Craving something warm, sweet, and utterly delicious? Look no further than these irresistible cinnamon sugar donut holes! Forget the drive-thru – this easy recipe delivers homemade goodness in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy night in, or even a delightful afternoon snack, these donut holes are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to experience the fluffy perfection of homemade cinnamon sugar donut holes, a treat so simple, even beginner bakers will master it.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have!
- 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 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic in the Kitchen
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden, fluffy donut holes.
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is crucial for a light and airy dough.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix!
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Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the melted butter and knead for another minute to incorporate. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Donut Holes: Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a 1 ½ -inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. You can also use a biscuit cutter for a rustic look.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few donut holes at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Drain and Coat: Remove the donut holes from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Tips for Donut Hole Success: Pro Baking Advice
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Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. Too low, and they'll absorb too much oil. Too high, and they'll burn on the outside before cooking through.
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Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
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Fresh Yeast is Best: Using fresh yeast ensures proper rising and a light texture.
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Get Creative with Coatings: Try different coatings, like powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a simple maple syrup drizzle.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
- Chocolate Donut Holes: Add ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Glazed Donut Holes: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice.
- Apple Cinnamon Donut Holes: Add ½ cup finely chopped apples to the dough.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut Hole - Approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 8-10g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or delicious dishes to impress their family and friends. It showcases the magic of homemade cooking and provides healthy meals without compromising taste. Enjoy these delightful treats!