Made From Scratch Doughnuts
Homemade doughnuts with a tender, fluffy interior and a light, crispy exterior, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat cherished by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until stiff and dry.
- Beat egg yolks one at a time into the egg whites.
- Gradually beat in sugar.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together again.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the egg mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and melted shortening, mixing well.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into doughnut shapes.
- Fry in 380°F (193°C) oil until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter doughnut, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding in the yolks. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or oil. If you prefer a flavored doughnut, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon to the flour mixture. Remember to keep your oil at the right temperature to achieve that perfect golden brown, as in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Dust the fried doughnuts with powdered sugar for a classic touch, or glaze them with your favorite frosting. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. For a fun twist, serve with Cyndie'S Artichoke Dip as a savory contrast or alongside Apple Cake Slices for a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Made From Scratch Doughnuts contains roughly 774 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
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 eggs instead of separating them?
Using whole eggs won't give the same light and airy texture that separating the eggs provides. The whipped egg whites create volume, which is key to fluffy doughnuts. If you're short on time, you can try it, but the result may be denser.
What type of oil is best for frying doughnuts?
Vegetable oil or canola oil is best for frying doughnuts due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid using olive oil, as it can impart an undesirable taste and has a lower smoke point, making it unsuitable for frying at high temperatures.
How can I make these doughnuts healthier?
To make the doughnuts healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by a third. You could also bake them instead of frying; just keep in mind that the texture will differ from traditional fried doughnuts.
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).