There’s something unmistakably comforting about the aroma of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts drifting through the kitchen. These doughnuts are the kind of treat that spark nostalgia—crispy-edged yet tender inside, kissed with nutmeg and rolled in sweet sugar. With a delightfully simple dough and a golden finish borne from shallow frying, they bring together everything you love about homemade classics. Whether you grew up enjoying these alongside a mug of hot cocoa or you’re searching for the perfect doughnut to make new memories, this recipe promises to deliver that warm, old-school magic.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts lies in its straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each one has a role—providing structure, flavor, or that signature pillowy texture—so don’t skip a thing! These are the humble elements that come together for pure doughnut perfection.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it the structure for a perfect soft-yet-chewy bite.
Baking powder: This makes the doughnuts puff up as they fry, promising a wonderfully light interior every time.
Ground nutmeg: The secret spice that lends these doughnuts their classic, old-fashioned flavor—don’t be tempted to leave this out!
Salt: Even a little bit deepens all the other flavors, making every bite taste complete.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and creates a lovely tender crumb.
Unsalted butter: Softened to blend smoothly, it brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Large eggs: These bind the dough and help create that beautiful color and structure.
Whole milk: Lends moisture and helps everything come together in a silky batter.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warmth and roundness to the dough’s flavor.
Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral flavor and a high smoke point mean crisp, golden doughnuts every time.
Granulated or powdered sugar for coating (optional): For that irresistible sweet finish as soon as they come out of the pot.

How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures all the rising agent and spices are evenly distributed, so every doughnut packs that classic flavor and lift. It might seem simple, but a thorough mix here means consistent, delicious results later!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This not only dissolves the sugar but also introduces air into the batter, which helps your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts puff up beautifully as they fry.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to your butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Taking the extra time to blend each egg ensures your dough is smooth and cohesive, laying the groundwork for a gorgeous crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and whole milk into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour blend. This alternating method keeps the dough tender and prevents tough doughnuts, so take care to mix only until everything is just incorporated. You’re aiming for a soft, sticky dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. This makes the sticky dough much easier to handle later on and gives the gluten time to relax, so your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts fry up light rather than tough or dense.

Step 6: Shape the Doughnuts

On a well-floured countertop, roll out your chilled dough to about half an inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter (or improvise with two round cutters) to punch out classic doughnut shapes, plus those adorable, irresistible doughnut holes.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F—use a thermometer to keep things accurate for best results. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, watching as they puff up and turn a deep golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels, soaking up any excess oil.

Step 8: Sugar Coating (Optional)

While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them gently in granulated or powdered sugar. This sticky-sweet coat clings perfectly and brings a little extra sparkle, but if you feel like glazing instead, that works beautifully with this recipe too!

How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts

Garnishes

Try dusting the finished doughnuts with powdered sugar for a snow-like finish, or roll them in cinnamon-sugar for extra warmth. A drizzle of simple vanilla or chocolate glaze takes Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts straight into dessert heaven—you can even top with sprinkles for fun!

Side Dishes

These doughnuts shine on their own, but they’re absolute perfection with a hot cup of coffee or cozy spiced chai. If you want to serve them as a special breakfast, offer platters of fresh fruit or a simple berry compote on the side to balance their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts on a vintage cake stand for nostalgic flair, stack them in a pretty basket lined with gingham, or serve with tiny dipping bowls of jam and honey for a playful brunch twist. Doughnut holes make sweet party snacks when skewered with fresh berries!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any doughnuts left (a big “if”!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Lining the container with paper towels helps absorb any extra moisture, keeping Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts as fresh as possible.

Freezing

These doughnuts actually freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled, uncoated doughnuts on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then move them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temp and add sugar or glaze before serving.

Reheating

Bring leftover doughnuts back to their just-made glory with a quick zap in the microwave (about 10–12 seconds each) or a few minutes in a 300°F oven. They’ll be warm, pillowy, and once again ready for your favorite sugar dip.

FAQs

Can I use a different spice if I don’t have nutmeg?

Absolutely! While nutmeg gives Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts their signature aroma, ground cinnamon or cardamom will offer a different but still delicious twist.

Is it okay to bake the doughnuts instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for frying, which gives the doughnuts their crisp edge and tender interior. Baking will produce a more cake-like texture, but it can still work in a pinch—just brush with melted butter before rolling in sugar.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! Mix the dough, cover it tightly, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. The extra rest will make morning shaping quick and easy so you can have fresh Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts with minimal fuss.

How do I know the oil is at the right frying temperature?

A thermometer is the easiest method—350°F is your magic number. If you don’t have one, drop in a tiny bit of dough; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface within seconds.

What’s the secret to super tender doughnuts?

Don’t overmix your dough! Working it too much after the flour goes in can toughen things up. Mix gently until just combined and respect that chill time for melt-in-your-mouth results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something special that tastes like pure comfort, you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts. Grab your ingredients and make a batch to share—you’ll rediscover the simple pleasures of homemade treats, just like Grandma used to make!

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 doughnuts (plus holes) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are a classic treat that brings nostalgia and comfort in every delicious bite. Made with simple ingredients and fried to golden perfection, these doughnuts are a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Doughnuts:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil for frying

Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar for coating (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.
Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough, cut into doughnuts and holes.
Fry: Heat oil, fry doughnuts until golden brown.
Coat: Roll warm doughnuts in sugar if desired.
Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Refrigerating the dough helps with easier handling.
Doughnuts are best eaten the day they’re made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
You can also glaze them instead of using sugar coating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American