Raised Donuts
Description
These classic raised donuts offer a tender, airy texture that is impossible to achieve with cake batter. Made with a simple yeast dough, they rise slowly overnight for maximum flavor development, resulting in a light and fluffy interior. The subtle warmth of nutmeg or cinnamon complements the rich butter and sweet milk, creating a comforting treat perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. Enjoy them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or simply on their own. This traditional recipe brings the nostalgic taste of homemade pastry to your kitchen, requiring patience but rewarding you with superior flavor and texture.Ingredients
Directions
-
Scald the milk, then stir in the butter and salt.
-
Cool the milk mixture until it is lukewarm to the touch.
-
Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water and add it to the milk mixture along with the nutmeg or cinnamon.
-
Add enough flour to the liquid mixture to form a soft, sticky dough.
-
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise overnight in a cool place.
-
The next morning, punch down the risen dough.
-
Stir in the sugar, beaten eggs, and enough additional flour to form a soft roll dough consistency.
-
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1/3 inch.
-
Cut the dough into donut shapes using a floured cutter.
-
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365F (185C).
-
Fry the donuts in batches until they rise to the top and brown on both sides.
-
Remove donuts from the oil and drain on crumpled absorbent paper.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 311.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4.2g22%
- Cholesterol 17.3mg6%
- Sodium 72.8mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 63.0g21%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 63.0g
- Protein 2.1g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Yeast Preparation: If using active dry yeast, ensure the water is lukewarm (about 105-110F) to activate it without killing the yeast. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour.
Overnight Rise: The overnight rise is crucial for developing the complex flavor and tender texture of these donuts. Do not skip this step. Keep the dough in a cool but not cold spot, like an unheated garage or a cool pantry.
Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature strictly at 365F. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown before cooking through; if too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Storage: Serve donuts fresh for the best texture. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving to restore crispness.
Variations: You can add grated orange zest to the dough for a citrus note, or dip the fried donuts in simple syrup before rolling them in granulated sugar for a glazed effect.
