Thera's Canadian Fried Dough

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 pinch white sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 beaten eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 5 cups whole-wheat flour, divided
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste