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six donut holes in a white bowl.
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4.78 from 9 votes

Small Batch Donut Holes

Create delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes in a snap with this easy, no-yeast recipe. Perfect for a quick treat or small gatherings.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Cool5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: cinnamon sugar donut holes, donut holes, donuts
Servings: 6 donut holes
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups canola or vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons sugar , divided
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon , divided
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ tablespoon salted butter , melted

Instructions

  • Fill a 10-inch skillet with oil to a depth of 1 inch and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • While the oil is heating, prepare the batter by whisking together the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of the cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium sized bowl.
  • In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, milk, and melted butter.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Once the oil is hot, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to slowly and carefully drop balls of the batter into the hot oil.
  • Cook the donut holes in the oil for 2 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Then, flip them over and fry for another 1 to 2 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides.
  • Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the donut holes out of the hot oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Put the warm donut holes into a paper bag, then add the cinnamon sugar mixture. Close the top of the bag by folding it, and gently shake the bag to evenly coat the donut holes with the sugar. As another option, you can individually roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture for coating.
  • Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Pot: Avoid using a small pot. Choose a deep enough skillet, like a 10-inch one that's about 2 1/2 inches deep, ensuring the oil depth is around 1 inch. This size is ideal for even frying in small batches.
  • Monitor Oil Temperature Accurately: Aim for an oil temperature of 350°F. Using a cooking thermometer is the most reliable method. Alternatively, test the oil by dropping a small bit of dough into it; if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready. Keep an eye on the temperature, maintaining it between 350 to 360°F, and adjust the stove heat as needed.
  • Drain Donut Holes Efficiently: Remove the donut holes from the oil using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain off through the spoon's holes. Then, place them on a plate lined with paper towels for proper oil absorption. This step ensures your donut holes are not overly greasy and maintain their crispy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1donut hole | Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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