No-Fry Doughnuts: The Perfect Oven-Baked Delight
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, sweet doughnut without the hassle of frying or the mess that comes with it. This delightful recipe, hailing from the 1999 issue of The Best of Country Cooking, offers you exactly that. With a bit of patience, you’ll create delicious doughnuts right from your oven. Here’s how you can make these scrumptious treats in your own kitchen:
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (scalded and cooled to room temperature)
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
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Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the scalded milk (cooled to room temperature) and shortening. Stir until the shortening is melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Add Yeast Mixture: Stir in the yeast mixture into the milk mixture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sugar, eggs, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon to the mixture. Mix well.
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Incorporate Flour: Begin by adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Beat on low speed until the dough is smooth. Continue to add flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Note: You may not need all 5 cups of flour, so add gradually to avoid overworking the dough.
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Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a 2.75-inch doughnut cutter, cut out doughnut shapes.
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Prepare for Baking: Place the cut doughnuts 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Brush the tops with melted butter. Cover the doughnuts and let them rise again in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake the Doughnuts:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
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Bake: Bake the doughnuts for 20 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
Prepare the Glaze:
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Make the Glaze: While the doughnuts are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Keep the glaze warm on the stove, but do not let it boil.
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Glaze the Doughnuts: As soon as the doughnuts are baked and still warm, dip each one into the glaze, turning to coat completely. Allow any excess glaze to drip off.
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Cool: Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked, glazed doughnuts right away for the best taste and texture. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Tips for Success
- Yeast: Make sure the water you use to dissolve the yeast is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Flour: If your dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a bit more milk.
- Glazing: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of additional cinnamon sugar on the doughnuts right after glazing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 235.5
- Fat: 9.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 32.9mg
- Sodium: 162.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.1g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 14.1g
- Protein: 3.8g
These no-fry doughnuts offer a delightful alternative to traditional fried versions, bringing a touch of sweetness and a lot of joy without the fuss of frying. Enjoy making these with your loved ones or as a special treat for yourself. Happy baking! 🍩👩🍳🍴
