First-Prize Doughnuts

Name: First-Prize Doughnuts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20 doughnuts.
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup shortening; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour; Oil for deep-fat frying; TOPPINGS:; 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar; 4 to 6 tablespoons water; Colored sprinkles and/or assorted breakfast cereals

"One year I entered 18 different baked goods in the county fair and all of them won a ribbon. Here is my favorite prize-winning doughnut recipe. I have been making doughnuts since I was a bride 58 years ago!" —Betty B. Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying
TOPPINGS:
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
4 to 6 tablespoons water
Colored sprinkles and/or assorted breakfast cereals

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; roll out to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. doughnut cutter. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and water until smooth. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze; decorate as desired with sprinkles and/or cereals.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 270 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Originally published as 1st Prize Doughnuts in Taste of Home February/March 2010

Reviews

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Average Rating:

kevjen

Feb 4, 2015

Final product was a hit! Although, I found at 375 degrees, the doughnut wasn't cooked through and the outside was too done. My success came at about 315 degrees - of course, I was deep fat frying the old fashioned way in a pot on the stove with a thermometer. A recipe keeper for sure!
Spiffy64

Dec 3, 2011

I have tried making donuts many times before and found some okay recipes. But by far this one was the best. They are a little more time consuming as they are a yeast donut, but they are so worth it. Much better than the other donut recipes I have tried. Really good with a maple glaze too, mmmm! :)
farmerswife75

Feb 22, 2011

Served these for a Moms Night Out in the form of doughnut holes! Never saw a plate be emptied so fast! Yummaroo as m four year old would say.
TiffanyH

Feb 2, 2011

these were actually pretty easy, and i had so much fun making them!!! YUMMY-NESS
TTTY

Jan 20, 2011

Can I use a bread machine to begin process?
Bleugerman

Jan 20, 2011

These might have been greasy because you didn't have your oil hot enough. Mine were not greasy at all.
Bleugerman

Jan 20, 2011

Very good. Will definitely be making these again.
jdaclc04

Oct 18, 2010

The doughnut tasted way too greasy. Is there anyway that you can fry something without it tasting greasy? Has anyone tried baking the doughnuts instead of frying.
Sugarbearchef

Aug 17, 2010

These are super! Better than Krispy Kreme. Making these at home with the healthier oil of my choice is great, and my kids and husband love them.
mcrenshaw

Jul 6, 2010

What a perfect recipe! Finally, after trying MANY different recipes, SUCCESS! These rose well, fried beautifully and were delicious.