If you’re in the mood for something sweet and delicious, let’s talk about a little treat that’ll surely satisfy your cravings: easy donut holes! These delightful bites are soft, fluffy, and practically melt in your mouth, making them a perfect snack, dessert, or even breakfast item. Imagine biting into a warm, golden donut hole rolled in cinnamon sugar or glazed with a light icing – that’s pure bliss! Plus, they’re simple to whip up, and you probably have the ingredients in your kitchen already.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Donut Holes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Easy Donut Holes

The best part? Making these easy donut holes doesn’t require any special tools or skills. Whether you’re planning a cozy family breakfast, a festive gathering, or just need a sweet fix, this recipe has got you covered. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together and how impressive they look on a platter. Are you ready to give these a try? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have these luscious treats ready in about 30 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: Each donut hole is soft and buttery, with a hint of sweetness that makes them truly addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their golden-brown color and ability to be topped various ways, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert – they fit any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap in dairy alternatives if needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups vegetable oil: For frying. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying these donut holes to golden perfection.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour: The base for the dough. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best texture.
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder: This gives the donut holes their fluffy rise.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
½ cup (119ml) whole milk: Helps bind the ingredients and contributes to a tender texture.
Toppings: You can roll them in cinnamon sugar, dip in glaze, or sprinkle with powdered sugar – the choice is yours!

How to Make Easy Donut Holes

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined. This mixture will form the base of your dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and ½ cup whole milk. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together – it will be a bit gooey, and that’s perfect!
Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and either drop it directly into the hot oil or place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill until ready to fry.
Heat the Oil: In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to monitor this with a thermometer for perfect frying.
Fry the Donut Holes: Carefully drop in 3-4 donut holes (depending on your pan size) and fry them for about 3-5 minutes. They should turn a lovely dark golden brown. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking!
Drain and Cool: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing them to your preference.

Storing & Reheating

To store your donut holes, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, although keep in mind that the crispy texture might soften.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry just a few at a time to ensure they cook evenly and retain the oil temperature.
Maintain Oil Temperature: If the oil temperature drops too low, your donut holes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Adjust the heat accordingly.
Flour Dusting: Lightly dust your hands with flour when handling the dough to keep it from sticking.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or various flavored glazes, to suit your taste!

These easy donut holes are a delight to make and even more fun to share. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the fryer or save some for later, each bite brings a comforting sweetness that can brighten any day.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it before frying. Just make sure to use it within 24 hours for the best results.

What oil is best for frying donut holes?

Vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point, but you could also use canola oil or peanut oil if you prefer.

How can I make these donut holes healthier?

For a lighter version, consider baking them in a donut hole pan instead of frying. The flavor might differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!

Can I use other flours?

Yes, you can try using gluten-free flour blends, but be sure to check for specific measurements and adjustments as the texture may vary slightly.

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Easy Donut Holes

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 36 donut holes 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Donut Holes are a delightful treat, featuring a gooey dough and delicious flavor. With simple ingredients like heavy whipping cream and flour, they come together quickly for a perfect snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups vegetable oil
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup whole milk
Toppings – see notes.

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Instructions

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and milk with a wooden spoon until a gooey dough forms.
Scoop 1 tablespoon balls of dough. You can either fry them immediately or chill them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Heat the oil to 350°F in a 3-quart saucepan and have a paper towel-lined cookie sheet nearby.
Fry 3-4 donut holes at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-5 minutes until dark golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove from oil and let cool on the paper towel-lined sheet before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing.

Notes

Make sure to monitor the oil temperature closely for perfect frying results.
For added flavor, roll the cooled donut holes in cinnamon sugar or glaze them as preferred.
Using a thermometer is key to maintaining the right oil temperature for frying.