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Bird's-eye view of twisted donuts with yogurt glaze and vanilla specks on a dark surface.

Sugar Twist Donut Recipe

Yeast-risen Croatian donuts twisted and fried until golden, then tossed in vanilla sugar for a sweet, fluffy pastry.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Croatian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp yeast
  • 2 cups warm milk divided
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups + 5 tbsp all-purpose flour 560g + 40g, divided
  • 4 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100g
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar

Instructions
 

  • Activate Yeast Mixture:

    Mix 2 tbsp yeast, 1 cup warm milk, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let sit until frothy, a few minutes.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients:

    In a large bowl, combine 4 cups flour (560g), yogurt, egg, salt, and 2 tsp vanilla sugar. Begin mixing with the dough hook.
  • Add Yeast Mixture:

    Add 3 tbsp flour (from the extra 5 tbsp) and the yeast mixture. Mix until incorporated.
  • Incorporate Warm Milk:

    Heat the remaining 1 cup milk, then slowly add it to the dough while mixing. Continue for 6-7 minutes until smooth.
  • Let Dough Rise:

    Leave the dough in the bowl; sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp flour. Set the bowl in a large pot or sink half-filled with warm water. Cover with a clean cloth or paper towel and let rise 30-40 minutes.
  • Knead Dough:

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes.
  • Shape Donuts:

    Roll the dough to ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles roughly 2 inches by 4 inches (5x10 cm). Slit each rectangle lengthwise, leaving the top intact. Twist and set aside.
  • Heat Frying Oil:

    Fill a large pot with canola oil to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry Donuts:

    Gently place a few donuts into the hot oil. Fry for 4 minutes, flipping once with a fork, until golden on both sides.
  • Coat with Sugar:

    Remove and drain on paper towels. Toss with a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar (100g) and 1 tsp vanilla sugar.
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