A doughnut or donut is a type of leavened fried dough. It is popular in many countries and is prepared in various forms as a sweet snack that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries. Doughnut is the traditional spelling, while donut is the simplified version; the terms are often used interchangeably.
Doughnuts are usually deep fried from a flour dough, but other types of batters can also be used. Various toppings and flavorings are used for different types, such as sugar, chocolate or maple glazing. Doughnuts may also include water, leavening, eggs, milk, sugar, oil, shortening and natural or artificial flavors.
Although they come in a variety of shapes and flavors, American doughnuts are typically round in shape, often with a hole in the center. Made of fried dough and eaten as a snack or desert, everyone has tried them at some point. The dough part of the name is straight forward, but what does the nut refer to? Is it the ring shape, similar to a nut and bolt, or does it refer to the ingredients used long ago but since removed?
