How to Make Long Johns - A Step-by-Step Guide

Long Johns, also known as bar-shaped donuts, are a beloved treat that can be found in bakeries and donut shops all across the United States. These delicious pastries are made from a rich, yeasted dough that is fried until golden and then filled with a creamy custard or whipped cream. They are often topped with a sweet glaze or frosting, making them a decadent indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The origin of the name "Long John" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have ...

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Ingredients

  • 3 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup canned evaporated milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 8 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
  • ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 31 mins
  • Servings: 24

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside until bubbly, about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, dissolve shortening in 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to lukewarm.
  • Mix evaporated milk, eggs, nutmeg, sugar, and salt into shortening and water. Stir in yeast mixture and one cup of flour until well blended. Gradually mix in remaining flour 1 cup at a time until dough is firm enough to remove from the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into strips 1-inch wide and 6 inches long. Place onto waxed paper, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Carefully remove doughnuts from the waxed paper and place a few at a time in hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until light brown. Set over wire racks to drain. Drizzle with glaze.
  • To make glaze, mix the confectioners' sugar with enough water to make it able to drizzle in a long strand. Adjust amounts if necessary.
  • Nutrition

    577 cal.

    • Total Fat: 43g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 19mg
    • Sodium: 212mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 43g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 37mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 103mg