Donuts

Donuts are sweet, round treats that are fried until golden brown. Many have a hole in the middle, while others are filled with jelly or cream. Donuts can be plain or covered with sugar, icing, or sprinkles. They are a favorite snack all over the world.

How Donuts Are Made

Donuts start as soft, sweet dough. The dough is rolled out and cut into circles. A smaller circle is cut out of the middle to make a ring. The rings are dropped into hot oil and fried until puffy. After they cool a little, bakers add glaze, icing, or powdered sugar on top.

The History of Donuts

People have fried sweet dough for a very long time. Dutch settlers brought early donuts to America hundreds of years ago. An American sailor named Hanson Gregory is said to have made the hole in the middle in 1847. Now donuts come in many shapes and flavors. Some are filled with chocolate, jam, or custard.

Fun Facts

• The first Friday in June is National Donut Day in the United States.
• Canadians eat more donuts per person than any other country.
• The world's largest donut weighed over 3,700 pounds.

Did You Know?

During World War I, women called 'Doughnut Lassies' gave donuts to soldiers to cheer them up.