Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: 1 Must-Try Treat

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: A Homemade Treat

There’s something magical about a warm, freshly made donut hole. It’s a little bite of pure happiness. I used to think making them at home was complicated. Simon changed that for me. He showed me that these sweet, cinnamon-sugar-dusted delights are surprisingly simple. You can whip up a batch of these wonderful cinnamon sugar donut holes. They bring a special kind of joy to any day.
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Why You’ll Love Our Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

  • They’re quick to make.
  • They taste incredibly delicious.
  • Perfect for any occasion.
  • They are very family-friendly.
  • They use minimal ingredients.

Alice’s Kitchen Journey to Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

For years, my kitchen felt like a performance space. Every recipe was a test. Simon, my husband, saw it differently. He turned cooking into a game. He’d play music and pull me into dances while stirring. He taught me that the goal wasn’t perfection. It was about creating happy memories. Making these cinnamon sugar donut holes reminds me of that. They are simple, fun, and always result in smiles.
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Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Let’s get our kitchen prepped! You’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Having your ingredients ready makes the process so smooth. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance, but a fun one!

Essential Equipment for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

To make these delightful treats, gather these tools:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Heavy-bottomed pot for frying
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Shallow dish
  • Thermometer for oil

Having the right tools makes all the difference. It helps ensure success with every batch.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Let’s dive into making these sweet bites. Follow these steps for perfect results.

Preparing the Dough and First Rise

First, warm your milk. It should be cozy, around 105-115°F. Stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You want it foamy. In a big bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, the egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the foamy yeast mixture and salt. Mix it all well. Slowly add the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface. Do this for about 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot. It needs about 1 hour. It should double in size.

Shaping and Frying Your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll small pieces of dough into 1-inch balls. Heat vegetable oil in a pot. You need about 2-3 inches of oil. Get the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donut holes. Do this in batches. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side. They should turn a lovely golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain them on paper towels.
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The Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donut holes are still warm, it’s time for the best part. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip each warm donut hole into the melted butter. Then, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This coating makes them truly irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Every Time

Getting these just right is easy with a few tips. Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature. This prevents greasy donut holes. Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Cook them in batches. This helps maintain oil temperature. A good golden-brown color is your sign they are ready.

Creative Variations for Your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Want to switch things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar. You could also use a dash of cardamom. A little almond extract in the dough adds a lovely twist. Experiment and find your favorite flavor. You might also enjoy our maple pecan pie bars for another sweet treat.

Serving and Storage for Your Homemade Donut Holes

These are best served warm, fresh from the coating. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a day or two. To reheat, a few seconds in the microwave works wonders. For more breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake them, but they won’t have the same texture. Baking results in a more cake-like donut. For that classic donut taste, frying is best. This is an easy donut recipe.

How do I keep my donut holes from being greasy?
Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature, around 350°F. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry in small batches. Drain them well on paper towels immediately after frying.

What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You might not need to proof it. Check the yeast package for specific instructions.

Share Your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Creations!

I’d love to see your homemade donut holes! Snap a photo and share it in the comments below. Please rate this recipe too. Your feedback means the world to us here at Kitchn Kudos.

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: 1 Must-Try Treat

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Enjoy these delightful cinnamon sugar donut holes, perfect for a sweet snack. They are easy to make at home and bring a touch of homemade joy to your day.

  • Author: Alice Carrington
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 20-25 donut holes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to about 105-115°F (40-46°C). Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  3. Add the foamy yeast mixture and salt to the wet ingredients and mix well.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. While the dough rises, mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish for the coating.
  8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll small portions of the dough into 1-inch balls.
  9. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Carefully fry the donut holes in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  11. Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  12. While still warm, dip each donut hole into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Notes

  • Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature for perfectly cooked donut holes.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying; cook in batches.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 donut holes
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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