Aunt Fannie'S Doughnuts

Prep: 60 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Golden, fluffy doughnuts with a slightly crispy exterior and tender inside, perfect for breakfast or a treat, appealing to all ages with classic flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together; knead well.
  2. Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes.
  3. Punch down the dough, then roll out and cut into doughnut shapes.
  4. Let the cut doughnuts rise again until they double in size.
  5. Fry in deep oil until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you don't have yeast, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will differ. For a flavor twist, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or nutmeg to the dough. Knead thoroughly to develop gluten for a fluffy texture. For a chocolatey version, dip the cooled doughnuts in melted chocolate from the Chocolate Snaps recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the doughnuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Ryan's Breakfast Shake for a complete morning indulgence. You can also make a doughnut sandwich with your favorite jam or cream filling for a tasty variation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Fannie'S Doughnuts contains roughly 885 calories, with 18g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

885 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.1g 36% DV
Total Fat 37.2g 48% DV
Carbs 122.9g 45% DV
Fiber 4.7g 17% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1315.2mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 258mg 86% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.2mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 16.8mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 269.5mg 21% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the doughnuts will be denser. Start with a 50% substitution and adjust based on your preference. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add a bit more water or milk to achieve the right dough consistency.

How can I tell when the doughnuts are fully cooked?

Doughnuts are fully cooked when they are golden brown on the outside and float to the surface of the oil while frying. You can also test one by cutting it in half; it should be light and fluffy inside without any doughy texture. If they brown too quickly, lower the oil temperature.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or an unsuitable environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it in warm water with a little sugar before adding it to the mixture. Additionally, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free location for optimal results. If the dough still fails to rise, it may be best to start over.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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