Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24-30 donut holes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: Prepare to be transported back to childhood carnivals and cozy autumn mornings with this irresistible treat! Is there anything more comforting than biting into a warm, fluffy ball of dough, coated in a sweet and spicy embrace of cinnamon and sugar? I think not! These aren't just any donut holes; they are miniature explosions of happiness, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day.

While the exact origins of the donut hole are debated, their popularity is undeniable. Some say they were born from necessity, the center cut out of donuts to ensure even cooking. Others believe they were a clever way to use leftover dough. Regardless of their history, cinnamon sugar donut holes have become a beloved classic, enjoyed across generations and cultures. Their simple yet satisfying flavor profile makes them a crowd-pleaser, and their bite-sized nature makes them dangerously addictive!

What's not to love? The combination of warm, freshly fried dough, the comforting spice of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of sugar creates a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dessert, a fun weekend baking project, or a delightful treat to share with friends and family, these cinnamon sugar donut holes are guaranteed to be a hit. So, let's get baking and create some sweet memories!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions:

Preparing the Donut Hole Batter:

Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the baking powder and soda work properly, giving you light and fluffy donut holes.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or milk and vinegar mixture), melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. The melted butter should be cooled slightly so it doesn't cook the egg.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough donut holes. A few lumps are okay.
Rest the batter (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in a lighter texture.

Frying the Donut Holes:

Prepare for frying: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the oil temperature.
Heat the oil: Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donut holes from becoming greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains raw. If it's too cool, the donut holes will absorb too much oil.
Shape the donut holes: There are a few ways to do this. My favorite is to use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) to drop rounded portions of batter into the hot oil. Alternatively, you can use two spoons to shape the batter into small balls. You can also transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe small dollops of batter into the oil.
Fry in batches: Carefully drop the donut holes into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly cooked donut holes. Aim for about 6-8 donut holes per batch, depending on the size of your pot.
Cook until golden brown: Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to turn them occasionally to ensure even browning.
Remove and drain: Once the donut holes are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Combine cinnamon and sugar: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Brush with melted butter: While the donut holes are still warm (but not dripping with oil), brush them lightly with melted butter. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donut holes.
Coat in cinnamon sugar: Immediately toss the buttered donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can do this by placing a few donut holes at a time in the dish and gently rolling them around until they are completely covered.

Serving and Storing:

Serve immediately: Cinnamon sugar donut holes are best served warm and fresh. The cinnamon sugar coating will be at its most flavorful and the donut holes will be at their softest.
Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 1-2 days. The donut holes will lose some of their crispness over time, but they will still be delicious.
Reheating (optional): If you want to reheat the donut holes, you can microwave them for a few seconds (be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough) or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.

Tips and Variations:

Buttermilk substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
Chocolate glaze: For a chocolatey twist, dip the donut holes in melted chocolate instead of cinnamon sugar.
Powdered sugar: Dust the donut holes with powdered sugar for a simpler, yet equally delicious, coating.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Vegan option: Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with vinegar. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) in place of the egg. Use vegan butter for melting.
Donut hole size: Adjust the size of the donut holes to your preference. Smaller donut holes will cook faster, while larger ones will take a bit longer.
Oil temperature is key: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked donut holes. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
Don't overcrowd the pot: Frying the donut holes in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, ensuring even cooking.
Drain well: Transferring the fried donut holes to a wire rack lined with paper towels helps to remove excess oil, resulting in less greasy donut holes.

Troubleshooting:

Donut holes are greasy: This is usually caused by frying the donut holes at too low of a temperature. Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before adding the donut holes.
Donut holes are browning too quickly: This is usually caused by frying the donut holes at too high of a temperature. Reduce the heat and monitor the oil temperature closely.
Donut holes are not cooking through: This could be due to frying the donut holes at too low of a temperature or making them too large. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature and reduce the size of the donut holes.
Donut holes are tough: This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Be careful not to overmix the wet and dry ingredients.
Cinnamon sugar is not sticking: Make sure to brush the donut holes with melted butter while they are still warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donut holes.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon sugar donut holes! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are truly a must-try for anyone craving a warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible treat. From the simple preparation to the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, this recipe is a winner on so many levels. Forget the long lines at the donut shop; you can whip up a batch of these little gems in the comfort of your own home, and I promise, they'll be even better! What makes these donut holes so special? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy interior gives way to a slightly crisp exterior, all coated in a generous layer of sweet cinnamon sugar. It's a classic combination that's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and create your own unique variations. Looking for some serving suggestions? These donut holes are fantastic on their own, enjoyed warm straight from the oven. But why stop there? They're also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or, try dipping them in chocolate ganache for an extra layer of indulgence. For a fun brunch idea, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a side of whipped cream. And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Want to add a little spice? Try incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the batter. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different coatings, such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. You could even fill them with a dollop of your favorite jam or pastry cream after they've cooled. For a truly unique twist, consider making a savory version! Omit the sugar from the batter and add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Then, coat the baked donut holes in grated Parmesan cheese and serve them as a delicious appetizer. But honestly, the best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Even if you're a beginner baker, you'll be able to create these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes with confidence. The instructions are clear and straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. So, there's really no excuse not to give it a try! I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It's perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day. The smiles on the faces of your loved ones when they taste these warm, cinnamon-y delights will be worth every minute of effort. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade donut holes. I'm confident that you'll love them as much as I do. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? I'm always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you've made this recipe your own. Happy baking! I can't wait to hear all about your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes!