Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts will become your go-to sweet treat:
- Quick and Easy – No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients; this recipe uses store-bought pizza dough, making it simple and accessible.
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside – The fried twists give you the perfect texture contrast, crispy on the outside while remaining soft and light on the inside.
- Generously Coated in Cinnamon Sugar – The sweet cinnamon-sugar coating enhances the flavor, making every bite irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or a self-care Sunday morning, these donuts are perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable – Add a glaze, dip in chocolate sauce, or simply enjoy them as they are!
This recipe is sure to bring warm, sugary joy to your kitchen and delight your taste buds with every bite!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying

Directions
1. Heat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips.
3. Twist the Dough:
- Take each strip and twist it several times to form a spiral shape, then pinch the ends to secure the shape.
4. Fry the Donuts:
- Fry the twists in batches, 2-3 at a time, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the twists are still warm, brush each one with melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, and roll each twist in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, like chocolate sauce or a glaze.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 twists
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
These quick and easy cinnamon sugar twists are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in under 30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the cinnamon sugar twists in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use crescent roll dough or even homemade dough for a more personalized touch.
2. Can I make these donuts without frying?
For a lighter version, you can bake the twisted dough at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
3. Can I use a different sugar for the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes! You can experiment with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie version.
4. Can I make these donuts in advance?
These donuts are best served fresh, but you can prepare the dough, twist it, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before frying and coating.
5. Can I add other flavorings to the cinnamon sugar?
Yes! You can add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even vanilla extract to the sugar for extra flavor complexity.
6. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked twisted dough for up to 1 month. Just thaw it in the fridge before frying and coating.
7. Can I dip these in a glaze?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or chocolate ganache would pair wonderfully with these cinnamon sugar twists.
8. How do I prevent the donuts from getting soggy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying, and drain the fried donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. How long do these donuts stay crispy?
These donuts are crispiest when served immediately, but they’ll stay good for a day or two when stored properly.
10. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make the recipe completely dairy-free.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a crispy golden exterior and a light, fluffy interior, these donuts are coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, as a snack, or just indulging yourself, these twist donuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them fresh and warm, and treat yourself to a little sweetness!

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts: A Sweet and Crispy Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts are quick and easy to make, using pizza dough to create crispy, golden donuts with a soft, fluffy interior. Coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, these donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Oil for frying
Optional Substitutions:
For a healthier version, use coconut oil or sunflower oil for frying.
Substitute regular sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or try a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
Instructions
- Heat the Oil:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips. - Twist the Dough:
Take each strip and twist it several times to form a spiral shape, then pinch the ends to secure the shape. - Fry the Donuts:
Fry the twists in batches, 2-3 at a time, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the twists are still warm, brush each one with melted butter. In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, and roll each twist in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, like chocolate sauce or a glaze.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve with a chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla glaze for an extra indulgence.
Try using puff pastry for an even flakier result.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg