Craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? These cinnamon donut holes are the perfect solution! They're incredibly easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. This recipe offers a delightful blend of warm cinnamon spice and fluffy donut goodness, making it an ideal treat for a cozy night in or a fun weekend baking project. Get ready to experience homemade happiness, one bite-sized donut at a time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, creating a light and airy dough.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor, complementing the warm cinnamon perfectly.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter
Stir in the melted butter until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. A slightly sticky dough is key for tender donut holes.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (with the light on) often works well for this.
Step 6: Shape the Donut Holes
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. You can also simply roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Step 7: Second Rise (Optional but Recommended)
Place the donut holes on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 15-20 minutes. This second rise contributes to their amazing fluffiness.
Step 8: Fry the Donut Holes
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few donut holes at a time into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, toss the fried donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. The warm donuts absorb the cinnamon sugar beautifully.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Let the donut holes cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm, or enjoy them at room temperature. They’re delicious either way!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add a twist: Incorporate chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts into the dough.
- Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk) over the finished donut holes for extra sweetness.
- Make it healthier: Use a lower-fat oil for frying or bake the donut holes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per donut hole, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on ingredients used and portion size.)
These delicious cinnamon donut holes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of fuss. They’re a fantastic recipe for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or simply a delightful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!