaping.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
Donut twists taste best when enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess oil and moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cooled donuts in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly. You can also make the dough ahead — prepare through the first rise, refrigerate overnight, and continue shaping and frying the next day.
Serving ideas & pairings
These donut twists are a treat on their own, but they pair beautifully with drinks and toppings:
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo.
- Serve with fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, or caramel dip for extra indulgence.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a lighter breakfast option.
- Top with sprinkles or crushed nuts to add crunch and color.
- Serve alongside ice cream for a decadent dessert.
FAQ
Can I bake donut twists instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, but they won’t be quite as fluffy or golden as fried donuts.
Why are my donuts greasy?
This usually happens when the oil is too cold. Always keep the temperature at around 350°F for best results.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Bread flour will work, but it will yield a slightly chewier donut. All-purpose flour gives the best soft texture.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No — while a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How can I make the donuts more flavorful?
You can add vanilla extract, nutmeg, or lemon zest to the dough for extra aroma and taste.
Final thoughts
Soft and fluffy donut twists are the perfect homemade treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a simple dough, a little patience for rising, and a quick fry, you’ll have golden spirals of deliciousness that rival any bakery. They’re versatile, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you make them for a special breakfast, a weekend baking project, or a sweet surprise for guests, these donut twists are sure to bring smiles all around. Once you try them, they might just become your new go-to donut recipe.
Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 donut twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, airy, and lightly sweet donut twists that are soft inside with a delicate crunch outside. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar or glaze, for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, and 1 tsp sugar. Sprinkle yeast over and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and roll into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into strips 6–7 inches long and 1 inch wide. Twist each strip and place on a floured surface. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donut twists in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar, roll in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat before serving. Try dipping in chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American