Raised Doughnuts
Raised doughnuts are light, fluffy treats with a tender interior and a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect for breakfast or special occasions, they boast a subtly sweet flavor with a hint of richness from the milk and egg. Ideal for those who enjoy classic, homemade pastries with a comforting aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast cake in 1/3 cup lukewarm water and set aside.
- Scald the milk, then cool it down before adding the dissolved yeast, melted shortening, sugar, egg, and salt.
- Mix in about 4 1/2 cups of flour to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board, roll out to desired thickness, and cut into doughnut shapes.
- Let the doughnuts rise for about 3/4 hour.
- Fry in hot fat until golden brown on both sides, then drain and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter doughnut, ensure the yeast is fresh and proof it properly before mixing. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour can give a chewier texture. For flavored doughnuts, consider adding vanilla extract or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These raised doughnuts are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze made from Best Icing. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or for a festive twist, pair with Cream Cheese And Potted Meat Spread for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raised Doughnuts contains roughly 249 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
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
How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can also gently press your finger into the dough; if it leaves an indentation, it's perfectly risen and ready for shaping.
What oil is best for frying the doughnuts?
For frying, use oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils will give you a crisp exterior without imparting strong flavors to the doughnuts.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and frying the 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).