Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

$To make the best cinnamon sugar donut holes, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating) - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted butter - Oil for frying These ingredients create a soft and sweet base for your donut holes. You can add a twist to your donut holes with some optional ingredients: - Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for extra flavor - Chocolate chips (1/2 cup) for a sweet surprise - Orange zest (1 teaspoon) for a citrusy touch - Nutmeg or cardamom (1/4 teaspoon) for warmth These variations can change the taste and make your donut holes unique. To prepare these delicious treats, you will need a few basic tools: - Large mixing bowl for dry ingredients - Medium bowl for wet ingredients - Slotted spoon for frying - Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan for frying - Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning batter - Paper towels for draining excess oil Having the right tools helps make the process smooth and easy. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they blend well. This mix gives your donut holes a great flavor base. In another medium bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of milk. Crack in 1 large egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth. This step is key to making your donut holes soft and tender. Now, slowly add the wet mix to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don't worry if the batter looks a bit lumpy; that’s okay! It helps keep the donut holes light. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the frying oil. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil for the donut holes to float. Using a small cookie scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of batter. Carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to lift the donut holes out of the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in this cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully coated and glistening. Enjoy the sweet, warm goodness! To make soft and fluffy donut holes, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined. A little lumpiness is okay. This keeps the donut holes light. You can also use room temperature milk and egg for a smoother mix. The warmth helps the batter come together nicely. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for the best frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside cooks fast, while the inside stays raw. If it's too cool, the donut holes absorb too much oil. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently. This helps them cook evenly. Serve your donut holes warm for the best taste. You can stack them in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. A light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, serve them with a sweet dip like chocolate or vanilla glaze. Pro Tips Perfect Temperature: Ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too cool, the donut holes will absorb excess oil; if too hot, they will cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Donut Hole Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. This helps ensure even cooking and uniform appearance, making your donut holes more appealing. Coating While Warm: Roll the donut holes in cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oil. This allows the sugar to adhere better and creates a deliciously sweet crust. Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven for a fresh taste. {{image_4}} You can change up the cinnamon sugar by adding fun flavors. Here are a few ideas: - Vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet twist. - Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the sugar. - Pumpkin Spice: Blend in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a fall favorite. Each of these variations gives your donut holes a unique taste that excites your palate. Add-ins can make your donut holes even more special. Consider these options: - Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich treat. - Nuts: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. - Dried Fruit: Toss in 1/4 cup of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for sweetness. These add-ins will elevate the flavor and make each bite more enjoyable. If you want a lighter version, try baking instead of frying. Here’s how: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Use a muffin tin and spray it with cooking oil. - Fill each cup with the batter about halfway. - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Baked donut holes are still tasty, and this method cuts down on oil and fat. You can enjoy a delicious treat with less guilt! To keep your leftover donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness. You can leave them at room temperature for up to two days. If you have more than you can eat, refrigeration is an option. Just know that cold air can make them a bit dry. When you're ready to enjoy your donut holes again, reheating is key. The microwave is quick, but it may make them chewy. Instead, try using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them warm and brings back their soft texture. For longer storage, freezing works well. Place the cooled donut holes in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want some, just thaw them in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy these sweet treats anytime! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. The donut holes may be denser than those made with all-purpose flour. To keep them light, try mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This mix helps with texture. The best oils for frying are canola or vegetable oil. They have high smoke points, which means they can handle the heat. Peanut oil is also great if you want a richer flavor. Avoid oils with strong tastes, as they can overpower the donuts. To make gluten-free donut holes, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that contain xantham gum. This ingredient helps with texture, making the donut holes soft. Always check labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. To ensure even cooking, heat the oil to the right temperature, about 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. If too many donut holes are in the oil, the temperature drops, leading to uneven cooking. Keep an eye on them, flipping as needed. In this post, we explored how to make delicious donut holes. We covered every step, from preparing ingredients to frying and coating them in cinnamon sugar. You learned key tips for texture, frying, and even serving ideas. Plus, we shared fun variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Enjoying fresh donut holes at home is easy and fun. With practice, you will nail it every time! Now, it’s your turn to create these tasty treats and share them with friends and family.$

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Deliciously fluffy donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
0.5 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the milk, beaten egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 1 tablespoon of batter and drop it into the hot oil.
Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the donut holes from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
In a medium bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
While warm, roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Keyword cinnamon sugar, donut holes, fried dessert