Easy Donut Holes are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of homemade desserts: warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet. These little bites of joy are light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, crispy exterior that makes them utterly addictive. When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth, it’s hard to beat the charm of freshly fried donut holes. Unlike store-bought varieties, each piece is made with love and can be customized to fit your taste preferences — whether you toss them in cinnamon sugar, glaze them lightly, or serve them plain, they’re always a hit!

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 making donut holes during a Sunday craving for something sweet yet simple. I turned to my pantry, and with just a few pantry staples, I crafted these gems. They quickly became a family favorite, especially when the kids joined in to help roll them in the sugary topping! It’s this kind of shared joy that makes baking so special. I can’t wait for you to experience this Easy Donut Holes recipe, which is so delightful that you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in about 30 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich dough that’s perfect for frying up deliciousness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These donut holes are just the right size for popping in your mouth — cute and fun for all ages!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat; they fit in beautifully on any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: With simple ingredient swaps, you can easily customize this recipe to suit dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Can substitute with canola oil.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (298g) all-purpose flour: The base of our dough, providing structure. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2 ½ teaspoons (11g) baking powder: Helps the donut holes rise and become light and fluffy.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream: Gives richness and moisture to the dough. For lighter dough, you can replace it with half-and-half.
½ cup (119ml) whole milk: Adds to the dough’s creaminess, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

How to Make Easy Donut Holes

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and ½ cup of whole milk. Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough forms; it will be sticky and gooey.
Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop, scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough. You can either drop these directly into the hot oil or place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate while prepping the oil.
Heat the Oil: In a 3-quart saucepan, heat 5 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. Place a cookie sheet lined with paper towels nearby to drain the fried donut holes.
Fry the Donut Holes: Fry 3-4 donut holes at a time in the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding; this helps keep the oil temperature steady. Fry for about 3-5 minutes or until they are dark golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Drain & Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool briefly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for about a week. If you’d like to keep them for even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but a quick reheat will bring back that lovely warmth!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your vegetable oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent greasy donut holes.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them room to fry evenly and achieve that golden color.
If the donut holes are browning too fast, lower the heat slightly to let them cook through without burning.
For added flavor, consider infusing your oil with vanilla or spices before frying.
Experiment with different toppings, like chocolate glaze or sprinkles, to suit your craving.

These tips will help you create perfectly delicious Easy Donut Holes every time!

You’ll find that once you make these delightful treats, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. The satisfaction of frying up a batch of Easy Donut Holes is only matched by the joy of sharing them with family and friends. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive gathering, these little bites of sweetness are sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or fillings; it’s all about making this recipe your own. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make donut holes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. However, for the best texture, fry them fresh and toss them in their toppings right before serving.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

A reliable way to test your oil is to drop a small piece of dough into it. If it bubbles vigorously and rises to the surface, your oil is ready. You can also use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F (175°C).

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, peanut oil, or even coconut oil for a unique flavor twist. Just make sure it has a high smoke point for frying!

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

While frying gives that classic donut hole texture, you can try baking them at 350°F (175°C) in muffin tins. Keep in mind that the texture will be less crispy on the outside, but they can still be delicious!

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Easy Donut Holes

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

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Description

These easy donut holes are a delightful treat, combining a light and fluffy dough made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and cream. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they are quick to make and will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups vegetable oil
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup whole milk
Toppings – see notes.

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add the heavy whipping cream and milk, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough forms; it will be sticky.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop 1 tablespoon of dough per donut hole and either drop directly into hot oil or chill on a baking sheet until ready.
Heat the oil to 350°F in a 3-quart saucepan, using a thermometer for accuracy. Prepare a cookie sheet lined with paper towels nearby.
Fry 3-4 donut holes at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Monitor the oil temperature, adjusting heat as necessary, and fry for 3-5 minutes until dark golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and let drain on the prepared paper towel-lined sheet. Allow to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar or glazing.

Notes

Ensure the oil temperature stays at 350°F for even cooking.
You can customize the toppings according to your preference—try powdered sugar or chocolate glaze!
These donut holes can be served warm for the best taste.