There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the aroma of freshly fried Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes wafting through the air, taking you back to lazy Sunday mornings and family gatherings. This delightful treat is not only a sweet indulgence but also incredibly simple to make at home, allowing you to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. With a fluffy interior and a perfectly crisp outer shell, these donut holes are coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
Imagine sinking your teeth into these warm, gooey morsels, where every bite is bursting with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. The beauty of making your own donut holes lies in the ability to enjoy them fresh, and with just a few common ingredients, you can recreate this bakery-style delight in the comfort of your kitchen. Plus, they make for a fantastic dessert option or an unforgettable breakfast treat!
Whether you’re serving them up at a brunch or savoring them alone with a cup of coffee, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are bound to bring a smile to your face. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying those sugar cravings, they embody the warmth and comfort of home cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Quick and Easy: With a short prep time and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these donut holes in no time.
- Deliciously Addictive: The combination of warm donuts and cinnamon sugar makes them irresistible!
- Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. These donut holes fit any occasion.
- Made from Scratch: Skip the store-bought options and enjoy the fresh taste of homemade goodies.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices or coatings to suit your personal preference.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delicious process of creating Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen properly. Make sure to gather all your ingredients listed in the recipe and have them at room temperature for best results. You’ll want to have the following tools handy: a medium mixing bowl, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, measuring cups, and spoons, a small cookie scoop or two spoons for shaping the donut holes, and a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot for frying.
Additionally, a cooking thermometer is invaluable for accurately gauging the oil temperature. This tool will help ensure that you achieve the perfect golden-brown exterior without burning. Don’t forget a slotted spoon or spider for safely removing the donut holes from the hot oil. Preparing your workspace will make the process smooth and enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures the even distribution of dry ingredients for consistent flavor and texture throughout your donut holes. Set this mixture aside while you get the wet ingredients ready.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, large egg, granulated sugar, and melted butter, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Once you have a uniform liquid mixture, gently fold in the dry ingredients you prepared earlier. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be just combined and may be a bit sticky. This is the perfect consistency for fluffy donut holes.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet, ensuring it’s about 2–3 inches deep for proper frying. Heat the oil to a temperature between 360°F to 375°F. A cooking thermometer is the best way to ensure precise temperature control, which is critical for achieving that perfect, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Step 4: Shape and Fry
Once the oil is heated, use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to drop about 2 teaspoons of the donut batter into the hot oil. Make sure to fry only 5 to 7 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which could lower the oil temperature and affect cooking. Fry them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown color.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
When the donut holes are done frying, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil. Immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to ensure the coating sticks well while they’re warm. Serve them right away for the best taste and experience — there’s nothing quite like a warm donut hole!
Variations
- Protein: You can incorporate crumbled bacon into the batter for a sweet and savory twist!
- Vegetables: Add finely grated carrots or sweet potatoes for a nutritious boost that enhances flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with varying spices such as pumpkin spice or cardamom in place of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Always use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for perfect frying.
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the right consistency.
- Make sure your frying oil is deep enough so that the donut holes can float freely.
- Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container to maintain freshness for a couple of days.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the donut holes with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack.
- Serve them with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an added touch of decadence.
Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding extracts like vanilla or almond to the wet mixture.
- Try freezing the dough prepared in advance; simply fry them when you’re ready for fresh donuts!
- Experiment with different toppings, such as powdered sugar or chopped nuts in addition to the cinnamon sugar.
- Always fry in small batches to achieve the most even cooking and texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per donut hole
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Sodium: 50mg per donut hole
FAQs
Can I bake these donut holes instead?
Yes, while they are traditionally fried for the best texture, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes for a healthier version. Adjust the baking time as necessary.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying as they have a high smoke point and won’t alter the flavor of your donut holes.
How do I store leftover donut holes?
Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I add fillings to my donut holes?
Definitely! Just inject your favorite jelly, cream, or chocolate filling into the donut holes after frying using a piping bag for a delightful surprise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are guaranteed to elevate your dessert game and provide a delightful treat for friends and family alike. With their irresistible flavor, simple preparation, and warm, comforting texture, these little gems won’t last long on any table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and toppings, making these donut holes uniquely yours. Whether enjoyed fresh, shared with loved ones, or stored for an indulgent snack later, they truly embody the magic of homemade sweets. Try them out, and be sure to let us know how they turned out in the comments or share your own variations!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This delightful treat with a fluffy interior and a perfectly crisp outer shell is coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Oil, for frying
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl. Set this mixture aside while you get the wet ingredients ready.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, large egg, granulated sugar, and melted butter, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour oil into a deep skillet, ensuring it’s about 2–3 inches deep for frying. Heat to a temperature between 360°F to 375°F.
- Once the oil is heated, use a small cookie scoop to drop about 2 teaspoons of dough into the hot oil. Fry only 5 to 7 at a time for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove donut holes from the oil and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while warm. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container to maintain freshness for a couple of days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 2 g