Homemade Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar and Glaze Recipe
These classic homemade donut holes are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden with a delightful crispy exterior. Deep-fried to perfection and optionally coated with a sweet vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast or snacks.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 donut holes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons (14g) baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon (4g) salt
- ½–1 teaspoon (1-2g) ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (177ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon (2-3ml) vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
For Frying
Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8g) ground cinnamon
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the melted unsalted butter and mix thoroughly until smooth and combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated and the dough is uniform. Set the batter aside while preparing the oil for frying.
- Prepare Frying Oil: Fill a medium pot with at least 3 inches (5 cm) of oil to allow the donut holes to float and cook evenly. Heat the oil to 375℉ (175℃) using a thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely.
- Drain Setup: While the oil heats, line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels to absorb excess oil from the donut holes after frying.
- Begin Frying: Once the oil is at temperature, reduce the heat to medium-low. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop 1-2 tablespoons of dough and gently drop into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce oil temperature and cause sogginess.
- Cook Donut Holes: Fry the dough balls for about 1-2 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip them carefully and fry the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Drain Donuts: Remove the fried donut holes with a large slotted spoon or skimmer and place them immediately on the prepared paper towels to soak up excess oil. Taste one to check doneness before frying the rest.
- Finish Frying: Repeat frying with remaining batter, ensuring oil returns to correct temperature before each batch.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar (Optional): In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. While donut holes are still hot, roll them in the cinnamon sugar to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While donut holes cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk to get a thick but pourable consistency.
- Glaze Donut Holes: Drizzle the glaze over warm donut holes or dip each donut hole in the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Place glazed donut holes on a wire rack to let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 375℉ (175℃) is crucial for crispy and evenly cooked donut holes.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, which will result in greasy donuts.
- You can adjust the nutmeg amount according to your preference; it adds a warm spice flavor.
- Glaze or cinnamon sugar coating is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.
- Use a thermometer for oil temperature accuracy and safety.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly for freshness.
Keywords: donut holes, deep-fried donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, glazed donuts, homemade donut holes, breakfast treats, fried dough balls