Baked Donut Holes: Mini Sweet Treats Made Easy

Introduction

Transform humble pantry staples into a delightful treat with this easy baked donut hole recipe! Forget greasy frying—these fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donut holes are baked to golden perfection, requiring minimal effort and even less cleanup. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor and fun.

Why This Works

This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of sweet and subtly spiced flavors. The baking method creates incredibly light and airy donut holes, avoiding the heaviness often associated with fried versions. The ingredients are readily available, making it a perfect recipe for a spontaneous baking session. And best of all, the impressive results belie the simplicity of the process—a true testament to efficient baking!

Key Ingredients

🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 1/2 cup granulated sugar
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌾 2 teaspoons baking powder
🌾 1 teaspoon baking soda
🥣 4 cups all-purpose flour
🍩 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍫 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4️⃣ Incorporate Chocolate (Optional): Gently fold in the chocolate chips, if using.

5️⃣ Scoop & Bake: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each donut hole.

6️⃣ Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donut holes are lightly golden brown and spring back when gently touched.

7️⃣ Cool & Enjoy: Let the donut holes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
• If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with buttermilk or almond milk.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough donut holes.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled donut holes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Heat Control

The oven temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly baked donut holes. Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and a light, airy texture. Overbaking will result in dry, hard donut holes. Monitor them closely during the last few minutes of baking, checking for golden brown color and a slight springiness to the touch.

Crunch Factor

While these donut holes aren’t designed to be crunchy, a slight crispness on the outside can be achieved by baking them for the full 12 minutes. Avoid overbaking, which would result in a dry, hard texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cookie scoop for perfectly sized and uniform donut holes.
• Prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• For a fun twist, add sprinkles to the batter before baking.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Storage Tips

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These delightful donut holes make a wonderful gift! Package them in a pretty box or cellophane bag, tied with a ribbon. Add a personalized tag with the recipe or a sweet message. For a rustic touch, use a basket lined with parchment paper.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Cinnamon Sugar: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter and dust the cooled donut holes with cinnamon sugar.
🌟 Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the batter for a bright, refreshing twist.
🌟 Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) into the batter.
🌟 Maple Bacon: Drizzle the cooled donut holes with maple syrup and crumbled bacon for a savory-sweet combination.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Donut Holes: This usually means they were overbaked. Reduce baking time by a minute or two next time.
• Flat Donut Holes: The baking powder or baking soda might be old. Use fresh baking powder and soda for best results.
• Gooey Center: They might need a few more minutes in the oven. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.

FAQ

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, the batter can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
• What can I substitute for all-purpose flour? Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well. Results may vary slightly.
• How do I scale the recipe? Double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch.
• Can I freeze the donut holes? Yes, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Are these dairy-free? No, this recipe uses butter and milk. You can try substituting with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture might change.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy these easy-to-make, delicious homemade donut holes! Experiment with different flavors and toppings, and share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!