Donut Holes

There’s just something downright irresistible about a basket of warm, homemade Donut Holes. These little bites of goodness are golden and crisp on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, then finished with a generous toss in cinnamon sugar or confectioners’ sugar, the choice is yours! Either way, they’re an easy, old-fashioned treat that’s sure to disappear by the handful.

Easy Donut Holes Recipe

These homemade doughnut holes are the kind of old-fashioned treat that makes the kitchen smell like a Saturday morning and has everybody reaching for “just one more.” Serve them warm with a cup of coffee for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, or pile them into a basket for a weekend gathering, holiday breakfast, or casual get-together with family and friends.

They’re especially good for serving when you want something homemade and fuss-free that everyone can grab and enjoy. And let’s be honest, these little bites have a way of disappearing mighty quick, so you may want to make a double batch. Because around here, there’s always room for a homemade donut hole!

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Fried Donut Holes: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the dough.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Salt – A small amount of slat balances the flavor.
• Leavening – Baking powder lend rise to the dough while fring. No yeast required!
• Butter – Melted butter adds richness and the sugar coating to stick.
• Liquid – Whole milk for moisture.
• Whole Eggs – Large egg stabilizes the batter.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the homemade dough.
• Spice – Ground nutmeg for a hint of spice.
• Oil – Vegetable oil or another neutral flavored oil for frying.
• Coatings – Powdered sugar, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to coat the warm donuts..

How to Make Homemade Donut Holes Recipe

• Heat Oil – In a Dutch oven fitted with a fry thermometer heat 2-3 inches of oil to 355-365°F.
• Make the Coatings – In one shallow bowl place powdered sugar. In a separate shallow bowl whisk together granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
• Dry Ingredients – Use a whisk to sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
• Wet Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, vanilla and egg.
• Combine – Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture stir until fully moistened.
• Divide the Batter – Use a small scoop to drop the batter into the hot oil.
• Fry – Fry per the cooking time in the recipe, turning for even browning. Remove to paper towels to drain.
• Roll in Sugar – While doughnut holes are hot roll half in powdered sugar and half in cinnamon sugar. roll again for a heavier coating. Place back onto a wire rack.
• Serve – Enjoy immediately with warm chocolate or caramel for dipping, if desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Donut Holes without Yeast

• Dutch oven or large pot fitted with a fry thermometer.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Two shallow bowls.
• Small scoop, cookie scoop or tablespoon.
• Stainless steel spider or slotted spoon.
• Two medium bowls.
• Baking sheet or platter lined with paper towels.
• Wire rack.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Adjust Cooking Time According to Size – Should you make larger doughnut holes, they’ll need slightly longer to cook. A small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop is imperative for even sizing.
• Jam Filled Donut Holes – You may opt to fill these doughnut holes with jam. To do so, use a piping bag inserted into the center to pipe a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of any flavor of jam that you enjoy.
• Chocolate – You can fill them with chocolate ganache or Nutella.
• Lemon Curd or Lime Curd – Fill some of the donut holes with lemon or lime curd for a pop of citrus.
• Easy Homemade Glazed Donut Holes – You can also glaze these doughnuts. Mix together 1 cup powdered sugar with 3-4 Tablespoons of heavy cream and 1/2 tsp vanilla. You can thin further using water or additional cream. Dip the warm donut holes in the glaze then back onto the wire rack. This glaze recipe easily doubles if you want to glaze all of the doughnuts.
• Oil – A neutral flavored oil works best for frying. Use vegetable oil or peanut oil. Skip olive oil, it’s not a good choice for this recipe.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Doughnut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can gently reheat them in the microwave. If you reheat donut holes coated with powdered sugar, it may melt a bit so roll them again if needed.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, coat in sugar and enjoy.

More Doughnut Recipes to Make

• Homemade Apple Cider Glazed Doughnuts.
• Sugar coated Jelly Doughnuts melt in your mouth.
• Rich and fudgy Chocolate Doughnuts dipped in ganache.
• If you like baking doughnuts you’ll love these Blueberry Buttermilk Doughnuts and Strawberry Doughnuts.
• Boston Cream Doughnut Trifle is sure to impress.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnut Bread Pudding is sheer decadence.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Doughnuts from Red Star Yeast.

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