Doughnuts Ii
Delicious homemade doughnuts with a unique flavor profile from mashed potatoes, nutmeg, and lemon, perfect for a sweet treat or special breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use Gold Medal or Pillsbury bread flour for the dough.
- Activate the dry yeast by mixing 5 Tbsp. yeast with 1 1/2 cups warm water and 1 Tbsp. sugar; let sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared instant mashed potatoes, yeast mixture, eggs, salt, nutmeg, lemon flavor, and water; mix well.
- Gradually add bread flour to the mixture, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or a round cutter and a smaller cutter for the hole.
- Heat Crisco in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the doughnuts in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove doughnuts and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 3 cups water; bring to a boil to make a simple syrup if desired for glazing.
- Optionally, dip doughnuts in the syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure perfect doughnuts, use instant mashed potatoes for added moisture and texture. If you don't have Crisco, try using vegetable oil instead. For a delightful twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or glaze. Make sure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Knead until the dough is elastic, and let it rise in a warm place for best results.
Serving Suggestions
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with a simple syrup. Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast treat. For a fun twist, serve alongside Cinnamon Breakfast Buns for a sweet brunch spread, or enjoy with a side of fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doughnuts Ii contains roughly 663 calories, with 10g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh potatoes instead of instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh potatoes can be used, they need to be cooked, mashed, and cooled before incorporating them into the dough. Instant mashed potatoes simplify the process and provide consistent results, keeping the dough moist and fluffy.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, ensure your yeast is active and your water is at the right temperature (between 100°F and 110°F). If it still fails to rise, it may be due to cold temperatures or expired yeast. Try again in a warmer environment or with fresh yeast.
How can I flavor the doughnuts besides lemon?
You can customize the flavor by adding extracts like vanilla or almond, or spices such as cinnamon or cardamom. For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the dough, or dip the fried doughnuts in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
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).