Who is commonly credited with creating the doughnut hole in 1847?

Hanson Gregory is commonly credited with creating the doughnut hole in 1847.

Gregory was an American sailor from Maine who reportedly disliked the doughy, undercooked centers of fried cakes. Accounts say he removed the middle of the pastry, producing the ring shape now associated with many doughnuts.

The story is widely repeated, but historians note that fried ring-shaped pastries may have existed before Gregory’s account. His claim is therefore best described as a famous attribution rather than indisputable proof that he invented every form of ring doughnut.

The hole also improves cooking consistency: removing the thick center allows hot oil to reach more of the dough. Doughnut makers later developed machines and cutters that standardized the shape.