Old-Fashioned Doughnuts

By Addie

Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup applesauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 quart vegetable oil
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Colored sprinkles, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl until frothy. Add granulated sugar; beat until thick and lemon colored, about 4 minutes. Beat in applesauce and butter.


Beat in flour mixture until well blended. Divide dough in half. Place each half on large piece of plastic wrap. Pat each half into a 5-inch square; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 3 hours.


Pour oil into a large Dutch oven. Place a deep-fat thermometer in oil. Heat oil over medium heat until thermometer registers 375°F. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain temperature at 375°F.


For glaze, mix confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth. Cover.


Roll one dough half to 3/8-inch thickness. Cut with floured 3-inch cutter; reserve holes. Repeat with remaining dough. Reroll scraps and cut dough again.


Place 4 doughnuts and holes in hot oil. Cook until golden, about 2 minutes, turning often; drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining holes and doughnuts. Spread glaze over doughnuts; top with sprinkles, if desired.