Craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? These cinnamon-sugar donut holes are the perfect answer.
With a quick prep time and a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe delivers warm, fluffy bites of pure bliss.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or indulging in a cozy night in, these donuts are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This easy recipe stands out because it combines convenience with unbeatable flavor. The donut holes are made from a choux pastry base, the same dough used in classic desserts like cream puffs and eclairs.
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This means they’re light and airy, with a crisp golden exterior and a soft, pillowy center. They’re rolled in a fragrant mix of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and spiced coating that’s impossible to resist.
The best part? There’s no need to wait hours for the dough to rise. You can have these delightful treats ready to serve in about 30 minutes. It’s a recipe designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort.
Tips for Perfection Every Time
Making these cinnamon-sugar donut holes is as straightforward as it gets, but a few tips can ensure flawless results:
- Temperature Matters: Use a clip-on thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the donuts won’t cook through; too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry only a few donuts at a time to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even browning.
- Draining Oil: Use a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil before coating the donuts in cinnamon-sugar.
These tips make this easy recipe even more foolproof, ensuring consistently delicious results.
Customizations & Substitutions
One of the joys of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out whole milk and butter for plant-based substitutes like almond milk and vegan butter.
With these adjustments, you can tailor the recipe to your preferences without sacrificing the deliciousness.
Why Cinnamon-Sugar Donut Holes Are So Popular
There’s something universally appealing about cinnamon-sugar donuts. They’re simple, comforting, and nostalgic, reminding many of childhood treats and fairground snacks.
Their bite-sized form makes them perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family breakfast.
Beyond the taste, this recipe’s ease is a major draw. With ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, it’s a hassle-free way to whip up something special.
Plus, the quick cooking time means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the wait.
Serving & Storage Ideas
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp exterior and soft interior.
Serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort pairing. They’re also an excellent addition to a dessert table or a casual brunch spread.
This cinnamon-sugar donut recipe ticks all the boxes: quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With its simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet treats.
Easy Cinnamon-Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat.
- Incorporate the Flour: Stir in the flour using a wooden spoon until it forms a thick, smooth dough. Mix until no dry flour remains, and the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cook the Dough: Place the pan back over medium heat and stir the dough constantly for 1½ to 2 minutes. This step helps reduce excess moisture and ensures the flour is cooked. The dough should be smooth and leave a thin film on the bottom of the pan.
- Cool and Beat the Dough: Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or use a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Beat the dough on medium speed for about 1 minute to cool it slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Once all the eggs are added, continue beating until the dough is smooth and forms a ribbon-like consistency when lifted. Set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon. Line a large plate with paper towels to use for draining the donuts after frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, pour about 1½ inches of oil and heat it to 375°F. To check the temperature, use a clip-on thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the Donuts: Using a teaspoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each batch for about 4 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through to ensure even browning. Once golden, use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the coated donut holes to a serving dish and enjoy them fresh and warm, or allow them to cool to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and remain raw in the center; if too cool, they may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Work in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- These donuts are best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.