There’s nothing quite like the taste of warm, cinnamon sugar donut holes. These sweet bites bring comfort and joy to any occasion. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite ingredients and simple steps to craft these delightful treats at home. From tips for the perfect texture to fun variations, you’ll discover all you need to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Let’s dive in and start your donut hole adventure together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Addictive: The combination of warm, fluffy donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar creates a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These donut holes are great for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack during the day. They’re sure to impress guests!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the flavor by adding different spices or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup milk (preferably at room temperature)
– 1 large egg (at room temperature)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
These ingredients create a soft and fluffy donut hole. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Cinnamon brings that cozy flavor we all love.
Optional Ingredients for Variations
– Nutmeg for extra spice
– Vanilla extract for a sweet aroma
– Lemon zest for a bright flavor
– Mini chocolate chips for a treat twist
These optional ingredients let you customize your donut holes. You can make them unique with just a few changes.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a cup of coffee
– Pair with a glass of cold milk
– Garnish with mint for color
– Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce
These pairing ideas enhance the experience. Enjoying them warm makes the flavors pop. Feel free to mix and match!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This dry mix forms the base for your donut dough. Make sure everything mixes well. A good blend ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout the donut holes.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Next, take a separate bowl. In it, combine 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Be careful! If the butter is too hot, it might cook the egg. The wet mix adds moisture and richness to your donuts.
Combining the Mixtures
Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently. Mix until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough donut holes. You want them soft and fluffy!
Frying the Donut Holes
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature. This step is key for perfect frying. Once the oil is hot, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to drop about 1-inch balls of dough into the oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes. Turn them occasionally with a slotted spoon. Look for a lovely golden brown color. Once cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Coating and Serving
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. While the donut holes are warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure they get coated all over. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack or plate. These treats are best enjoyed warm. They melt in your mouth and bring joy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your donut holes, focus on mixing. Combine the dry and wet ingredients just until they blend. Overmixing makes them tough, which you don’t want. The dough should feel thick and a bit sticky. This helps your donut holes stay soft inside while getting a nice crust outside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is frying at the wrong temperature. If your oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the donut holes will soak up oil and taste greasy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C).
Another mistake is overcrowding the pot. When you add too many donut holes, the oil cools down too fast. Fry them in small batches to keep that perfect heat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes or until warm. This keeps them soft and tasty, just like when they were fresh!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your egg and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even cooking.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, golden donut holes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry donut holes in small batches to prevent lowering the oil temperature, which can result in greasy and undercooked donut holes.
- Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm: For the best flavor and texture, roll the hot donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after frying for an even coating.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can easily change the flavor of your donut holes. Use vanilla extract for a sweet twist. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Try orange or lemon zest for a refreshing note. If you love chocolate, mix in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. For a fun surprise, add mini chocolate chips to the dough. Each option creates a unique taste that keeps things exciting.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Frying gives a crispy outside and soft inside, but other methods work too. You can bake these donut holes for a lighter treat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a mini muffin pan to shape your donut holes. Fill each cup with dough and bake for about 10-12 minutes. For air frying, set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8-10 minutes. Both methods yield delicious results!
Dietary Modifications
You can make these treats fit various diets. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce calories. For a dairy-free version, replace milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil. These simple changes let everyone enjoy these sweet bites without worry!
Storage Info
How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
To keep your cinnamon sugar donut holes fresh, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Best Practices for Freezing
To freeze, first, let the donut holes cool. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. This method prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, take the desired amount from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 10 seconds. Enjoy these sweet bites warm for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I bake cinnamon sugar donut holes instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake cinnamon sugar donut holes. Baking makes them lighter and less greasy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden. For a crispier texture, you can spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking.
What can I use instead of milk in the recipe?
You can use many substitutes for milk. Almond milk or soy milk works well. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a tasty choice. Yogurt mixed with water can also give good results. Just keep the liquid amount the same.
How do I ensure even frying?
To fry evenly, keep the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check this. Fry only a few donut holes at a time. This keeps the oil hot and helps them cook evenly. Turn them gently with a slotted spoon to brown all sides.
What are some common substitutes for ingredients?
Here are some easy substitutes:
– Flour: Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour.
– Sugar: Brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
– Butter: Coconut oil or margarine works in place of butter.
– Egg: Use a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
These swaps can help you customize the recipe to fit your needs.
Cinnamon sugar donut holes are simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create a tasty treat. I also shared tips to achieve the perfect texture and avoid mistakes. If you want to get creative, try different flavor additions and cooking methods. Store them well for later enjoyment. Keep experimenting and enjoy every bit
