Old Fashioned Doughnuts

24 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 24 m Total: 44 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (2)
Old Fashioned Doughnuts
Old fashioned homemade doughnuts made from scratch with nutmeg, flour, eggs, and a hint of vanilla. These fluffy fried doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or dessert - roll them out, fry until golden, and dust with powdered sugar for a classic treat that pairs beautifully with café au lait.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp butter, melted
  • Oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for coating (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg). Add the eggs, milk, vanilla and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
  2. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut in doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the center hole).
  3. Heat oil in a deep heavy pot or deep fryer to 350-375°F. Carefully drop doughnuts into hot oil, 2-3 at a time to avoid crowding. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.
  4. Remove to a plate lined with absorbent paper towels to drain. While still warm, coat with powdered sugar if desired.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my doughnuts greasy?

A: The oil temperature is too low. Make sure your oil stays between 350-375°F. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb more oil instead of forming a crispy exterior quickly.

Q: Why are my doughnuts dense instead of fluffy?

A: Don't overwork the dough when mixing or rolling. Mix just until combined and handle the dough gently. Also make sure your baking powder is fresh.

Q: How thick should I roll the dough?

A: Roll to about 1/2 inch thickness. Too thin and they'll be crispy instead of fluffy; too thick and the centers won't cook through before the outside burns.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying - use a candy or deep-fry thermometer. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use a large drinking glass for the outer circle and a shot glass or small bottle cap for the center hole. Don’t forget to fry the doughnut holes too - they make great little snacks!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • whole milk: buttermilk or half-and-half
  • nutmeg: cinnamon or a combination of cinnamon and allspice
  • vanilla extract: almond extract

Equipment Needed

  • Deep heavy pot or deep fryer
  • Candy thermometer or deep-fry thermometer
  • Doughnut cutter or round cookie cutters
  • Rolling pin
  • Paper towels for draining