Rachel Good’s Glazed Potato Doughnuts

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Have ready 2 parchment-lined baking pans. Place the potatoes in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain in a colander. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill and into a medium bowl; set aside.

   Step 2

   Place 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl; sprinkle with the yeast, stir gently, and let stand until creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the milk, shortening, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Let stand until cooled to just warm. Add the yeast mixture, reserved potatoes, and eggs; beat until combined.

   Step 3

   Switch to the dough hook. Add 5 cups flour, and mix on medium-low speed until combined, adding more flour if necessary, until a smooth and elastic dough is formed, about 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased bowl; cover. Let stand in a warm place until the dough is doubled in size, about 55 minutes.

   Step 4

   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch-diameter doughnut cutter, cut and place on prepared baking pans. Loosely cover with plastic wrap; let stand in a warm place until the dough has risen by about one-third, about 30 minutes.

   Step 5

   Combine the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and remaining 6 tablespoons water in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined; set aside.

   Step 6

   In a large, low-sided saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F. Drop the doughnuts into the oil; fry in batches until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to several layers of paper towel to drain. Place the drained doughnuts on a wire rack set over a baking pan. Dip half the doughnuts in the glaze; return to the wire rack. Roll the remaining doughnuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.