Raised Doughnuts

I was browsing through the blogs I follow the other day and came across these raised doughnuts on Real Mom Kitchen. I decided that it was a perfect time to try this out. I haven't made doughnuts in years, and I've never tried a raised doughnut, so this was an adventure. It is just a little time consuming, like making any good yeast rolls or bread, just letting it rise. It was fun to do though! They came out nice and fluffy on the inside and so yummy! Maple doughnuts have always been my favorite and these don't disappoint! My 2 year old daughter helped me mix (and eat) the dough and then helped me decorate them!

Now, since it's pouring outside, I think this will be the PERFECT opportunity to go relax with a doughnut and some hot chocolate! (I know, you're jealous!!!!)

Raised Doughnuts

5 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 pkgs. active dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp.)
1 3/4 c. very warm milk
1/3 c. shortening
2 eggs
Vegetable oil

Mix 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Add milk, shortening and eggs. Beat on low speed 1 minute, scraping the bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping the bowl frequently. Sir in remaining flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until doube. (Dough is ready if indentations remain when touched.)

Turn dough onto generously floured suface; roll around lightly to coat with flour. Flatten dough with hands or rolling pin to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with floured 3-inch doughnut cutter. Cover doughnuts and let rise 30-40 minutes or until double.

Heat oil (1 1/2 - 2 inches) in Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula. Fry about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Remove carefully from oil; drain on paper towls. Roll in cinnamon sugar or dip tops of doughnuts in glaze. See recipes below. One recipe is enough to cover all doughnuts, so if you do both, only make half of each.

White Doughnut Glaze

2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4-6 T milk or cream

Combine all ingredients into bowl with a fork. If the glaze is too thick add extra milk.

Maple Doughnut Glaze

2 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. maple extract
4-6 T. milk or cream

Combine all ingredients into bowl with a fork. If the glaze is too thick add extra milk.