We make this recipe every Christmas
Applesauce Doughnuts:
3 1/3cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour1cup applesauce3/4cup sugar2tablespoons shortening3teaspoons baking powder1teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2teaspoon salt2eggs
Vegetable oil
Cinnamon-sugar mixture, if desired
Beat 1 1/3 cups of the flour and the remaining ingredients except oil and cinnamon-sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, until blended. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining 2 cups flour. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until dough stiffens.
Heat oil (2 to 3 inches) in deep fryer or 3-quart saucepan to 375ºF. Divide dough in half. Place half of the dough on well-floured cloth-covered surface; gently roll in flour to coat. Gently roll dough 3/8 inch thick. Cut with floured doughnut cutter. Repeat with remaining dough.
Slide doughnuts into hot oil, using wide spatula. Turn doughnuts as they rise to surface. Fry 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Carefully remove from oil (do not prick surfaces); drain on paper towels. Sprinkle hot doughnuts with cinnamon-sugar.