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Donut Holes Recipe

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These homemade donut holes are incredibly soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden with a classic cinnamon-sugar coating. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate sweet treat that tastes just like your favorite bakery—but better because they’re fresh and warm from your own kitchen!

Ingredients

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For the Donut Holes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 6-8 cups, depending on pot size)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon until well combined. Set aside near your frying station for easy coating while the donut holes are still warm.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until no lumps remain and everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Make sure your butter isn’t too hot or it will cook the eggs.
  4. Create the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—resist the urge to overmix, as this will make your donut holes tough. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into your heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F on a candy thermometer. This temperature is crucial—too low and your donut holes will absorb too much oil and be greasy; too high and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
  6. Shape the Donut Holes: While oil is heating, lightly flour your hands or use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each (roughly 1 inch in diameter). Roll them gently between your palms to create smooth spheres. Place them on a lightly floured plate or baking sheet.
  7. Fry in Batches: Carefully drop 5-6 donut holes into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot (this will lower the oil temperature). Fry for about 2-3 minutes total, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon so they brown evenly on all sides. They should be deep golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Drain and Coat: Using your slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the donut holes and let excess oil drip off. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate for just a few seconds, then immediately transfer to your cinnamon sugar bowl while they’re still warm. Toss gently to coat completely.
  9. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining donut holes in batches, always making sure the oil returns to the proper temperature between batches. Monitor your thermometer and adjust heat as needed.
  10. Serve Fresh: These are absolutely best enjoyed warm and fresh, though they’ll stay delicious for several hours. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Notes

  • Temperature is Everything: Keep that oil between 350-375°F for the best results. Too cool = greasy donut holes; too hot = burnt outsides with raw centers.
  • Size Matters: Keep your donut holes uniform in size (about 1 inch) so they cook evenly. Larger ones may need an extra 30-60 seconds of frying time.
  • Don’t Skip the Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk incorporate much better into the batter, creating a smoother dough and better texture.
  • Work Quickly with the Coating: Toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so the coating sticks properly.
  • Oil Reuse: You can strain and reuse your frying oil 2-3 times if stored properly in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.

Serving Size: 1 donut hole
Calories: 78
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 52mg
Fat: 3.2g
Saturated Fat: 0.8g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g

Nutrition

Find it online: https://focialy.com/donut-holes-recipe/