Molasses Doughnuts

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Molasses doughnuts offer a warm, spicy flavor with hints of ginger and cinnamon, making them perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Their soft, tender crumb and rich molasses taste appeal to lovers of traditional baked treats and those craving a comforting dessert or snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons melted lard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soda
  • salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • flour (enough to handle the dough)

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, molasses, and beaten egg together in a bowl.
  2. Add melted lard to the mixture and stir well.
  3. Put soda into the sour milk and mix until dissolved.
  4. Sift in the remaining dry ingredients: salt, ginger, cinnamon, and enough flour to make a soft dough.
  5. Knead the mixture gently until smooth and soft enough to handle.
  6. Roll out the dough to the desired thickness and cut into doughnut shapes.
  7. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be sure to keep the oil at a consistent temperature while frying to avoid soggy doughnuts. For added flavor, try incorporating nutmeg or cardamom, which pair beautifully with the spices used in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these molasses doughnuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra touch. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch spread, consider serving alongside Jud'S Pancakes or Cheddar Quiche, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped individually in plastic wrap, for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their texture and warmth.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Molasses Doughnuts contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

186 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 38.2g 14% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 323.3mg 14% DV
Potassium 145.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 39.1mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 46.1mg 4% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit 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

Is it possible to make these doughnuts in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. This will allow for easier handling and better frying 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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