A doughnut or donut is a type of food made from 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, supermarkets, food
stalls, and franchised specialty vendors. Doughnut is the traditional
spelling, while donut is the simplified version; the terms are used
interchangeably.
Doughnuts are usually deep fried from a flour dough, but other types of
batters can also be used. Various toppings and flavors 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.
The two most common types are the ring doughnut and the filled doughnut,
which is injected with fruit preserves (the jelly doughnut), cream,
custard, or other sweet fillings. Small pieces of dough are sometimes
cooked as doughnut holes. Once fried, doughnuts may be glazed with a
sugar icing, spread with icing or chocolate, or topped with powdered
sugar, cinnamon, sprinkles or fruit. Other shapes include balls,
flattened spheres, twists, and other forms. Doughnut varieties are also
divided into cake (including the old-fashioned) and yeast-risen
doughnuts. Doughnuts are often accompanied by coffee or milk. They are
sold at doughnut shops, convenience stores, petrol/gas stations, cafes
or fast food restaurants.
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