What Are Donut Holes?
Donut holes (spelled as doughnut in England and Commonwealth countries) are small, bite-sized donuts that were traditionally made from the dough taken from the center of ring donuts.
The “holes” are deep-fried just like regular donuts. They are then glazed with sugar, or dusted with fine sugar or powdered sugar.
These donut holes are round in shape but much smaller than regular donuts, making these dainty fried dough balls such a delight to the palate.
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How Do You Make Donut Holes?
Homemade donut holes are made by dropping a small ball of dough into hot oil. The round shape can be achieved through the use of a small ice cream scoop or a spoon.
For this easy donut holes recipe, I used the former, which yields beautiful, round and spherical shape of these bite-sized sweet treats.
Yeast or No Yeast?
There are two versions of recipe for donut holes, one with yeast, and one without yeast. This recipe is without yeast, making it the easiest recipe ever, with the following basic ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Egg
- Whole Milk
- Baking Powder
- Butter
- Sugar
Tips for Frying Donut Holes
- The perfect oil temperature for frying is 375F.
- Fry the donut holes for about 1-2 minutes on both sides, turning only once.
- Fry them in batches of about 5-6 at a time.
- After frying, drain them on paper towels.
For the toppings, you can dust with powdered sugar, regular fine sugar, or with a sugar glaze. I personally love regular sugar as there is a bit of texture to the surface, plus you can control the sweetness by adding or reducing the amount of sugar. Other ideas include:
- Strawberry Jam
- Chocolate Sauce
- Sprinkles
- Sweet Coconut Flakes
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home. It’s easy and fail-proof. If you love fried dough balls, for examples: beignets or malasadas, you are going to love them. Enjoy!
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Donut Holes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- oil, for deep-frying
- 1/4 cup sugar, for rolling
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and ground nutmeg. In a small bowl, combine the egg, milk and butter. Add to dry ingredients and mix well.
- 2
In an pot or deep skillet, heat oil to 375°. Drop the dough by using a small round ice cream scoop, five or six at a time, into oil. Fry until browned, about 1-2 minutes, turning once.
- 3
Drain on paper towels. Roll warm doughnut holes in sugar. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.
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Violet Bekic
Mine weren’t as pretty as yours, but WOW what a simple and delicious recipe! will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, thanks for trying the donut holes.
Marlene Downing
I would like to try this with my mom’s recipe using mashed potatoes… they are just yum!!!!!
Katy
Can these be made ahead of time?
Rasa Malaysia
Yeah, sure. They will not be warm but should be OK.
Hilary Parlanti
How much oil should be used for deep frying the donut holes? Would you recommend vegetable oil? Thanks!
Rasa Malaysia
Yes vegetable oil. I use a small round pot to deep fry and I have 3 inches of oil in the pot.
Syra
I don’t think the 1/2 cup milk is right. This is my first time making donut holes. Anyway, I used 1 cup whole milk instead of 1/2 cup. Coz its really dry and doesn’t mix well.
Whuff
I made these in a deep fryer. There were way too good. They weren’t how I think of a traditional donut because they were crispy on the outside almost like they were inside of a crust. That made them even better in my book. I rolled them in sugar but next time I’m going to try a chocolate dip or a glaze. It will have to wait for awhile. I have no self control with these things and scarfed down half in one sitting. Incredibly easy, fast, and tasty. A definite keeper recipe.
Rasa Malaysia
Awwww, so happy that you like this easy donut holes recipe!
Pearse
It says serve immediately. Wondering whether it can be made and taken to work
Thanks
PAppy
Lauri
Perfect! Crisp outside, super tender inside. And the flavor is wonderful! Perfect rolled with a little sugar.
Rasa Malaysia
That’s awesome, I am so glad you tried.
sheenam | thetwincookingproject.net
Yum!!! These donut holes look perfect!
Rasa Malaysia
Cool thanks!
Anthony
Those look so easy and tasty ! Could I use an air fryer instead ? Thanks