In a bowl, place 1 cup of lukewarm water and brown sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved. Add in instant yeast and wait until the mixture creates bubbles. (This may take about 5 to 10 minutes.)
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix in flour and salt. When the liquid mixture is ready, add this to the dry ingredients and mix using a wooden spoon until you get most of the flours from the bowl.
On a floured surface, knead the dough using your clean hands (or using a stand mixer or handheld mixer) for 10-15 minutes or until dough is elastic and smooth (might come a little sticky). (If kneading using your hands, this may take longer, depending on how hard/strong you knead. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover using a cling wrap. Keep in a warm place to double in size. When the dough has doubled in size, take it out to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 15 equal sizes. Shape each into a log and twist from the top, sealing both ends. Transfer each dough to a clean plate/baking sheet. You will notice that the first few doughs are getting bigger in size – they are ready to dive into the hot oil. (Tip: You can ask somebody to fry the donuts for you while you finish up shaping the rest.)Prepare a plate with a stack of paper towels and a container/plate with white sugar and cinnamon powder. Set aside until ready to use, but make sure it’s not too far from you.Fry the donuts in a very hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
