Easy Donut Holes are the kind of treat that can instantly brighten up your day. With their fluffy texture and delightful sweetness, they are a perfect bite-sized indulgence that never fails to satisfy a sweet tooth. The warm aroma of fried dough combined with sugar and spices brings a simple joy that traditional donuts sometimes lack. Plus, these little gems can be made in your very own kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of fresh treats without needing to venture out.

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

I remember the first time I made these Easy Donut Holes during a cozy weekend with friends. The laughter and chatter filled the kitchen as the batter came together, and soon enough, a batch of golden delights emerged from the bubbling oil. Each one puffed up beautifully. We rolled them in cinnamon sugar, and that first bite was pure bliss. The crispy exterior gave way to a tender center, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Trust me when I say these donut holes will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or even for a special breakfast moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just a few minutes to whip up a batch of 36 donut holes.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy milk and rich heavy whipping cream makes every bite heavenly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These delightful treats are perfect for parties, kid’s playdates, or simply indulging on a Sunday morning.
Flexible Serving: Great as an afternoon snack, breakfast treat, or dessert.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adapted to suit your preferences—just get creative with toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups vegetable oil: This is essential for frying and ensures a crispy exterior. Can substitute with canola oil if preferred.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your donut holes. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup for accuracy.
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder: This ingredient creates lightness in your batter, allowing your donut holes to puff up beautifully.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious and moist batter, adding richness. You could opt for half-and-half if that’s what you have on hand.
½ cup (119ml) whole milk: Contributes to the dough’s moisture; low-fat milk works in a pinch but may yield slightly drier donut holes.
Toppings: Consider rolling in cinnamon sugar, drizzling with glaze, or dusting with powdered sugar. The choice is yours!

How to Make Easy Donut Holes

Mix the Dry Ingredients: 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. This mixture lays the foundation for a perfect dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and ½ cup whole milk. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until you have a gooey dough. It might be sticky, but that’s exactly what you want!
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1 tablespoon balls of dough. You can either transfer these directly into the hot oil or put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill while the oil heats up.
Heat the Oil: In a 3-quart saucepan, bring 5 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F. Using a thermometer here is essential to achieve the best frying results. Also, place a lined cookie sheet nearby to catch the finished donut holes.
Fry the Donut Holes: Carefully drop 3-4 balls of dough into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn a lovely dark golden brown. This will give them that irresistibly crunchy exterior.
Drain and Cool: Remove the donut holes from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the paper towel-lined cookie sheet. Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing to elevate their taste.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Easy Donut Holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, do so for up to three months. Just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in a warmed oven for a few minutes. Be aware that the texture will change slightly once frozen, but a quick pop in the oven can refresh their delightful taste.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch the Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 350°F is crucial. If it gets too hot, the donut holes may burn.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is key for even frying; leave space around each donut hole so the oil can circulate.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill before frying can help in shaping and make them easier to work with.
Experiment with Toppings: Cinnamon sugar is classic, but feel free to get experimental with different glazes or toppings like chocolate or sprinkles!

While Easy Donut Holes are already a wonderful treat, you can always add your own twist to customize them just the way you like.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the donut holes are done frying?

You’ll recognize the donut holes are ready to be taken out when they are dark golden brown, typically after about 3-5 minutes of frying. The dough should be cooked through but not overdone; if you doubt, you can cut one open—it should be fluffy and tender inside.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of flour. While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cake flour for a lighter variation. Just keep in mind that the results may differ.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Just remember to give it a quick stir before scooping it into the hot oil.

What can I serve with donut holes?

Serve these delightful donut holes with a side of fresh fruit or dip them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or your favorite fruit preserves for an extra touch. They make an excellent accompaniment to coffee or hot chocolate, too!

Try these Easy Donut Holes for a treat that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Their lightness and wonderful flavor make them an indulgence worth savoring. Enjoy the baking experience, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings. Happy frying!

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Easy Donut Holes

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 36 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Donut Holes are a delightful treat that combines irresistible flavors with a straightforward preparation. With key ingredients like heavy whipping cream and milk, you can create homemade goodies that are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups vegetable oil
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (119ml) whole milk

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and milk, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a gooey dough.
Using a cookie scoop, take 1 tablespoon of dough and drop it directly into the hot oil, or chill on a lined baking sheet until ready to fry.
Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350°F, using a thermometer to ensure correct temperature, and place paper towels nearby.
Fry 3-4 donut holes at a time without overcrowding, monitoring the oil temperature. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they are dark golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and place them onto paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing.

Notes

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for even frying.
Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
Experiment with different toppings as desired.