Homemade Doughnut Holes

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Introduction

Homemade Doughnut Holes are a delightful treat that brings the joy of fresh, fluffy doughnuts right to your kitchen. These little bite-sized wonders are crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and can be coated in sugar, cinnamon, or your favorite glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet indulgence, these doughnut holes are surprisingly easy to make and can be enjoyed warm from the fryer or stored for later. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these homemade doughnut holes are guaranteed to be a hit.

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Dessert tables
  • Snack time
  • Family gatherings
  • Sweet indulgences

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Homemade Doughnut Holes will become your go-to treat:

  • Soft and Fluffy Texture: The doughnut holes are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Customizable Coatings: Roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze them with a simple icing.
  • Quick and Easy: Made with basic ingredients, these doughnut holes are easy to whip up in no time.
  • No Need for a Special Pan: Frying the dough in small batches creates the perfect doughnut holes without the need for a doughnut hole maker.
  • Fun to Make and Eat: The small size makes them perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 24 doughnut holes
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 50-60 calories per doughnut hole
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Homemade Doughnut Holes:

For the Doughnut Holes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base for a light, soft dough.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise to create fluffy doughnut holes.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor to the dough and coating.
  • Milk: Moistens the dough for the perfect consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the coating for a balanced flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the doughnut holes to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Homemade Doughnut Holes:

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Fry the Doughnut Holes:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.
  2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon per doughnut hole). Roll them into balls with your hands, making them as smooth as possible.
  3. Fry the Doughnut Holes: Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even golden brown cooking. Remove the doughnut holes with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Coat the Doughnut Holes:

  1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the doughnut holes are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
  2. Glazed Doughnut Holes (Optional): For glazed doughnut holes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Dip each doughnut hole into the glaze and allow the excess to drip off. Place the glazed doughnut holes on a wire rack to set the glaze.

Serve:

  1. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade doughnut holes warm, fresh, and sweet. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert!

How to Serve

  • As a Breakfast or Brunch Treat: Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • With a Side of Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or fruit preserves for added sweetness.
  • At a Party or Gathering: These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking at any event.
  • For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent finish.
  • With Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Dip your doughnut holes into a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

  • Be sure the oil is at the correct temperature for even frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the frying pan—fry the doughnut holes in small batches.
  • If you prefer, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly.
  • Let the doughnut holes drain on paper towels before coating to prevent sogginess.
  • For a lighter option, try air frying the doughnut holes for a healthier alternative.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Glazed Doughnut Holes
  2. Maple Glazed Doughnut Holes
  3. Coconut Coated Doughnut Holes
  4. Lemon Glazed Doughnut Holes
  5. Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes
  6. Vanilla Bean Doughnut Holes
  7. Peanut Butter Coated Doughnut Holes
  8. Apple Cinnamon Doughnut Holes
  9. Almond Glazed Doughnut Holes
  10. Strawberry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze doughnut holes after frying and coating. Place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Special Equipment

  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Cooling rack or paper towels

FAQ Section

  1. Can I bake these doughnut holes? You can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but they may not be as crispy as fried ones.
  2. Can I use a different coating? Absolutely! Try powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or a berry glaze.
  3. Can I make these in advance? Yes, prepare and fry the doughnut holes, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
  4. What oil should I use for frying? Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying doughnut holes.
  5. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Homemade Doughnut Holes are a fun, easy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a fluffy interior and a sweet coating, these bite-sized delights are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

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