Family Doughnuts
Family doughnuts are soft, sweet treats with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for sharing with loved ones, enjoyed plain or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add sugar to melted shortening and beat well.
- Add eggs to the sugar mixture and beat until combined.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg) together.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the sugar and egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing after each addition.
- The dough will be very soft; chill thoroughly until it can be rolled and cut.
- Roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a doughnut cutter.
- Fry in deep fat heated to 360° to 370° Fahrenheit until golden brown, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels and serve plain or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter doughnut, ensure your shortening is fully melted but not too hot. You can substitute half of the milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor. If you prefer, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist. Chilling the dough is crucial, as it firms up for easier handling and better frying results.
Serving Suggestions
These doughnuts are delightful served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. For a special treat, dip them in chocolate glaze or serve with a side of Golden Jezebel Sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
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 and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Doughnuts contains roughly 522 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 761mg per serving (33% 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 bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these doughnuts! Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden. They won’t be as crispy, but will still taste delicious.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself while rolling. Alternatively, you can chill the dough a bit longer to make it easier to handle.
How can I make these doughnuts more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. You can also experiment with flavored glazes or toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts after frying for added texture and taste.
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).