Name: Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
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; ⅓ cup sugar; 1 large egg, room temp; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; ½ tsp salt; Oil, for frying; ½ cup sugar (or cinnamon sugar); 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing before coating)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

Imagine biting into a golden treat that’s crisp on the outside, yet pillowy and tender as you sink your teeth in — that’s the magic of Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists. These delights are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, bringing that irresistible fresh-from-the-bakery aroma right into your kitchen. The recipe brings together a handful of accessible ingredients for a result that’s rich with homemade flavor, having just the right amount of sweetness, and a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, these donut twists are the kind of treat you’ll reach for again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where every ingredient serves a purpose, from the soft crumb to that gorgeous, golden hue you spot at a glance. You’ll likely have most of these staples on hand, but together, they create something truly special — Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists you’ll be proud of!

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness that gives these twists their signature soft bite. Dusting ensures easy handling.
Instant yeast: Brings the lightness and lift, making the donuts airy and fluffy as can be.
Warm milk: Boosts richness and moisture, resulting in a delicate crumb. Make sure it’s just warm to activate the yeast.
Warm water: Balances the hydration — not too dry, not too sticky, just right for optimal dough consistency.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that gorgeous, golden color.
Large egg: Brings everything together, adding both richness and stability to the dough.
Unsalted butter: Gives a subtle, luxurious flavor, and a tenderness to the donut twists you’ll adore.
Salt: Essential for balance; it brightens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Oil, for frying: Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are perfect for getting a beautiful, crisp finish.
Sugar (or cinnamon sugar), for coating: That final dusting adds texture and classic donut-shop appeal — use cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist!
Melted butter (optional): Brushing before coating helps the sugar cling and adds extra buttery richness.

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start things off by combining the warm milk, warm water, instant yeast, and just a touch of sugar in a small bowl. Let this mixture rest for about five minutes. You want to see it go from simple ingredients to something magical — it’ll turn foamy, which tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work. This step lays the foundation for extra soft and fluffy donut twists every time.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the rest of the sugar, flour, and salt. Pour in your bubbly yeast mixture, then add the egg and softened butter. Knead this mixture by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, and watch as it turns from a sticky mess into a smooth, elastic ball. This thorough knead is key for a chewy, cloudlike texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, making sure all sides are lightly coated, then cover it and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours. When you peek, it should be doubled in size and incredibly soft. This patient step guarantees your Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists will be light as air.

Step 4: Shape the Twists

After the dough’s impressive rise, punch it down gently to release some air. Divide it into 10 to 12 even pieces. Roll each into a rope about 8 to 10 inches long. Now the fun begins: twist two ropes together and pinch the ends to seal (or take one rope, fold it in half, and twist). Line these beauties up on a tray, cover, and let them rest again for 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll puff up, promising a glorious, airy center.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil until it’s between 325 and 340°F. Working in batches, gently lower your donut twists in and let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them — they’ll turn deep golden and float when they’re ready. Drain on paper towels to keep their outsides crisp.

Step 6: Coat for That Classic Finish

While still warm, brush your donut twists with melted butter if you want that extra lusciousness. Roll them in sugar or cinnamon sugar for that familiar sparkle and crunch — your Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists are now ready to devour!

How to Serve Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists

Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dusting of classic sugar or cinnamon sugar is all you really need for that nostalgic donut-shop vibe. If you’d like, drizzle a bit of vanilla or chocolate glaze, or top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra festive touch. Serve them on a pretty platter to let their golden swirls shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists with a tall glass of milk, fresh coffee, or spiced chai for a truly comforting treat. They also make a delightful companion for fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream — perfect for an indulgent brunch or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the donut twists in a spiral or laying them out in a starburst pattern on a wooden board for maximum wow-factor. For parties, use pretty parchment cones or bakery bags so guests can grab-and-go. They also make adorable edible gifts, tied up in clear cellophane and a ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, but it does happen), store your Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their texture for about a day, though after that they’ll slowly lose their signature fluffiness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.

Freezing

These donut twists freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. For best flavor, coat them in sugar after reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

To bring your Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists back to life, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. You can also give them a quick microwave zap in ten-second bursts, but the oven will help them keep their slightly crisp exterior. Brush with a bit more melted butter and toss in sugar for that fresh-from-the-fryer magic.

FAQs

Can I make these donut twists without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Just knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. It should turn smooth and elastic. The process is a bit of a workout but totally worth it for Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists!

Why do my donut twists soak up too much oil?

If the oil isn’t hot enough, the twists can absorb oil and get greasy. Aim for a steady 325 to 340°F, and don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the temperature consistent. A kitchen thermometer really helps here.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake the shaped twists at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden, but they’ll be more like soft rolls than classic Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists. For the authentic experience, frying is best!

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or vegetable oil, are ideal. They won’t overpower the flavor of your donut twists, letting the buttery dough shine through.

How should I store donut twists overnight?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the uncoated twists and coat them in sugar after reheating for maximum freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Few things make people smile quite like a tray of Soft and Fluffy Donut Twists fresh from the fryer. Whether you’re treating your family, impressing brunch guests, or just looking to indulge in something sweet and homemade, these twists are pure comfort in every bite. So don your apron and give them a try — there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking (and tasting) your own donut magic at home!