Donut Holes (Fried, No Yeast)

Donut Holes (Fried, No Yeast)

18 servings
My easy homemade donut recipe is made without yeast for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. These take just minutes to whip up for the best fried donut holes you've ever tasted! Recipe includes a how-to video!

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil or canola oil

    for frying

  • all-purpose flour
    2 c
  • granulated sugar
    3 tbsp
  • baking powder
    1 tbsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • unsalted butter)

    (very cold, i like to place mine in the freezer 15 minutes before beginning

    5 tbsp
  • whole milk
    ¾ c
  • granulated sugar
    ⅓ c
  • ground cinnamon
    1 ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    I find my oil takes about 20 minutes or longer to come to temperature, so I typically start the oil just before I start my donuts. Fill a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan 2-3 inches (5-7cm) deep with your oil over medium heat. Use a candy or frying thermometer (make sure it isn't touching the bottom of the pot) to monitor your temperature and heat oil to 350F (175C). Monitor the heat pretty regularly and note that you may need to increase/decrease your stove temperature to keep it consistent.

  2. 2

    Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and whisk until well-combined.

  3. 3

    Use a box grater go grate the butter into small pieces and then add to the flour mixture and stir until well-incorporated (visible butter pieces will still remain). Note: If you do not have a box-grater, use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, instead.

  4. 4

    Add milk and gently stir until all ingredients are combined and the dough clings together.

  5. 5

    Transfer dough onto a well-floured surface, and knead gently until it forms a cohesive ball. If dough is too sticky to manage, continue to work in flour until it is smooth and manageable (I've found on hot days or if my butter isn't cold enough the dough can be quite sticky)

  6. 6

    Portion off approximately 1 ½ Tbsp-sized pieces of dough and roll into smooth, tight balls. Set aside.

  7. 7

    Prepare your cinnamon/sugar mixture for rolling by stirring together cinnamon and sugar in a small dish. Set aside.

  8. 8

    Prepare a large plate or baking sheet for your cooked donut holes by lining generously with paper towels.

  9. 9

    Once oil has reached 350F, very carefully fry your donut holes, only 2-3 at a time, carefully transferring them to the oil with a slotted spoon (don't drop them in or the oil may splash, lower them into the oil instead).

  10. 10

    Fry donut holes for approximately 90 seconds*, turning half way through so they become evenly golden brown.

  11. 11

    Remove carefully with a slotted spoon, and place donut holes on a paper towel laden plate. Allow them to sit for about a minute/until no longer too hot to touch, and then transfer them to your cinnamon/sugar dish, roll them in the mixture until fully covered. Make sure to allow your oil to return to 350F (175C) between batches.

  12. 12

    Repeat until all donut holes are cooked and have been rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Donut Holes (Fried, No Yeast)

Donut Holes (Fried, No Yeast)

30 min18 servings162 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving warm, homemade donut holes without the fuss of yeast? This recipe delivers the best fried donut holes you've ever tasted, ready in just 30 minutes for an irresistible breakfast or snack.

What makes these donut holes truly special is the ingenious no-yeast approach, which means no waiting for dough to rise. Instead, you'll achieve perfectly tender, fluffy interiors with a crisp, golden exterior using baking powder and cold butter, reminiscent of a biscuit technique. This method ensures quick preparation without sacrificing that delightful homemade taste and texture.

Get ready for a treat that tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery. You can expect a beautifully golden-fried exterior that yields to a soft, cake-like interior. Each bite is subtly sweet and perfectly complemented by a coating of warm cinnamon sugar. It's a truly satisfying experience that's both comforting and delightfully indulgent, surprisingly easy to achieve at home.

While this recipe shines as is, you have options for subtle tweaks. Adjust the ratio of ground cinnamon to granulated sugar in the coating to suit your taste, making it spicier or sweeter. You can also experiment with different neutral frying oils beyond vegetable or canola, though these are excellent choices for achieving a golden finish.

These donut holes are an ideal companion for a relaxed weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that's sure to impress.

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