Old-Fashioned Donuts

Prep: 180 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Old-Fashioned Donuts offer a nostalgic treat with a soft interior and crispy exterior, flavored with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. melted butter or shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until light.
  2. Add sugar gradually, beating well. Blend in melted butter or shortening.
  3. Sift together dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to the sugar and eggs mixture.
  4. Chill dough for 2 to 3 hours until it can be rolled and cut.
  5. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface.
  6. Cut with a donut cutter and fry in hot oil, a few at a time, turning once until light brown.
  7. Drain on paper towel.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the eggs are beaten until frothy and incorporate the ingredients gently. If you want to experiment, substitute half the milk with buttermilk for a tangy flavor. You can also add vanilla extract for a sweeter note. Make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy donuts, and fry in small batches for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These old-fashioned donuts are delightful dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate glaze. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Lindsey'S Sweet Potato Pies to create a sweet dessert platter that will impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, which restores their freshness without making them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Donuts contains roughly 611 calories, with 7g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1513mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).

611 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 33.1g 42% DV
Carbs 72.2g 26% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 30.9g 62% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1512.6mg 66% DV
Potassium 202.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 39.2mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 382.8mg 29% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
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

Why did my donuts turn out dense?

Dense donuts can result from overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients or not incorporating enough air into the eggs. Be gentle when mixing and ensure the eggs are beaten until light and frothy for the best texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying. Just ensure to keep it well wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.

What can I do with leftover donuts?

Leftover donuts can be creatively repurposed! Try crumbling them over ice cream for a tasty topping, or use them in a bread pudding for a delicious dessert. You can also dip them in a mixture of melted chocolate and nuts for a delicious 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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