Raised Donuts

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Light and fluffy raised donuts with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Their golden exterior and soft interior make them a crowd-pleaser, especially when sprinkled with sugar. Ideal for homemade indulgence, they pair well with coffee or milk and are fun to make with family.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. warm water
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and let stand until it bubbles.
  2. Scald milk; stir in shortening and let cool.
  3. Add the cooled milk mixture to the yeast mixture.
  4. Add eggs, salt, and flour to the mixture.
  5. Mix well until a dough forms.
  6. Turn out onto a floured board and knead well.
  7. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness; cut with a donut cutter or glass.
  8. Fry in hot grease until golden brown.
  9. Sprinkle with sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active; it should bubble within 5-10 minutes. If you don't have shortening, butter or margarine can be used as a substitute. Knead the dough until smooth for light and fluffy donuts. For a sweeter touch, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract. This recipe pairs beautifully with Aunt June'S Sky-High Biscuits for a delightful brunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these raised donuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate glaze for a decadent treat. They make a fantastic accompaniment to coffee or tea during breakfast or afternoon snack time. Consider pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or the Fruit Salad(Working Family Recipe) for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover donuts 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 bag, where they can last for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crispy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Raised Donuts contains roughly 178 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

178 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 26g 9% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 977.3mg 42% DV
Potassium 376.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 26.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 13.4mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 80.2mg 6% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 not rise properly?

If your donuts didn't rise, the yeast may not have been activated properly. Ensure your water is warm, not hot, as high temperatures can kill yeast. Additionally, make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To achieve a lighter donut, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour or adding a little extra liquid to the dough.

How can I make these donuts more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or citrus zest can also elevate the taste. For a twist, try filling the donuts with jam or cream before frying.

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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