New England Doughnuts
New England doughnuts are light, fluffy fried treats with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy classic, comforting baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together until well combined.
- Add the beaten egg, milk, salt, and nutmeg; mix thoroughly.
- Sift flour with the baking powder; add to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough suitable for rolling.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Turn the chilled dough onto a floured board and roll to 1/3-inch thickness.
- Cut into doughnut shapes with a floured cutter.
- Fry in deep fat at 365°F (185°C) until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on crumpled absorbent paper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have nutmeg, you can substitute with cinnamon for a different flavor profile. For a lighter doughnut, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Remember to monitor the oil temperature closely while frying to avoid greasy doughnuts.
Serving Suggestions
These New England Doughnuts are delightful served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a side of good plain potato salad or drizzling with chocolate icing for a sweeter option. They also go well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Doughnuts contains roughly 438 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% 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
Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter or margarine for shortening, which will add a richer flavor to the doughnuts. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making them a bit denser.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough becomes too sticky after adding flour, you can sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and your hands while rolling. Be cautious not to add too much; you want to maintain a soft dough consistency for best results.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just ensure it's wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to fry, simply roll it out and cut your doughnuts as usual.
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).