Save to Pinterest These soft, airy mini donuts are fried to a golden brown and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and butter, they create a tender, flavorful bite perfect for any time of day. The combination of warm cinnamon and sugar adds a delightful sweetness that enhances the light texture. They're quick to prepare and best served fresh, making an irresistible treat for breakfast or a snack.
Discovering these soft, airy mini donut holes was like stumbling upon a sweet little secret that turned every morning into a celebration. I still remember the joy the first batch brought to my weekend breakfast table, filling the kitchen with warm cinnamon scents.
I’ll never forget the afternoon unexpected guests stopped by and I whipped up these donut holes in a flash; everyone thought I had spent hours baking.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I choose this for its lightness, which helps create that fluffy texture every time.
- Baking powder: This little powerhouse makes sure the donuts rise just right, giving them their airy feel.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint, but it adds depth to the warm spices.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances perfectly with the cinnamon in the coating.
- Whole milk: Always reach for full-fat milk to keep these tender and moist.
- Eggs: They add structure and richness; using fresh ones definitely makes a difference.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for mixing and brushing—unsalted gives you better control over the saltiness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brightens and rounds out all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For frying; pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature coating flavor.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Gather your ingredients and equipment so you’re set for a smooth cooking experience—having a slotted spoon and cookie scoop handy speeds things up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and sugar together in a bowl; you’ll notice the warm spice aroma starting to build already.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, blend milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until silky smooth—the mixture should look creamy and inviting.
- Bring it Together:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and fold gently just until combined; the batter will be thick and a little lumpy, that’s perfect.
- Heat the Oil:
- Warm your vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C)—you’ll hear the faint crackle when it’s ready.
- Fry the Donut Holes:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoons, drop small spoonfuls carefully into the hot oil; fry in batches, turning as they puff and turn golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and Coat:
- Remove with a slotted spoon, let them drain on paper towels, then brush while warm with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar—the coating should stick beautifully and smell irresistible.
- Serve Warm:
- Nothing beats these fresh, sweet treats straight out of the pan, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage.
Save to Pinterest This recipe became more than just a snack for me; it marked the start of cozy mornings filled with laughter and sharing, turning restless weekends into cherished memories.
Keeping It Fresh
The donut holes are best eaten warm, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat briefly in an oven to regain that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness.
Making It Ahead
You can mix the batter the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before frying to keep them fluffy. Freezing cooked donut holes also works well; thaw and reheat in a toaster oven.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
These mini donuts pair wonderfully with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They also make a charming addition to brunch spreads and holiday gatherings.
- Don’t forget to share a few extras with neighbors—they’ll thank you.
- Oh wait one more thing, try adding a pinch of cardamom to switch things up.
- Lastly, keep your oil clean by filtering after frying to maintain perfect flavors next time.
Save to Pinterest Thanks for spending some kitchen time here—may these donut holes bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Happy frying!
Recipe Help & Support
- → What oil is best for frying donut holes?
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Vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point works best for frying donut holes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- → How do I know when the donut holes are cooked?
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Fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown and float to the surface, usually about 2–3 minutes, ensuring they're cooked through.
- → Can I add extra spices for a different flavor?
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Yes, adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg into the batter can enhance the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- → How should I store leftover donut holes?
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Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly to restore crispness before serving.
- → Is there a vegetarian-friendly option for frying?
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The donut holes are already vegetarian-friendly as they're fried in vegetable oil and do not include animal-derived ingredients.
