Doughnuts (Lottie Thomas)
Delicious homemade doughnuts with a tender interior and crispy exterior, flavored with nutmeg and vanilla, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast with warm water and let it rise until frothy.
- Melt shortening and add sugar and salt.
- Beat eggs and add to the yeast mixture along with vanilla and seasonings.
- Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
- Allow dough to rise until doubled in size.
- Roll out on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Cut into doughnut shapes.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Glaze or coat with powdered sugar or cinnamon mixture as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and proof it properly before adding to the mixture. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Make sure to flour your surface well when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour gradually until you achieve a soft, pliable consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these doughnuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed for a sweet finish. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a perfect breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a side of Chocolate Cheesecake Pie (Makes One 9-Inch Pie) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doughnuts (Lottie Thomas) contains roughly 1072 calories, with 28g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2657mg per serving (116% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water first before mixing it with the other ingredients. Allow it to sit until frothy, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or not enough warmth. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also use a warm oven (turned off) to help it rise better.
How do I know when the doughnuts are done frying?
Doughnuts are done frying when they turn a deep golden brown color. You can also test one by removing it from the oil and letting it cool slightly; if it has a light, fluffy texture inside, they're ready to be drained and enjoyed.
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).