The term "donut" or "doughnut" actually refers to the shape and preparation of the pastry rather than its ingredients. The name comes from the fact that these pastries are made from a dough that is typically deep-fried until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
The origins of the word "donut" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to be a shortened version of the term "dough-nut." The term "nut" in this context refers to a small rounded cake or biscuit made from dough.
Originally, doughnuts were often made by shaping dough into knots or balls, which resembled nuts. Over time, the spelling evolved, and the hyphen was dropped, resulting in the commonly used term "donut" or "doughnut."
While some modern variations of donuts do incorporate nuts as toppings or fillings, the traditional donut itself does not typically contain nuts. The name simply reflects the history and evolution of the pastry's shape and preparation method.