French Market Doughnuts(Mama'S Recipe)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

French Market Doughnuts are light, fluffy treats with a crispy exterior, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for brunch or special occasions, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 7 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Pour boiling water over shortening, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add milk and dissolve yeast in the lukewarm water.
  3. When the shortening-milk mixture is lukewarm, add the dissolved yeast.
  4. Add beaten eggs.
  5. Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat hard, then add enough flour to make a soft dough.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
  7. Cover with waxed paper and a lid, then refrigerate until ready for use.
  8. When ready, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into small squares with a pastry cutter.
  9. Fry in deep fat at 375° to 400° until golden brown.
  10. Do not let the dough rise before frying.
  11. Drain on absorbent paper.
  12. Roll in powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter doughnut, ensure your frying oil temperature is consistent between 375° to 400°F. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or margarine. If you prefer a sweeter doughnut, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor. Dusting with powdered sugar right after frying gives a lovely finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful doughnuts fresh with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with the Sweet Dinner Rolls (Great For Sandwiches) for a brunch spread. You can even fill them with jam or custard for a delicious twist and serve with fresh fruit on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispness, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. If you want to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Market Doughnuts(Mama'S Recipe) contains roughly 462 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

462 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.3g 19% DV
Total Fat 18.7g 24% DV
Carbs 64.8g 24% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 26.6g 53% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 853.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 453.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 3.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.4mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 124.5mg 10% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
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 use active dry yeast instead of packaged yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to proof it in lukewarm water with a bit of sugar before using it in the recipe to ensure it activates properly.

What type of flour works best for these doughnuts?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe as it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. However, you can use bread flour if you prefer a chewier texture.

Can these doughnuts be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to fry, just roll and cut the doughnuts, then fry them fresh for the best results.

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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