Baked Donut Holes

There’s something truly special about the aroma of fresh donuts wafting through your kitchen. The moment I decided to make Baked Donut Holes, I knew I was in for a treat. It was a chilly Saturday morning, and I wanted to create a cozy atmosphere for my family. As I gathered my ingredients, I felt the excitement build. These little bites of joy are not only simple to make, but they also bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of childhood visits to the local bakery. I could almost hear the laughter of my kids as they indulged in these sweet morsels. The best part? You can whip them up without the guilt of frying, leaving you with a lighter yet equally satisfying treat.

What to Gather for Baked Donut Holes

When it comes to Baked Donut Holes, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. From the fluffiness of the all-purpose flour to the rich flavor of buttermilk, these key players work together beautifully.

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our donut holes, providing the necessary structure.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that gives our donut holes a nice rise.
• Pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess for flavor depth.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens our donut holes perfectly.
• 1/4 cup neutral oil: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together for the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a warm, beautiful flavor.
• 2/3 cup sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating that makes these donut holes irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Gives that classic donut flavor.
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
• 2 ounces room temperature softened cream cheese: Optional for a creamy icing, adding a delicious twist.
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar: For sweetening our icing without grittiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the vanilla flavor in our icing.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing consistency to your liking.

Step by Step Instructions for Baked Donut Holes

Now, let’s dive into the fun part of making Baked Donut Holes. You’ll enjoy every moment of this process. From preheating the oven to the sweet scent filling your kitchen, this recipe is a delightful journey!

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures that our donut holes bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until well incorporated. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, neutral oil, large egg, and vanilla. Make sure everything is well mixed, as this will create a uniform batter.
4. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light and airy.
5. Scoop the batter into a mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures they have enough room to rise without overflowing.
6. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should puff up and bounce back when lightly pressed in the center.
7. Once baked, allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack.
8. While the donut holes are cooling, mix together the cinnamon and remaining sugar in a small bowl.
9. Brush the tops of each donut hole with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will give them that classic sweet crust we all love.
10. If you want to make the icing, mix together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Adjust the consistency as needed, adding more milk or cream cheese until it’s just right.
11. Drizzle the icing over the tops of the donut holes as a finishing touch. They’ll look irresistible!

Helpful Notes about Baked Donut Holes

These tips will help you achieve the best results with your Baked Donut Holes, ensuring they’re as delicious as possible. Keep these in mind while baking!

• Storage: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked donut holes for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Pairing: Serve these delicious treats with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Customizations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Serving Ideas: Consider drizzling your donut holes with a chocolate glaze for a decadent treat.

Serving Options for Baked Donut Holes

Baked Donut Holes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some delightful serving ideas:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with fresh fruit and a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Brunch Buffet: These donut holes make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, paired with coffee or mimosas.
• Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for festive occasions, they can be served alongside other desserts for a delightful treat.
• Kids’ Parties: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for young guests, who will love the sweet flavor and fun shapes.
• After School Snack: Treat your kids to a few of these donut holes as a sweet reward after a long day at school.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Donut Holes are a delightful treat that combines a light and fluffy texture with the perfect amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family breakfast or a festive gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a little joy to your kitchen. You won’t regret the warm, sweet aroma that fills your home and the smiles it brings to your loved ones!

Baked Donut Holes

Craving something sweet? These Baked Donut Holes are fluffy, delightful treats, coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for any occasion. With their warm and comforting flavor, they will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt of frying. Make them tonight for a cozy treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 donut holes

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup neutral oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 ounces room temperature softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures that our donut holes bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until well incorporated. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder.
• In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, neutral oil, large egg, and vanilla. Make sure everything is well mixed, as this will create a uniform batter.
• Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light and airy.
• Scoop the batter into a mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures they have enough room to rise without overflowing.
• Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should puff up and bounce back when lightly pressed in the center.
• Once baked, allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack.
• While the donut holes are cooling, mix together the cinnamon and remaining sugar in a small bowl.
• Brush the tops of each donut hole with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will give them that classic sweet crust we all love.
• If you want to make the icing, mix together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Adjust the consistency as needed, adding more milk or cream cheese until it’s just right.
• Drizzle the icing over the tops of the donut holes as a finishing touch. They'll look irresistible!

Notes

By using a mini muffin pan, these Baked Donut Holes are done in half the baking time.

You can dip the whole donut into butter, but brushing the tops already does the trick.

Feel free to add some ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for chai spiced donut holes.

Keyword Baked Donut Holes, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Easy Donut Recipe, Healthy Donut Recipe