Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these bite-sized donut holes are fried to golden perfection and coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar mixture. Often served warm in parchment or brown paper bags, they capture the nostalgic charm of fairground treats and make a comforting snack or dessert any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon sugar donut holes are a quick and easy indulgence, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without a trip to the bakery. The recipe uses simple pantry staples and doesn’t require yeast or special equipment. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these homemade donut holes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop small portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, roll the donut holes in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
- Serve warm in paper bags or on a platter.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 donut holes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Filled Donut Holes: Once fried, inject with jam, chocolate, or custard for an extra surprise.
- Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix for a more complex flavor.
- Baked Version: For a healthier take, bake the dough in a mini muffin pan at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Glazed Option: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Recoat with cinnamon sugar if desired.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. You may want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
The dough is best used fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before frying.
Can I freeze the donut holes?
Yes, freeze after frying and cooling completely. Reheat in the oven and re-roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
What oil is best for frying donut holes?
Neutral oils with high smoke points such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, while the texture will be slightly different, you can air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 7–9 minutes.
What can I use instead of nutmeg?
You can substitute ground cinnamon or simply omit it if preferred.
Why are my donut holes greasy?
The oil may be too cool. Maintain a steady 350°F (175°C) temperature to prevent excessive oil absorption.
Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?
Yes, spoon the batter into a mini donut pan and bake as an alternative method.
How can I tell if the donut holes are cooked inside?
They should be golden on the outside and no longer doughy inside. You can test by cutting one open to check the center.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar donut holes are a delightful and easy treat that bring the warmth and nostalgia of fairground snacks into your home kitchen. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, they’re ideal for a spontaneous dessert or a charming addition to a brunch spread. Customize them to your taste and enjoy fresh, warm, and irresistibly sweet bites whenever the craving strikes.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: About 24 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Croustillants à l’extérieur et moelleux à l’intérieur, ces beignets de la taille d’une bouchée sont frits dorés et enrobés de sucre à la cannelle. Servis chauds dans des sacs en papier brun, ils constituent une friandise irrésistible de style foire.
Ingredients
- 2 tasses de farine tout usage
- 1/4 tasse de sucre granulé
- 1 cuillère à soupe de levure chimique
- 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/4 cuillère à café de noix de muscade moulue
- 3/4 tasse de lait
- 1 œuf
- 2 cuillères à soupe de beurre fondu
- 1 cuillère à café d’extrait de vanille
- Huile végétale, pour la friture
- 1/2 tasse de sucre granulé (pour l’enrobage)
- 1 cuillère à café de cannelle moulue (pour l’enrobage)
Instructions
- Dans un bol, fouettez ensemble la farine, le sucre, la levure chimique, le sel et la muscade.
- Dans un autre bol, mélanger le lait, l’œuf, le beurre fondu et la vanille.
- Ajoutez les ingrédients humides aux ingrédients secs et mélangez jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient combinés (ne mélangez pas trop).
- Chauffer 5 à 7,5 cm d’huile dans une casserole profonde à 175 °C (350 °F).
- Déposez des cuillères à soupe de pâte dans l’huile chaude par lots.
- Faites frire pendant 2 à 3 minutes, en retournant de temps en temps, jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient dorés et bien cuits.
- Retirer à l’aide d’une écumoire et égoutter sur du papier absorbant.
- Pendant qu’ils sont chauds, roulez les beignets dans le sucre à la cannelle jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient uniformément enrobés.
- Servir immédiatement dans du papier sulfurisé ou des sacs en papier.
Notes
- Ne mélangez pas trop la pâte pour garantir des beignets tendres.
- Maintenez la température de l’huile autour de 350 °F pour une cuisson uniforme.
- À déguster de préférence frais et chaud.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 donut holes
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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