These easy donut holes are a delightful treat that you can whip up at home with just a few simple ingredients. Golden-brown on the outside with a soft, fluffy center, they are truly a joy to eat. As you bite into one, you’ll feel the satisfaction of crispy edges yielding to a tender dough, perfectly sweetened to satisfy your cravings. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or just a special snack, these donut holes can easily become the highlight of your day!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Donut Holes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Donut Holes

I first stumbled upon this easy donut holes recipe during a rainy weekend when I was in search of something comforting and sweet. With nothing on hand but the basics, they turned out to be not just easy to make but incredibly fun and rewarding to fry up. Every time I make these, I find myself smiling, reminiscing about that very same rainy day. They quickly disappeared from the plate, and I couldn’t help but share with friends and family, and I invite you to do the same!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in no time—just 15 minutes of prep and about 5 minutes of frying!
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, fluffy texture with a hint of sweetness that’s simply delightful, especially when sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Cute little bites of joy that are perfect for parties or as a fun family treat.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy these donut holes for breakfast, as an after-school snack, or even at your next gathering!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups vegetable oil: Essential for frying your donut holes to golden perfection. Can be replaced with canola oil or peanut oil.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour: Creates the base of your dough. For gluten-free options, a blend of gluten-free flour works wonders.
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder: This gets your donut holes puffed and fluffy.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough. You can use coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the donut holes.
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream: Provides richness. You could use half-and-half for a lighter version.
½ cup (119ml) whole milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender. Skim milk can be used in a pinch but may affect texture.
Toppings: Consider cinnamon sugar or a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!

How to Make Easy Donut Holes

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until blended.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add in the 1 cup heavy whipping cream and ½ cup whole milk. Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until you form a gooey dough. Don’t overmix; it should be slightly sticky!
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, gather tablespoons of dough. You can either drop them straight into the hot oil or place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while the oil heats.
Prepare the Oil: In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the 5 cups vegetable oil to 350°F. It’s essential to use a thermometer for accurate frying. Place a baking sheet lined with paper towels nearby for draining.
Fry the Donut Holes: Carefully drop 3-4 donut holes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature. Fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are dark golden brown.
Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, remove the donut holes and transfer them to the paper towel-lined sheet. Let them cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing. Enjoy warm!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover donut holes at room temperature in an airtight container for about two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, although they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in an airtight bag for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through—this will help refresh their crispy exterior!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this can lead to uneven cooking.
Make sure your oil temperature stays constant; dropping below 350°F can result in greasy donut holes.
Try to scoop the dough as consistently as possible for even frying.
Experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar or a chocolate glaze for variety!
If the texture seems dense, check that you measured the flour correctly.

These easy donut holes are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth—they’re a lovely way to bring joy and warmth to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them solo with a cup of coffee or share them with family and friends, you’ll find that these bites of happiness are a delightful addition to any occasion. I encourage you to make these today and see just how easy and rewarding they are!

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

You can certainly bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough onto the sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t have the same fried texture but will still be delicious.

How can I make these donuts dairy-free?

To make these easy donut holes dairy-free, swap the heavy cream and milk for almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Look for a dairy-free substitute that has similar thickness to keep the dough consistent.

What is the best way to get the donut holes to rise well?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can lead to dense donuts, so check the expiration date. Also, don’t mix the dough too much; the less you handle it, the fluffier your donut holes will be!

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the frying time, as you may need to do it in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Doubling this recipe is a great idea if you’re planning for a party or gathering!

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Easy Donut Holes

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 36 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Donut Holes are a delightful treat with a gooey texture, quick prep, and a satisfying taste perfect for any occasion! Using wholesome ingredients, they bring joy to desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups vegetable oil
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (119ml) whole milk
Toppings – see notes.

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whole milk, mixing with a wooden spoon until a gooey dough forms.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon balls of dough using a cookie scoop. You can either drop them directly into the hot oil or chill them on a lined baking sheet until ready.
Heat oil in a 3-quart saucepan to 350°F. Keep a thermometer handy to monitor the temperature and place paper towels nearby for draining.
Fry 3-4 donut holes at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Adjust the burner heat to maintain the oil temperature. Fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Once fried, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing.

Notes

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid dropping the oil temperature.
Experiment with different toppings to personalize your donut holes.