French Donuts

Prep: 60 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 30 Cuisine: French

Golden, fluffy French donuts with a hint of nutmeg, dipped in sweet glaze—perfect for breakfast or a treat to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Sugar glaze

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, the yeast, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  2. Combine milk, sugar, oil, and salt; heat until warm.
  3. Add the warm milk mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients.
  4. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute. Beat 3 minutes at high speed.
  5. By hand, stir in the remaining flour to make a soft dough.
  6. Place dough in a greased bowl and turn once. Cover and chill.
  7. Place dough on a lightly floured surface, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Roll dough into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Cut into donut shapes.
  9. Cover again and let rise for 30 minutes.
  10. Fry in deep hot (375°F) oil until golden, turning once.
  11. Drain and dip into sugar glaze.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to enhance the dough's texture. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute it with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. To avoid greasy donuts, ensure the oil temperature stays at 375°F while frying. Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these French donuts warm for the best taste. They are delicious on their own or paired with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a fruit compote or whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with Romanian Cabbage Rolls for a delightful meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Donuts contains roughly 303 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 27g fat.

303 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 27.2g 35% DV
Carbs 15.1g 5% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 140.6mg 6% DV
Potassium 78.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 17.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 20.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After mixing, cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and shaping. This will help save time and make the process more convenient for special occasions.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

To check if the oil is at the right temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready. Alternatively, a candy thermometer can help ensure the oil reaches 375°F for perfect frying.

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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