The nostalgic aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar makes these twist donuts impossible to resist. Made with simple refrigerated crescent dough, these sweet treats fry up in minutes and deliver a golden, flaky crunch in every bite.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a surprise family dessert, these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a quick way to bring bakery-quality treats to your table. They’re so simple, you’ll find yourself making them again and again – and everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 can refrigerated crescent dough sheet (or crescent rolls, seams pressed together)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
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1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Directions:
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Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If using rolls, press seams to seal.
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In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
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Brush the dough lightly with melted butter, if using. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough.
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Fold the dough in half lengthwise, pressing gently.
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Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
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Take each strip and twist several times, pinching ends to seal.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully place twists into the oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides (about 1 minute per side).
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Remove and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll in remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, sweet delight!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per twist | Servings: 8 twists
Introduction to Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donut
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are one of those classic, comforting treats that instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth, the scent of sweet cinnamon, and the sound of sizzling dough in oil. These donuts are a delightful combination of simplicity and indulgence — quick to make, yet rich in flavor and texture. Unlike traditional yeasted donuts that require proofing, this recipe uses pre-made crescent dough, making it an ideal option for beginners or busy bakers who crave a homemade dessert without the time commitment.
The result? Flaky, golden twists coated in a crunchy layer of cinnamon sugar, offering a slightly crisp bite on the outside and a soft, tender interior. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack paired with coffee or hot chocolate.
The Story Behind the Twists
Twisted donuts have existed in many cultures under different names — from Korean twisted “kkwabaegi” to cruller-style pastries in European bakeries. These Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts borrow from those traditions while adding a modern shortcut by using crescent roll dough. This innovation allows home cooks to create bakery-style treats without deep baking knowledge or equipment.
The twist shape not only makes them visually appealing but also helps the dough cook evenly, creating layers that soak up just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. Each bite feels light but satisfying — like something you’d find in a charming café or your grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how accessible it is. With only a handful of ingredients — most of which are pantry staples — and a total prep and cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for last-minute cravings, impromptu gatherings, or weekend brunch spreads.
These donuts also offer flexibility. Want more spice? Add nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mixture. Prefer a glaze? Drizzle with vanilla or maple icing. Hosting a crowd? Double the batch with ease. You can serve them warm, and they hold up well at room temperature, making them a crowd-pleaser for events and get-togethers.
Texture, Flavor & Aroma
The combination of texture, flavor, and aroma in these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts is what truly sets them apart. As you bite into a freshly fried twist, the crisp outer layer gives way to soft, flaky dough that melts in your mouth. The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness with a gentle spice kick, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the dough.
The aroma during frying is unmistakably nostalgic — a blend of buttery pastry and warm cinnamon that fills your kitchen with irresistible fragrance. It’s the kind of scent that draws people out of their rooms and straight into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?”
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Twists
To get the most out of this recipe, here are a few helpful tips that will ensure success every time:
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Use a thermometer: Keep your oil temperature at a consistent 350°F (175°C) to avoid undercooked or burnt donuts.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
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Drain well: Place fried twists on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
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Serve warm: They taste best within a few minutes of frying, but can be reheated briefly in the oven for a few seconds the next day.
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Optional butter brush: Lightly brushing the dough with butter before adding cinnamon sugar creates extra flavor and helps the coating stick better.
Serving Suggestions
These twist donuts are highly adaptable and make a wonderful base for different presentations. Serve them as a breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea, dust them with powdered sugar for a different texture, or pair with fruit compote or caramel sauce for an upscale dessert plate.
You can even turn them into a fun brunch platter by offering small dipping bowls filled with chocolate ganache, vanilla glaze, or a tangy cream cheese dip. Kids love them too, especially if you add a drizzle of icing and colorful sprinkles on top.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Although best served fresh, Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts can be prepared in advance to some extent. You can twist the dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Once fried, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy. If needed, re-roll them in cinnamon sugar before serving to refresh the coating.
Why Crescent Dough Works So Well
Crescent roll dough is an unsung hero in the world of baking shortcuts. It’s buttery, flaky, and tender — making it ideal for recipes like these twist donuts. Unlike traditional donut dough, which requires mixing, kneading, and rising, crescent dough is ready to go out of the can, drastically reducing prep time.
Its light and airy texture fries beautifully, puffing slightly in the oil while maintaining structural integrity for a satisfying bite. The slight sweetness of the dough also complements the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids. The twisting step is fun for little hands, and the reward — warm, sweet donuts — is immediate. Because the dough is pre-made and the recipe is fairly foolproof, it’s a great starting point for introducing young cooks to frying and baking.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a Sunday brunch, or just having a cozy afternoon at home, these donuts are guaranteed to bring smiles. Serve them in a basket lined with parchment for a rustic look or plate them on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
Nutritional Considerations
While Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are certainly a treat and not an everyday food, the use of crescent dough and minimal ingredients make them less heavy than traditional deep-fried yeasted donuts. Portion control is easy, especially if you cut the twists smaller, making them more snackable and sharable.
To reduce calories, you can bake the twists in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying, though the texture will be more like a pastry than a donut. Using alternative sugars or adding whole grain dough options can also tweak the nutritional profile for those watching their intake.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are a brilliant example of how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can lead to spectacular results. They’re quick, easy, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a spontaneous dessert, or just a cozy weekend at home, they deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
With just a few pantry staples and a little frying time, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, cinnamon-sugar delight that rivals anything from a bakery. It’s recipes like this that remind us cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable — sometimes, a twist of dough, a sprinkle of sugar, and a little heat are all it takes.