Golden Donuts

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Golden donuts with a light, fluffy texture and warm spice flavors, perfect for breakfast or snack time. Ideal for those who love classic, homemade fried treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp lard, melted
  • 6 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 4 to 5 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until light.
  2. Add sugar and 1/3 of the milk.
  3. Sift and add 3 cups of flour along with baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  4. Add melted lard and vanilla; gradually add enough flour to make a stiff dough.
  5. Roll out dough about 1/3 inch thick and cut with a donut cutter.
  6. Fry in deep hot fat until golden brown.
  7. Dredge with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter donut, ensure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. You can substitute lard with vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option. If you don't have nutmeg, feel free to use allspice or simply skip it. Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; a test donut can help determine this. For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these golden donuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You could also explore other sweet treats like the Lemon Koolers for a varied dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Golden Donuts contains roughly 89 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

89 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 15.9g 6% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1134.6mg 49% DV
Potassium 127.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 16.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 163.9mg 13% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield a denser donut, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.

What can I do if my donuts are too greasy after frying?

If your donuts turn out greasy, it may be due to frying in oil that was not hot enough. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature, ideally around 350°F. Also, consider placing the fried donuts on paper towels to absorb excess oil immediately after frying.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once mixed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it convenient for a last-minute 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).

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