Brigham Young’s Christmas Donut Recipe

This original recipe for buttermilk donuts was contributed by Sister Naomie Young Schettler, a granddaughter of Brigham Young. It was first made by Emily Partridge Young, Sister Schettler’s grandmother. A favorite with President Young, the donuts became so popular that they eventually were sold at the Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution department store in Salt Lake City.

5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Oil, for frying
Granulated or powdered sugar, optional
Ground cinnamon, optional

Combine ingredients, kneading in enough flour to make a soft dough, not too sticky. Roll out and cut into doughnuts. Fry in deep, hot oil.