A
doughnut or
donut (
/ˈdoʊnət/) is a type of food made from leavened
fried dough.[sup]
[1][/sup][sup]: 275 [/sup] 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 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.
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.