Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: 7 Irresistible Bites to Love

There’s just something incredibly comforting about homemade treats, isn’t there? The aroma of something sweet baking in your kitchen can wrap around you like a warm hug. My favorite indulgence? Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes! They’re the perfect little bites that blend crispy exteriors with soft, pillowy interiors, all dusted in that heavenly cinnamon sugar. I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly Saturday morning, and I decided to surprise my kids with a special breakfast. As the donut holes fried away, the whole house filled with this intoxicating smell that had them racing into the kitchen, eyes wide with excitement! Trust me, these donut holes are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Whether it’s a cozy weekend, a fun snack for the kids after school, or a sweet ending to a dinner party, they never fail to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up! Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bites of joy.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

To create these delicious cinnamon sugar donut holes, you’ll need some simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – This is the base of our donut holes, giving them structure.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup – Sweetness is key for those delightful bites!
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – This helps the donut holes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – The star spice that brings warmth and flavor.
• Milk: 3/4 cup – Adds moisture to the dough.
• Egg: 1 large – This binds everything together.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – For richness and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – A splash of vanilla adds depth to the flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: for frying – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mix: 1/2 cup sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon – This is for rolling those warm donut holes for that irresistible finish.

Feel free to experiment! You can swap out the vanilla for almond extract for a different twist or even add a bit of nutmeg for extra warmth. Enjoy these while they’re fresh for the best texture and flavor!

How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Making these delightful cinnamon sugar donut holes is a fun and rewarding process. Let’s break it down step-by-step. You’ll be amazed at how simple it really is!

Preheat Your Equipment

First things first, let’s get that oil heating! It’s crucial to get your vegetable oil up to 350°F before frying. This temperature ensures that the donut holes cook evenly, giving you that golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. I usually use a heavy-bottomed pot for frying; it distributes heat nicely. While the oil is warming up, set up a tray with paper towels to drain the donut holes once they’re done frying. Trust me, this prep work is essential for a smooth cooking experience!

Combine Ingredients

Now, let’s mix our ingredients! In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. It’s super important not to overmix the dough here. Just gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until everything is moistened. You want to keep it tender for those delightful bites!

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Once your dough is ready, check your oil temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s steady at that perfect 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, a little test is to drop in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go! This step is vital because oil that’s too cool will result in greasy donut holes, and if it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through. Patience here pays off!

Assemble the Dish

Now comes the fun part! Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to drop small balls of dough into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot—give them some space to cook evenly. I usually work in batches of about 5-6 at a time. Keep in mind that the size of your dough balls will affect cooking time; smaller ones will cook faster, so aim for about a tablespoon of dough for each hole.

Cook to Perfection

Fry those donut holes for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon. You’ll want them to be golden brown all over, and trust me, the smell will be heavenly! The key is to keep an eye on them; don’t walk away! Once they’re golden and cooked through, carefully remove them and let them drain on your prepared paper towels.

Finishing Touches

While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix. This is where the magic happens! The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly, creating that irresistible coating. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor! Oh, and don’t forget to sneak a bite or two while they’re still warm; it’s a delightful experience!

Serve and Enjoy

These cinnamon sugar donut holes are best served warm and fresh. They make a fantastic snack with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. You can also whip up some fun dipping sauces—think chocolate or caramel—for an extra treat. No matter how you enjoy them, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

When you indulge in these cinnamon sugar donut holes, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each serving, which is about three donut holes, provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values:

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you opt for different oils or add-ins. But one thing’s for sure: these donut holes are a delicious treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon sugar donut holes recipe is a game changer in the dessert world! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• Quick to Make: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these treats in no time!
• Easy to Prepare: The simple mixing and frying process makes it perfect for even beginner bakers.
• Flavorful: The warm cinnamon sugar coating combined with the soft, fluffy donut holes is simply irresistible.
• Great for Snacking: Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon treat, or dessert, these donut holes fit any occasion beautifully.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or dipping sauces to make them uniquely yours!

Trust me, once you try these donut holes, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cinnamon sugar donut holes turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips I swear by!

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on your oil temperature! If it drops below 350°F, your donut holes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it gets too hot, they’ll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Use a thermometer for accuracy, and adjust the heat as needed.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, remember to mix just until everything is moistened. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes instead of the tender, fluffy bites we want!
• Roll in Sugar While Warm: This is crucial! Rolling the donut holes in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar adhere better, creating that perfect sweet crust.
• Fry in Batches: Frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature. Work in small batches to ensure even cooking and that golden-brown color!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best cinnamon sugar donut holes ever!

Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Once you’ve mastered the classic cinnamon sugar donut holes, the fun really begins! There are so many delicious variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:

• Maple Glaze: Swap out the cinnamon sugar for a sweet maple glaze! Just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the warm donut holes.
• Chocolate Dipped: For the chocolate lovers, melt some chocolate chips and dip half of each donut hole into the chocolate. Let them cool on a wire rack for a delicious twist!
• Nutmeg or Pumpkin Spice: Experiment with different spices! Adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the dough can give these donut holes a seasonal flair that’s perfect for fall.
• Fruit Fillings: For a surprise inside, fill your donut holes with jam or Nutella after frying. Just use a piping bag to fill them while they’re still warm!

These variations keep things exciting and allow you to tailor your donut holes to fit any occasion. Have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover cinnamon sugar donut holes (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. Let them cool completely first, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration can change their texture a bit.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, here’s how to reheat: I recommend placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method brings back their delightful warmth and helps restore some of that crispy exterior. If you’re really in a hurry, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but they might not be quite as fluffy. Enjoy your donut holes warm for the best experience!

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