Doughnuts are beloved sweet treats enjoyed worldwide. Originating from Dutch settlers in America, these fried pastries have evolved into a diverse range of flavors and shapes. Traditionally made from dough, doughnuts are fried until golden brown and can be glazed or filled with various delights like cream, jam, or chocolate. Their history intertwines with cultural celebrations and culinary innovations, making them a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

For clear and uncomplicated ingredients and preparation, here's a simple recipe for making glazed and filled doughnuts:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 large eggs

- 2 tablespoons melted butter

- Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Glaze:

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Filling (Choose One):

- Jam or jelly of your choice

- Pastry cream or custard

- Nutella or chocolate spread

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.

5. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out doughnut shapes.

6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

7. Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.

8. Remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

9. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.

10. Dip each doughnut into the glaze, coating it evenly, and let it set on a wire rack.

11. If filling the doughnuts, use a piping bag to inject the filling of your choice into the center.

Enjoy your homemade glazed and filled doughnuts as a delicious treat!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 800 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 176 grams

  - Protein: Around 20 grams

  - Fat: Less than 2 grams

  - Sodium: Minimal, less than 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and B vitamins.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein. Contains some essential vitamins and minerals, especially if it's enriched flour.

2. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: About 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 100 grams

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Minimal, less than 5 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None in significant amounts

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy from simple carbohydrates but lacks vitamins, minerals, and protein.

3. Baking Powder (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: About 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Around 500 milligrams (varies by brand)

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: No significant amounts

  - Nutritional Benefit: Helps in leavening the dough by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, making the dough rise.

4. Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Zero

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Around 1000 milligrams (varies by type and brand)

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None in significant amounts

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor to the dough but should be used in moderation due to high sodium content.

5. Milk (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 60 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 5 grams

  - Protein: Around 3 grams

  - Fat: Around 3 grams

  - Sodium: Around 50 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Around 15 milligrams

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients for bone health and overall wellness.

6. Eggs (2 large):

  - Calories: About 140 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: Around 12 grams

  - Fat: Around 10 grams

  - Sodium: Around 140 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Around 370 milligrams

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, and minerals like selenium and choline.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

7. Melted Butter (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: About 200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Zero

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Around 22 grams

  - Sodium: Around 160 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Around 60 milligrams

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and small amounts of other vitamins.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and richness to the dough but should be used in moderation due to its high fat content.

8. Vegetable Oil (for frying):

  - Calories: Varies based on usage, typically around 120 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Zero

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Around 14 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Zero

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Depends on the type of oil; some may contain vitamin E.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides fat for frying but should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie density.

For Glaze:

1. Powdered Sugar (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 390 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 100 grams

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Minimal, less than 5 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None in significant amounts

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and texture but is primarily composed of simple carbohydrates.

2. Milk or Water (2-3 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Varies based on type and quantity, typically around 10-20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1-2 grams

  - Protein: Less than 1 gram

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Minimal, depends on the type of milk or water

  - Cholesterol: Zero (for water), varies for milk based on fat content

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Milk provides calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients depending on the type.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds moisture and helps create a glaze or icing.

3. Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.3 grams

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Minimal, less than 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor to the glaze or icing but does not contribute significantly to nutrients.

For Filling (Choose One):

1. Jam or Jelly of Your Choice (quantity varies based on preference):

  - Calories: Varies depending on the type and quantity, typically around 40-60 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Minimal, varies by brand

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants depending on the fruit content.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds fruity flavor and sweetness, but mostly contributes simple carbohydrates.

2. Pastry Cream or Custard (quantity varies based on preference):

  - Calories: Around 60-80 kcal per tablespoon (varies based on recipe and brand)

  - Carbohydrates: About 6-8 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Around 1-2 grams per tablespoon

  - Fat: Around 4-6 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Minimal, varies by recipe

  - Cholesterol: Around 20-30 milligrams per tablespoon

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, vitamin A, and other nutrients depending on the ingredients used.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides richness, flavor, and some protein and fat content compared to other fillings.

3. Nutella or Chocolate Spread (quantity varies based on preference):

  - Calories: Approximately 100-120 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 10-12 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Around 1-2 grams per tablespoon

  - Fat: Around 6-8 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Minimal, typically less than 10 milligrams per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: Around 0-5 milligrams per tablespoon

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium, and some brands may be enriched with vitamins.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds chocolate flavor, richness, and some fat content. Contains sugars and fats, so moderation is advised.