If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that takes you straight back to warm kitchen memories, you’ll adore Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts are delightfully fluffy with just the right hint of sweetness and a golden crust that’s perfectly crisp on the outside. The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity — no fancy equipment or bizarre ingredients, just honest, comforting goodness that fills your home with a heavenly aroma and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe plays its essential role, making the doughnuts light, tender, and packed with flavor. From the flour that gives structure to the touch of vanilla that adds warmth, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the perfect soft chew in the doughnuts.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to delight without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This gentle leavening agent makes the doughnuts nicely rise and fluff up.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a balanced taste.
- 2 large eggs: They bind the dough and add richness to each bite.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warm, aromatic note that feels like a cozy hug.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Brings a subtle buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Oil for frying: The key to getting that irresistible golden crust.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A classic finishing touch for sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination is what forms the backbone of your doughnuts, ensuring they have the right rise and flavor balance. A good whip here means your doughnuts will turn out light and airy.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat your eggs with milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This luscious mix not only adds moisture but also infuses the doughnuts with richness and a tender crumb. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth batter.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until the dough forms. Be gentle and avoid overmixing; you want a soft dough that’s easy to roll without becoming tough.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Doughnuts
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about half an inch thick. Then, using a doughnut cutter or two differently sized round cutters, cut out the classic doughnut shapes. This step is so satisfying — seeing those perfect rings ready for frying never gets old!
Step 5: Heat the Oil Properly
Heat your oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is crucial here: too cool and the doughnuts soak up oil; too hot and they’ll brown too fast without cooking through. A thermometer is your best friend for perfect frying.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Delicious
Fry the doughnuts for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them over halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden on both sides, with a crisp exterior that gives way to soft breadiness inside. Keep an eye on them—they cook fast!
Step 7: Drain and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove the doughnuts from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This simple finishing touch adds a lovely sweetness and a bit of rustic charm, making these doughnuts truly irresistible.
How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
This recipe shines with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, but feel free to get playful! Cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of warm glaze, or even a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles will bring extra fun and flavor to your serving plate. Whatever you choose, these garnishes elevate the doughnuts from delicious to downright festive.
Side Dishes
Doughnuts go wonderfully with fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. These companions balance the sweetness and create a comforting snack or indulgent breakfast. For a heartier brunch, pair your doughnuts with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a delightful sweet-savory combo that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is where you can really show off your flair. Stack the doughnuts in a tower sprinkled with powdered sugar for a charming centerpiece, or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. You can even thread them on twine for a DIY doughnut garland at parties. Sharing Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe becomes an experience in itself with these creative touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — though that’s rare — keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 1 to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, they can last up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored doughnuts in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This gentle heating refreshes their texture and brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer warmth. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep their slight crispness intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for achieving that classic texture, but you can experiment with pastry flour for a lighter doughnut. Whole wheat flour will give a nuttier flavor but may make the doughnuts denser.
What oil is best for frying these doughnuts?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best. They allow the doughnuts to fry evenly without imparting extra flavors.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While baking is a healthier option, it won’t quite replicate the crispy exterior of fried doughnuts. If you decide to bake, you may need to adjust the texture and enjoy a different but still tasty treat.
How do I tell when the oil is at the right temperature?
An instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise to the surface gently but steadily.
Can I add flavors or fillings to these doughnuts?
Absolutely! Vanilla or citrus zest in the dough, cinnamon sugar coating, or filling with jams and creams after frying add exciting variety while still honoring Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe tradition.
Final Thoughts
Making Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe is like opening a warm chapter of family tradition right in your own kitchen. It’s such a joy to mix, shape, and fry these humble treasures and even more wonderful to share them with loved ones. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to the timeless delight of homemade doughnuts that taste just like grandma used to make!
Print
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the nostalgic taste of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts—a classic fried treat with a light, fluffy texture and a sweet powdered sugar coating. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, these doughnuts are made from simple pantry ingredients and fried to perfection for a delightful homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 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 (about 4 cups or enough for deep frying)
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light.
- Shape Doughnuts: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out doughnut shapes and holes.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is deep enough to submerge the doughnuts fully.
- Fry Doughnuts: Carefully place doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through to cook evenly.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for best frying results and to avoid greasy doughnuts.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Use a light dusting of powdered sugar immediately after frying while doughnuts are still warm for better adherence.
- For a variation, dip doughnuts in glaze or cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Ensure dough is not too wet or sticky to make cutting easier.
- Leftover doughnuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
