Dough-not miss out on the history of this tasty treat

By Kimberly Grist

National Doughnut Day in the U.S. is celebrated on the first Friday in June, which fell this past Friday. The announcement stirred memories of joyful indulgence and childhood treats as my family packed into the station wagon for a memorable trip to pick up a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. But the question begged an answer: why celebrate?

A Brief History Of Doughnuts

In 1847, Hanson Gregory claimed to have been dissatisfied with the greasiness of doughnuts twisted in various shapes with raw centers. While working on a lime-trading ship, the sixteen-year-old claimed to have punched a hole in the dough's center with the ship's tin pepper box. Legend has it he wanted to avoid the greasy, undercooked center. His quick fix became a tradition. Upon returning home, he taught the technique to his mother.

Hanson Gregory (1831-1921)

The Feast of Doughnuts

The ladies of Augusta, Maine, distributed over fifty bushels of doughnuts to the Third Volunteer regiment before they departed for the war in 1861. A procession of ladies, headed by music, passed between double lines of troops to present the welcome treats. (The Civil War in Song and Story by Frank Moore)

19th-century homemakers preferred to make twisted doughnuts because they saved time during the cooking process. Little House on the Prairie fans may recall how much Laura Ingalls Wilder's future husband Almanzo loved them. Based on the account from Farmer Boy, how much Laura Ingalls Wilder's future husband Almanzo loved them.



“Almanzo took the biggest doughnut from the pan and bit off its crisp end. Mother was rolling out the golden dough, slashing it into long strips, rolling, doubling, and twisting the strips. Her fingers flew; you could hardly see them. The strips seemed to twist themselves under her hands, and to leap into the big copper kettle of swirling hot fat.”(Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Almanzo’s Mom’s Doughnut Recipe

Approximately 900g of olive oil – for frying doughnuts
(Almanzo's mother would have used lard)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
2 1/4 cups flour
powdered sugar

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over low heat until it reaches 375˚f / 190˚C. In the meantime, add sour cream, egg, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl and mix well. Add 1 cup of plain flour and mix. Slowly add the rest of the flour until you have a dough that can be rolled out. Flour your board and roll out the dough in a long rectangle shape that is 4 inches (10 cm) by 16 inches (40 cm) and about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. Cut the dough into 1/2 inch (1.2cm) strips, 4 inches (10 cm) long. Grab the two ends of the long rectangular strip and twist, then pinch the two ends together to make a twisted circular shape. Place 2 – 3 doughnuts at a time in your pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides immediately with sugar.

Why Celebrate?


During WWI, soldiers received comfort and doughnuts from the Salvation Army's “Doughnut Lassies.”

The holiday was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army in Chicago as a fundraiser during the Great Depression. It also honors the organization's members, particularly the women known as "Doughnut Lassies," who served on the front lines during World War I, providing care and comfort to soldiers by cooking food, mending clothes, and lifting spirits.

Doughnuts, which were easy to prepare with limited equipment, became a favorite treat among the troops. Fried in helmets or simple pans, these tasty treats provided a literal taste of home on the battlefield. Over time, the doughnut became a symbol of comfort and support, especially during difficult times.

National Doughnut Day celebrates those who provided soldiers with hope and nourishment, beyond just food. The origins of this day honor their sacrifice. What's Cooking? It must be Romance! 

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