Polish Doughnuts
Polish doughnuts are light, fluffy treats with a hint of orange zest, perfect for sharing during celebrations or as a sweet breakfast delight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk and cool to 120°F.
- Add yeast and 2 cups of flour to the cooled milk and yeast mixture.
- Let this mixture stand for 30 minutes to form a sponge.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and egg together.
- Add sugar, melted shortening, vanilla, salt, and grated orange rind or zest to the egg mixture.
- Combine the egg mixture with the sponge and mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut into doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or a round cutter with a smaller cutter for the hole.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F.
- Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm or cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use fresh yeast for a quicker rise. If using dry yeast, ensure it's activated in warm milk before mixing. You can replace shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. To make the doughnuts even more special, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Polish doughnuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert. Consider serving with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting on the side for a delicious dip. These treats also make a lovely addition to holiday gatherings or brunches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Doughnuts contains roughly 588 calories, with 7g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% 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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. Cake flour provides a lighter, fluffier doughnut. If using all-purpose flour, consider sifting it to aerate and improve the texture.
How can I tell when the doughnuts are done frying?
The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides, usually taking 2-3 minutes per side. You can test one by removing it from the oil and checking the color. Also, they should float when fully cooked.
What can I do with leftover doughnut dough?
You can re-roll and cut any scraps of dough to make additional doughnuts. Alternatively, shape them into doughnut holes for a fun variation. Just remember to adjust the frying time as they will cook faster than full-sized 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).