How to Make Old-Fashioned Donuts from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Old-fashioned donuts are a classic treat that can be enjoyed anytime of day. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, a mid-day snack, or an after-dinner dessert, these donuts will hit the spot. But why go through the trouble of making them from scratch when it’s so easy to pick up a dozen at your local bakery? The answer is simple: nothing beats the taste of homemade donuts. Plus, if you master the art of making them yourself, you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Old-Fashioned Donuts from Scratch

Making donuts from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and equipment, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect old-fashioned donuts in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

First things first, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary ingredients for your donuts. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, butter, vegetable oil, and whole milk. If you’d like to add any flavorings, such as vanilla or almond extract, you’ll need those too.

Preparing the Dough

Once you’ve gathered all of the ingredients, it’s time to get started. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients until they are well combined. Then, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. Do not overmix! Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes. Finally, shape the dough into a thick disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying.

Frying the Donuts

When the dough has chilled, it’s time to start frying. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¾ of an inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a donut cutter, cut the dough into circles. Gently place the donuts in the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.

Finishing Touches

Once the donuts have cooled, it’s time to finish them off. If desired, you can roll them in sugar or dip them in a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. You can also top them with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. Let the glaze harden before serving.

A Beginner’s Guide to Making Delicious Old-Fashioned Donuts

Making old-fashioned donuts from scratch is a great way to impress your friends and family. But it can be intimidating for those who are new to the process. To help you get started, here are some tips for making perfectly crispy donuts every time.

Tips for Making Perfectly Crispy Donuts

The key to making perfectly crispy donuts is temperature control. According to Serious Eats, “Oil that’s too cold won’t cook the donuts properly; it will leave them greasy and undercooked. Oil that’s too hot will quickly burn the outside of the donuts while leaving them raw and gummy inside.” It’s best to use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the donuts.

Suggestions for Flavoring Your Donuts

If you want to add some extra flavor to your donuts, there are plenty of options. For example, you could add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicy kick. Or try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Or you could even try adding some orange zest or lemon zest for a citrusy burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless.

An Easy Recipe for Perfectly Crispy Old-Fashioned Donuts

Ready to give it a try? Here’s an easy recipe for perfectly crispy old-fashioned donuts that anyone can make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Method

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, butter, and milk until well combined.
3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into a thick disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying.
6. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¾ of an inch thick.
8. Using a sharp knife or a donut cutter, cut the dough into circles.
9. Gently place the donuts in the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
10. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
11. If desired, roll the donuts in sugar or dip them in a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
12. Enjoy!

The Secret to Making Perfect Old-Fashioned Donuts Every Time

Making perfect old-fashioned donuts every time is all about temperature control and timing. To ensure that your donuts come out perfectly crispy every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

Temperature Control

The key to making perfectly crispy donuts is controlling the temperature of the oil. The oil should be heated to 350°F before adding the donuts. To ensure that the oil stays at the correct temperature, it’s best to use a thermometer. This will help you avoid undercooked or burnt donuts.

Timing is Everything

Once the oil is the correct temperature, it’s important to keep track of the cooking time. Fry the donuts for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Any longer and they will be burnt. Any shorter and they will be greasy and undercooked.

Master the Art of Making Old-Fashioned Donuts with These Tips and Tricks

With the right ingredients, equipment, and a little bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to master the art of making old-fashioned donuts. To help you perfect your technique, here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind.

Using a Thermometer

Using a thermometer is the best way to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature. This will help you avoid undercooked or burnt donuts. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small bit of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and begins to bubble, the oil is ready for frying.

Experimenting with Different Oil Temperatures

Once you’ve mastered the basics of making old-fashioned donuts, you can experiment with different oil temperatures. Try frying your donuts at 325°F for a lighter, fluffier texture, or 375°F for a crispier, crunchier texture. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the temperature of the oil.

Adding Additional Flavorings

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavorings. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicy kick. Or try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Or you could even try adding some orange zest or lemon zest for a citrusy burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

Making old-fashioned donuts from scratch is a great way to impress your friends and family. With the right ingredients, equipment, and a little bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to master the art of making these delicious treats. Remember to use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the donuts, and keep track of the cooking time for perfectly crispy results every time. With these tips and tricks, you’ll soon be a pro at making homemade donuts.