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Old Fashioned Donuts

These homemade old fashioned donuts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, rivaling anything you'd buy at a bakery.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Old Fashioned Donuts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Donut cutter (3-inch)
  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Candy or deep-fry thermometer
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Parchment paper
  • small saucepan for glaze

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to chill.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness, then cut with a 3-inch donut cutter.
  6. Let the cut donuts rest on parchment-lined trays at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  7. Heat 2 quarts of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F, monitored with a candy thermometer.
  8. Fry 2 to 3 donuts at a time for 90 seconds per side until golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. Let the donuts cool for at least 5 minutes before glazing.
  10. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons milk until smooth, adding more milk if needed, then dip each donut into the glaze and let set.

Notes

Serve fresh donuts while still warm for best texture; store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.