The modern doughnut's origins are attributed to Hanson Gregory, an American who is often credited with inventing the ring-shaped doughnut in 1847.

According to the legend, Gregory, a sea captain, created the iconic shape by punching a hole in the center of a piece of dough using a tin paper box.

This innovation ensured the dough cooked evenly, solving the problem of undercooked center in traditional fried dough.

However, the history of fried dough confessions date back centuries, with various cultures having their versions.

Dutch settlers in early America made oily cake, oil cakes, ball of dough fried in oil, resembling modern doughnuts.

While Gregory popularized the ring shape, the concept of fried dough has deep historical roots, evolving over time into the beloved doughnut we know today.