Best Doughnuts
Delicious homemade doughnuts with warm spices and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs and sugar; add melted shortening.
- Add flour, sifted with salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture with milk, mixing until smooth.
- Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut with a doughnut cutter.
- Fry in deep hot fat (365 to 375 degrees) until brown.
- Drain on absorbent paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best doughnuts, ensure your oil temperature is consistent between 365 to 375 degrees to achieve a perfect golden brown color. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Keep an eye on the doughnut size; smaller pieces will cook faster. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These doughnuts are delightful when served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with your favorite icing. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Morgan'S Favorite Holiday Sugar Cookies during celebrations for a sweet spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Doughnuts contains roughly 143 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make the doughnut batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the doughnut batter fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, if you need to prepare in advance, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them separately from the wet ingredients in the refrigerator. Combine them just before frying for the best results.
What should I do if my doughnuts are too oily?
If your doughnuts turn out too oily, it may be due to the frying temperature being too low. Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the doughnuts. Additionally, allow them to drain on absorbent paper right after frying to remove excess oil.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these doughnuts for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and place the cut doughnuts on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Note that the texture will differ from fried doughnuts, but they can still be delicious.
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).