Description
This easy no-yeast donut hole recipe produces perfectly golden, fluffy, and tender donut holes in just 20 minutes. These delightful treats are made by frying a simple batter of flour, baking powder, milk, egg, sugar, and butter in hot oil until golden brown. They can be enjoyed plain, dipped in a traditional vanilla glaze, coated with cinnamon sugar, dusted with powdered sugar, or filled with your favorite fruit jelly or chocolate glaze. Perfect for a quick homemade dessert or breakfast indulgence without the fuss of yeast rising time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and/or nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- About 1.5 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup half and half (or whole milk) (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Other
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 to 3 inches deep in skillet)
- Cinnamon sugar (for coating, quantity as desired)
- Chocolate glaze (1 batch, optional)
- Fruit jelly or jam (for filling, optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, optional cinnamon and/or nutmeg, and baking powder until evenly combined. Set aside for later.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat and maintain the temperature between 360°F and 375°F, using a clip-on thermometer for accuracy. Alternatively, test readiness by dropping a small amount of water into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
- Make the batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently to combine thoroughly, being careful not to overmix, as the batter will be sticky.
- Scoop and drop dough: Use a small cookie scoop lightly sprayed with non-stick spray, or two spoons, to scoop about 2 teaspoons of dough per donut hole. Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, frying 5 to 7 at a time without overcrowding.
- Fry donut holes: Cook the donut holes for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping as needed. They will brown to a golden color and may roll in the oil during cooking. Remove when cooked through and golden.
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried donut holes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before glazing or coating.
- Prepare traditional glaze: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup half and half (or milk), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze donut holes: While still warm, dunk donut holes into the glaze and place on a wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off. Enjoy immediately.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: After frying and while still warm, toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar for a flavorful coating.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Allow the donut holes to fully cool, then toss them in powdered sugar. For easy coating, shake donut holes in powdered sugar inside a paper or ziplock bag.
- Fill donut holes (optional): Let the donut holes cool enough to handle safely. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with fruit jelly, jam, or chocolate glaze. Insert the tip gently into the center of each donut hole and pipe in the filling.
- Add finishing touches: For filled donut holes coated with cinnamon sugar, toss them immediately after frying in cinnamon sugar, then allow to cool slightly before filling. You may also add glaze or other toppings as desired.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the oil when frying to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- Use a candy or clip-on thermometer to maintain the ideal oil temperature between 360°F and 375°F.
- Do not overmix the batter; a sticky batter yields fluffier donut holes.
- Small cookie scoops help form uniformly sized and round donut holes.
- Donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Variations include coating with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, glazing, or filling with jams and chocolate.
- Use caution when frying and handle hot oil safely to prevent burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: donut holes, easy donut recipe, no yeast donuts, fried donut holes, homemade donuts, quick dessert, cinnamon sugar donuts, glazed donuts, filled donuts
