Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Delightful Sweet Treat

December 28, 2025April 28, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

– 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

– 1 large egg

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

To make these donut holes, you need basic pantry items. All-purpose flour gives structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the dough rise. Salt enhances flavors, while ground cinnamon adds warmth. Milk makes the dough moist. The egg binds the mix. Melted butter adds richness.

Additional Ingredients for Coating

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

– Vegetable oil, for frying

The coating is a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon. This gives the donut holes a sweet and spicy finish. Vegetable oil is key for frying. It should be hot enough for that perfect golden color.

Tools and Equipment Needed

– Mixing bowls

– Spoon or cookie scoop

– Deep pot or fryer for frying

You will need mixing bowls for combining ingredients. A spoon or cookie scoop helps with shaping the dough. A deep pot or fryer is crucial for frying. Make sure it can hold enough oil for deep frying. This ensures even cooking and that delightful crunch.

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to create these sweet cinnamon sugar donut holes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

– 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

Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. This step is key. It helps to evenly mix the baking powder and cinnamon. A good blend ensures that each donut hole rises and has that warm spice flavor.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Now, take another bowl. Here, you will combine the wet ingredients:

– 1/4 cup milk

– 1 large egg

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Whisk these together until the mix is smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your donut holes. Make sure the melted butter cools a bit before adding it. This keeps the egg from cooking.

Frying the Donut Holes

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for precision. This step is essential. If the oil is too hot, the outsides will burn. If it’s too cool, your donut holes will soak up too much oil.

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. This keeps the temperature steady. Fry the donut holes for about 2-3 minutes. Turn them occasionally until golden brown. They should look fluffy and cooked through.

Once done, transfer the donut holes to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon. This helps drain excess oil. Now, they are ready for the final touch—coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best texture for your donut holes, focus on the dough. Start with a thick but slightly sticky mixture. This balance helps create a soft inside. If the dough is too dry, your donut holes may come out dense.

Frying time is key! Fry each donut hole for about 2-3 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color. Turn them gently while frying to ensure even cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is overcrowding the frying pot. When too many donut holes fry at once, they can stick together. This also lowers the oil temperature. Always fry in small batches for the best results.

Another mistake is not heating the oil properly. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature. If the oil is too cool, your donut holes will absorb too much oil.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost flavor, consider adjusting the spices. You can add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. A dash of vanilla extract in the wet mixture adds sweetness.

You can also mix in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. These little changes can make your donut holes even more delightful!

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the taste of your donut holes easily. Try adding chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise. They melt in the warm donut, adding a rich flavor. If you prefer a more subtle taste, mix in some vanilla extract. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference. You can also use nutmeg in place of cinnamon. Nutmeg gives a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with sweet treats.

Alternative Coatings

While cinnamon sugar is classic, you can explore other options. A simple glaze can add a shiny finish. To make a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk. Dip the warm donut holes in this mixture. You can also use powdered sugar for a sweeter touch. This adds a soft, sweet layer that contrasts with the warm donut.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour. This gives a nutty flavor and adds fiber. You can also reduce the sugar in the recipe. Instead of 1/4 cup, try using just 2 tablespoons. This still keeps the sweetness but cuts down on sugar. Another option is to use a sugar substitute. Look for ones that measure like sugar for the best results.

Storage Info

Storing Uncoated Donut Holes

To keep your uncoated donut holes fresh, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. They stay good for about two days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Wrap each donut hole in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To eat them, just thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Storing Coated Donut Holes

Coated donut holes taste best the day you make them. To store them, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. If you stack them, the sugar coating might get soggy. Keep them at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for about one day. If you have leftovers, you can chill them in the fridge, but the coating might lose its crunch.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat donut holes, use your oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps keep their fluffy texture. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts of 10 to 15 seconds to avoid making them tough. Enjoy your warm donut holes without losing their delightful taste!

FAQs

How do I know when my donut holes are cooked?

To check if your donut holes are cooked, look for a golden brown color. This means they are ready. You can also insert a toothpick into one. If it comes out clean, the donut holes are done. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Can I make cinnamon sugar donut holes in advance?

Yes, you can make these donut holes in advance. However, they taste best fresh. If you want to prep ahead, store uncoated donut holes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to coat them with cinnamon sugar when you are ready to serve.

What oil is best for frying donut holes?

For frying donut holes, vegetable oil works well. It has a high smoke point of about 350°F. This makes it great for frying. Other oils like canola or peanut oil are good options too. Each oil can add a slight flavor, so choose one you like!

Cinnamon sugar donut holes are fun to make and delicious to eat. We covered the main ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions to help you fry perfect donut holes. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like not heating the oil enough. You can also try different flavors and coatings. Store them correctly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills. Enjoy your tasty snac