1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until smooth. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; the dough will be sticky.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently knead it just enough to bring it together. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and Cut the Doughnuts:
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. Collect the scraps, reroll, and cut until all the dough is used.
4. Heat the Oil:
- Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with at least 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
5. Fry the Doughnuts:
- Fry the doughnuts a few at a time, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain.
6. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, then return to the wire rack to let the excess drip off.
7. Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your old-fashioned doughnuts fresh for the best texture and flavor!
Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Doughnuts:
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for frying. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Handling the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the doughnuts tender. Overworking the dough can result in tough doughnuts.
- Customizing Flavors: Feel free to add a touch of cinnamon to the dough or the glaze for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy baking and savoring these deliciously nostalgic old-fashioned doughnuts!