When I married my husband he introduced me to one of his favorite family traditions. Around Halloween his family would make donuts and listen to Christmas music. We kept the tradition going and We love trying different frosting and fillings inside our donuts. this is one of my favorite doughnut recipes of all time!
Halloween Donuts!
2 envelopes active dry yeast (or 2 Tbsp)
1/4 warm water
1 1/2 c lukewarm milk
1/2 c white sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/3 c shortening
5 c all-purpose flour
1 qt vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- Sprinkle the yeast over warm water, and let stand until foamy.
- 2. in a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of flour. Mix for a few min at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 c at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to bowl. Kneed for 5 min, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it and the indention remains.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter (canning rings work great too and use the cap of vanilla to cut out the centers). Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. cover loosely with a cloth to prevent from drying out.
- Heat oil in a deep-Fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees. Slide doughnuts into the hot oil. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil to paper towel or wire rack. Dip doughnuts into glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks or wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or try under the rack for an easy clean up.
Frosting/Glaze:
-Vanilla Glaze
1/3 c butter
2 c confectioners sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 Tbsp hot water or as needed
Directions:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners sugar and vanilla until smooth. remove from heat, and stir in hot water , 1 Tbsp at a time until icing is thin but not watery. Set aside.
Chocolate frosting
1 c powdered sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
pinch of salt
2-4 Tbsp milk
Combine all dry ingredients and gradually add milk until it is a good consistency to dip in but is not super runny
Maple Frosting
1 tsp maple flavoring
1-2 c powdered sugar
pinch of salt
2-4 Tbsp milk
Combine all dry ingredients and gradually add milk until it is a good consistency to dip in but is not super runny
Orange Frosting
1/4 c orange juice concentrate
1-2 c powdered sugar
2-4 Tbsp water
Combine all dry ingredients and gradually add water until it is a good consistency to dip in but is not super runny
