Molasses Doughnuts from Dot’s Recipes
In the cherished world of home-baked treats, few recipes carry as much heartwarming nostalgia and rich flavor as molasses doughnuts. This recipe comes from Dot, a seasoned home baker with an impressive 98 years of culinary experience. Her molasses doughnuts are a testament to the kind of timeless, comforting, and spicy-sweet flavor profile that only a grandmother’s touch can perfect. In this detailed exploration, we’ll delve into every aspect of creating these delectable doughnuts, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, ensuring you can recreate Dot’s magic in your own kitchen.
Description
These molasses doughnuts are not just a delightful treat but a rich and spicy indulgence perfect for any occasion. Dot, who has crafted these doughnuts countless times, shares her cherished recipe that combines the robust flavor of molasses with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in doughnuts that are both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty.
Categories and Keywords
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Breakfast, Dessert, Kid-Friendly, Hanukkah, < 60 Mins, Refrigerator, Deep Fried, Stove Top
Nutritional Information
Calories: 136.9 per serving
Fat Content: 1.7 g
Saturated Fat Content: 0.9 g
Cholesterol Content: 20.7 mg
Sodium Content: 83 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 27.8 g
Fiber Content: 0.5 g
Sugar Content: 12.6 g
Protein Content: 2.6 g
Recipe Servings: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed to make these molasses doughnuts:
- Egg: 1 large
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 1 cup, softened
- Margarine: 1 3/4 cups
- Flour: 1 cup, all-purpose
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Molasses: 1/4 cup
- Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, ground
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
- Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shortening: For frying, enough to have oil approximately 4 inches deep
Instructions
Dot’s recipe is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to achieve the perfect doughnut. Here’s how you can make them:
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Prepare the Frying Oil: Ensure your fryer or cast iron Dutch oven is filled with enough oil to be approximately 4 inches deep. This will ensure the doughnuts fry evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
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Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg.
- Add sugar and continue to mix until well combined.
- Incorporate the butter, ensuring it’s softened for easy blending.
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Incorporate Molasses: Add the molasses to the mixture and stir until the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add flour to the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the salt, ginger, ground cloves, and allspice, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Activate the Baking Soda: Stir the baking soda into sour milk. This reaction will help the dough rise and give the doughnuts a light, airy texture.
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Form the Dough: Slowly add the sour milk mixture to the dough. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without overworking the dough, which could make the doughnuts tough.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Turn the chilled dough out onto a well-floured surface.
- Roll it out to a ½ inch thickness using a rolling pin.
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Cut the Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll scraps to make additional doughnuts or doughnut holes.
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Frying the Doughnuts:
- Heat the oil in your fryer or Dutch oven to the proper frying temperature (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Fry the doughnuts, about four at a time, turning them once to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Drain the Doughnuts: Once fried, remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on paper toweling to drain excess oil.
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Finishing Touches: If desired, roll the warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
Tips for Perfect Molasses Doughnuts
- Temperature Control: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform frying. This consistency helps in achieving doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile of these doughnuts even further.
- Storage: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven to restore some of their original texture and flavor.
The Legacy of Dot’s Doughnuts
Dot’s recipe for molasses doughnuts isn’t just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s a piece of history passed down through generations. At 98 years old, Dot’s culinary wisdom is a treasure trove, and these doughnuts are a testament to her dedication to home baking. The rich flavor of molasses combined with the warming spices of ginger, cloves, and allspice creates a doughnut that’s not only delicious but also evocative of simpler times and cherished family gatherings.
Conclusion
Making Dot’s molasses doughnuts is more than just baking; it’s an experience that connects you to generations past, bringing a piece of tradition into your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll taste the rich history and the love that goes into each doughnut. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a special holiday treat, these doughnuts are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share the joy of homemade molasses doughnuts with family and friends.
