Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are the kind of timeless treat that bring back warm memories of family kitchens and cozy mornings. These fluffy, golden doughnuts are fried to perfection and dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar, offering a nostalgic taste of homemade goodness. With a soft, airy interior and a crisp exterior, these doughnuts are the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings you back to the classics—doughnuts just like the ones grandma used to make. The dough is simple to prepare, and the result is a deliciously soft doughnut with a perfect balance of sweetness. Fried to a golden brown and dusted with powdered sugar, each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. These homemade doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee. You’ll love the simplicity, the flavor, and the delightful memories they create.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
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Oil for frying
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Powdered sugar for dusting
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the doughnut shapes.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown.
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Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 12 doughnuts
Variations
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Flavor variations: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Glazed doughnuts: For a classic glazed doughnut, make a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar and a little milk or water, then dip the fried doughnuts into the glaze.
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Chocolate-covered doughnuts: Dip the cooled doughnuts in melted chocolate and top with sprinkles for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To refresh leftover doughnuts, reheat them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes to bring back some of their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the doughnuts ahead of time?
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, roll out and fry the dough.
2. Can I make these doughnuts without frying?
While frying is what gives these doughnuts their signature crispy texture, you can bake them if you prefer. Just place the doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Can I freeze these doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may affect the texture and flavor slightly. You may want to try half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for the best results.
5. How do I know when the doughnuts are done frying?
The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown on both sides and float to the surface of the oil. You can also check with a thermometer—oil should be at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
6. Can I make mini doughnuts?
Yes, you can make mini doughnuts by using a smaller cutter. Just be sure to reduce the frying time by about half, checking for golden brown color and crispness.
7. Can I add fillings to the doughnuts?
Yes, you can fill these doughnuts with jam, custard, or chocolate. Simply use a piping bag to inject the filling after frying and dust with powdered sugar.
8. How do I keep the doughnuts from getting too greasy?
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C), and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry a few doughnuts at a time to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy without absorbing too much oil.
9. Can I make the doughnuts without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute, such as applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). This may alter the texture slightly, but it should work in a pinch.
10. Can I make a glaze instead of dusting with powdered sugar?
Yes, you can make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or vanilla extract. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze for a sweet, shiny finish.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are a classic that never goes out of style. These fluffy, perfectly fried doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar, offer a sweet and nostalgic treat that’s simple to make but absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a weekend indulgence, these doughnuts will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. With their timeless appeal, they’re sure to become a favorite for generations to come!
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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are a timeless treat that brings back fond memories of homemade goodness. These fluffy, golden doughnuts are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a nostalgic taste of comfort. Simple to make and absolutely delicious, they’re the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
-
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the doughnut shapes.
-
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown.
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Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
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Variations: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. For a classic glazed doughnut, dip the fried doughnuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or water. You can also dip the doughnuts in melted chocolate for a chocolate-covered version.
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Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes.
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Freezing: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
