Old-Fashioned Doughnuts

Instructions

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the warm water and yeast. Set in a warm spot until the yeast is activated and the mixture begins to grow in volume, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and nutmeg. Add the proofed yeast mixture and mix to combine. Stir in the flour.

If you're using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment at this point. Knead the dough on low speed until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. At this point, the dough might still be slightly sticky, and that's OK. If you're making the dough in a large bowl, stir it with a wooden spoon until it gets too difficult then use your hands to knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. At this point, the dough might still be slightly sticky, and that's OK. TESTER TIP: If your dough is exceptionally sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you can work with it.

Coat a large bowl with baking spray or oil, add the dough, cover it with a damp towel, and let rise in warm place until doubled in volume, 80 to 90 minutes.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with flour.

When the dough has doubled in volume, turn it out onto a well- floured work surface, and knead it for about 1 minute.

Roll the dough out to a 3/4-inch (18-mm) thickness and use a 2 1/2-inch (6-cm) biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Use a smaller cutter to make holes in the doughnuts, if desired.

Place the doughnuts about 1 inch (25 mm) apart on the prepared baking sheet. Collect and reroll the scraps of dough as many times as needed until all of the dough is cut into circles. Cover the doughnuts and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

While the doughnuts are rising for the second time, fill a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven with at least 2 inches (5 cm) of oil. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the oil up to 365°F (185°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with paper towels.

When the doughnuts are done rising, carefully put 3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on the bottom, 45 to 60 seconds. Use a large slotted spoon, wire skimmer, or chopsticks to flip the doughnuts and continue frying until the other side is golden brown, 45 to 60 seconds more. TESTER TIP: If your doughnuts are thicker than 3/4-inch (18-mm) or you don't cut holes, the doughnuts may need an extra minute or two of cook time.

Scoop the doughnuts out and place them on the paper towellined baking sheet to cool. Continue frying doughnuts in batches of 3 until all of the donuts are cooked.

Pour granulated sugar into a medium bowl (we use a cereal bowl for this step) and coat doughnuts with sugar, 1 at a time. Devour immediately!

Dessert