By
Shireen Jamooji
Updated:Mar 20, 2023
Share
Glazed, sprinkled or filled with jelly, all doughnuts are beautiful! But do you know why these delectable bakery treats are named the way they are. Read on to find out how doughnuts got their name.
Doughnuts are one of the most beloved sweet treats in the world. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavours, and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets around the globe. But have you ever wondered how doughnuts got their name?
The origin of doughnuts can be traced back to ancient times when cooks would fry small pieces of dough in oil or fat. These treats were known by various names, such as "oil cakes" and "fried dough." The modern-day doughnut, however, is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in the United States.
The first known reference to the word doughnut appeared in a book titled "A History of New York" by Washington Irving, published in 1809. In the book, Irving described a kind of pastry called "doughnuts" that were served at a meeting of the Knickerbocker Club in New York City. According to Irving, the doughnuts were "balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and called doughnuts, or olykoeks."
The derivation of the name "doughnut" remains a topic of discussion among historians. One theory suggests that it stems from the addition of nuts to the dough for flavour enhancement. Alternatively, some argue that the name evolved from a recipe where hazelnuts or walnuts were placed in the cake's centre to avoid an uncooked middle. Others believe that the knot-style shaping of the dough led to the name "dough knot," which later became "doughnut."
The term "doughnut" itself is believed to be a combination of two words: "dough" and "nut." The "dough" part is self-explanatory, as it refers to the pastry's primary ingredient. The "nut" part, however, is a bit more complicated. Some historians believe that the term "nut" was used to describe the shape of the doughnuts, which resembled a nut or seed. Others believe that the term "nut" was used as a slang term for a small, rounded pastry.
Another theory is that the term "doughnut" may have originated from the Dutch word "oliebol," which translates to "oil ball." Oliebollen are traditional Dutch treats made of deep-fried dough that are often filled with raisins, apples, or currants. Dutch immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, and it's possible that the term "doughnut" was a variation of "oliebol."
Regardless of its etymology, the doughnut quickly became a popular treat in the United States. In the late 1800s, doughnuts were sold at fairs and carnivals and were often served with coffee. During World War I, the Salvation Army popularised doughnuts as a way to lift the spirits of soldiers. The organisation's "Doughnut Girls" would fry and serve doughnuts to troops on the front lines, and the treat became synonymous with the soldiers' experience.
The origin of the term "doughnut" is a bit of a mystery. While there are several theories about its etymology, the most widely accepted explanation is that it is a combination of the words "dough" and "nut." Regardless of its name, the doughnut has become a beloved treat that has stood the test of time. Whether you prefer glazed, chocolate-covered, or filled, there's no denying the appeal of a freshly baked doughnut.
FAQs
To fully cook the insides of the dough, the dough would have to stay in the oil for a longer time, which would lead to the outsides becoming burnt. Punching a hole in the middle of the dough, however, allows the insides and the outsides to cook evenly, creating a perfect donut.
What is the hole in the donut analogy? ›
I'll look like the hole in the doughnut.” Hence, the fear of being the hole in the doughnut is the fear of giving over control to our higher power — and the underlying fear that we will disappear, losing our identity and our sense of self.
What do you call a donut with a hole? ›
A donut hole (also doughnut hole) is a type of donut formed out of small round pieces of dough. Donut holes can be plain or coated in a topping such as glaze, and are a popular dessert in the United States. Donut holes. A variety of powdered and glazed donut holes.
Are doughnut holes the hole of the doughnut? ›
Nowadays, modern machinery makes donuts with the hole already included. Donut holes are made separately.
Why does the donut hole exist? ›
While the bill was intended to assist seniors with their drug expenses, Congress wanted to limit public spending on the program. The “doughnut hole” gap in coverage was the mechanism chosen. The excess profits of the prescription drug industry are the main factor that led to the need for the doughnut hole.
What is a fun fact about donut holes? ›
A ship captain invented the holes in donuts
One day, while Gregory was handling the ship, he put a few fried dough pastries through the spokes of the steering wheel. And thus, donut holes came into existence. You can learn more about the history of donuts here.
What is the best way to explain the donut hole? ›
This means that after you and your drug plan have spent a certain amount of money for covered drugs, you have to pay all costs out-of-pocket for your prescriptions up to a yearly limit.
What is the donut hole refers to? ›
The “donut hole” essentially refers to where a drug plan may reach its limit on what it will cover for drugs.
What does donut hole mean slang? ›
(US, Canada) A small ball-shaped pastry, made in the same manner as a donut, roughly the size of the hole in a donut. These donut holes are delicious! (US, insurance, welfare, slang) An income bracket where one is without benefits, even though benefits are available in the next lower and next higher brackets.
Who invented the doughnut hole? ›
Statue of Captain Hanson Gregory, inventor of the donut hole : black-and-white photoprint. Smithsonian Institution.
People in the United States might call them “Munchkins” because that is what Dunkin Donuts decided to call them. In India, there are desserts made from milk solids that look similar, which is why some Twitter users thought they were badly made Galub Jamun.
What does the expression donut hole mean? ›
The Medicare Part D donut hole or coverage gap is the phase of Part D coverage after your initial coverage period. You enter the donut hole when your total drug costs—including what you and your plan have paid for your drugs—reaches a certain limit.
What does a donut hole mean in Medicare? ›
Most Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap (also called the "donut hole"). This means there's a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for drugs. Not everyone will enter the coverage gap. The coverage gap begins after you and your drug plan have spent a certain amount for covered drugs.
Can a donut not have a hole? ›
Not all doughnuts have holes in the middle either. Filled doughnuts are injected with jelly, fruit preserves, custard or cream.
Who invented donuts? ›
Rings. Hanson Gregory, an American, claimed to have invented the ring-shaped doughnut in 1847 aboard a lime-trading ship when he was 16 years old.
Why do you want to work at Dunkin Donuts answers? ›
I really enjoy eating donuts and I think it would be a fun place to work. I also like the company's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.
Why do some donuts have holes and others don t? ›
Donuts with no holes in the center are made with a different kind of dough, and they are usually filled with some type of cream or jam. There's no reason for the center to be raw, any more than the center of a dinner roll or a loaf of bread would be raw.
What is the reason behind the practice fried donut comes with a hole in the center? ›
Ultimately, reason doughnuts have holes in them because of the way they are cooked; doughnuts are fried. Since they are so dense and full inside, the heat used during cooking wouldn't be able to reach all the way into the middle to cook the center if these yummy baked goods were simply disc-shaped with no hole.
Why are potholes round interview questions? ›
You'd have to rotate the cover exactly the right way. Therefore, many manhole covers are round so they don't need to be rotated. There are no corners to deal with. Also, a round manhole cover won't fall into a hole because it was rotated the wrong way, so it's safer.
Share
