Superb Doughnuts

Prep: 30 min Cook: 3 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delicious homemade doughnuts with warm spices and a light, tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a treat, appealing to pastry lovers and those craving comforting sweets.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. soft shortening
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 4 egg yolks or 2 whole eggs
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. mace
  • 1 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Mix together the soft shortening, sugar, and egg yolks or whole eggs.
  2. Sift dry ingredients—baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and mace—together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture gradually, alternating with milk, mixing until the dough is soft.
  4. Rub flour thoroughly into a heavy canvas cloth to prevent sticking.
  5. Turn dough onto the floured cloth, then fold the four corners over the dough to lightly coat it with flour.
  6. Handle the dough as little as possible and roll it to a thickness of 3/4 inch.
  7. Let the rolled dough stand for 15 minutes before cutting to make doughnuts easier to handle.
  8. Cut out doughnuts using a floured 2 1/2-inch or 3-inch doughnut cutter.
  9. Fry the doughnuts in hot fat at 375°F until brown, turning when the first crack appears, taking about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
  10. Drain the fried doughnuts on absorbent paper.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough mixture. If you don't have mace, you can substitute with an equal amount of cinnamon. Make sure your frying oil is at the correct temperature; if it's too hot, the outside will brown before the inside cooks through. Alternatively, you can bake these doughnuts at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

These superb doughnuts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with chocolate glaze. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic breakfast treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness without losing moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Superb Doughnuts contains roughly 88 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

88 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 8.8g 11% DV
Carbs 2.6g 1% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 371.7mg 16% DV
Potassium 23.4mg
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 49mg 4% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 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. It's best to start with a 50/50 blend and adjust based on your preference for a lighter doughnut.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can lead to tough doughnuts.

How do I know when the doughnuts are done frying?

Doughnuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides and float to the top of the oil. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 375°F for even cooking.

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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