Hertzler Donuts
Hertzler Donuts are soft, fluffy, and rich treats featuring mashed potatoes for a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or dessert with a sweet glaze or dusting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the yeast with warm milk and let it activate until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine shortening, mashed potatoes, egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour and the activated yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to the desired thickness.
- Cut into donut shapes or desired forms.
- Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter donut, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or coconut oil. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. Be mindful of your frying temperature; too hot can burn the donuts while too low will make them greasy. Experiment with different toppings like glaze or powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful donuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze. They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Christmas Fruit Cups for a delightful brunch spread that impresses guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hertzler Donuts contains roughly 4264 calories, with 28g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 415g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1557mg per serving (68% 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
How can I add flavor to the donuts?
To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. You can also mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. For a fun twist, try creating a flavored glaze using vanilla or almond extract.
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).