Cherry Doughnut Holes are the ultimate sweet treat that combines the soft texture of doughnuts with the delightful flavor of cherries. These bite-sized goodies are perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a fun dessert.
Coated in a sugar glaze, each doughnut hole is tender, sweet, and has a lovely cherry flavor that shines through with every bite. Light, fluffy, and filled with the fresh taste of cherries, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Making these doughnut holes at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that rivals your favorite bakery. The best part is how soft and airy these doughnut holes are.
Whether served for a weekend brunch, at a party, or packed in a lunchbox, they’ll be a hit. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can roll them in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle them with glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Try making them today, and enjoy the delightful, bite-sized indulgence that’s sure to bring smiles to your family and friends. Whether served fresh or stored for later, these cherry doughnut holes are guaranteed to be a hit.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Soft and Fluffy: These doughnut holes are incredibly soft, with a light texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Cherry Delight: The sweet and slightly tart cherry filling adds a refreshing burst of flavor to each doughnut hole.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make these doughnut holes from scratch at home.
- Versatile Coating: You can roll these doughnut holes in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with glaze for extra sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These doughnut holes are great for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, making them perfect for any time of day.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the soft, sweet doughnut holes with a fun cherry twist, making them a favorite for family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or flavor by adding extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup cherry preserves or fresh cherries, finely chopped
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
DIRECTIONS
- Step No.1: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough forms a thick, sticky consistency.
- Step No.2: Add the cherry filling
Gently fold the cherry preserves or chopped fresh cherries into the dough. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step No.3: Heat the oil
In a deep pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) to fry the doughnut holes properly.
- Step No.4: Shape the doughnut holes
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, carefully making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches.
- Step No.5: Fry the doughnut holes
Fry the doughnut holes for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Step No.6: Drain excess oil
Using a slotted spoon, remove the doughnut holes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Step No.7: Coat with sugar
While the doughnut holes are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. You can also roll them in cinnamon sugar if you prefer.
- Step No.8: Serve and enjoy
Serve the doughnut holes warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry doughnut holes in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature; too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll be greasy.
- Use Fresh Cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure to finely chop them to avoid large chunks that may affect the texture.
- Test a Single Doughnut Hole: Fry one doughnut hole first to ensure the oil temperature is correct and adjust as needed.
- Coat Immediately: Coat the doughnut holes in sugar or glaze while they’re still warm to ensure the coating sticks.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Flavor Variations: Add a dash of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.
VARIATIONS
- Berry Doughnut Holes: Substitute cherry preserves with raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different fruity flavor.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnut Holes: After frying, roll the doughnut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced coating.
- Glazed Doughnut Holes: Drizzle the warm doughnut holes with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Cherry Doughnut Holes: Dip the fried doughnut holes in melted chocolate for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Peach Doughnut Holes: Use peach preserves or fresh peaches as a filling for a seasonal variation.
- Maple Doughnut Holes: Roll the doughnut holes in maple sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.
- vegan diet Doughnut Holes: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use non-dairy milk to make these doughnut holes vegan-friendly.
SERVING AND STORAGE
Serving
Serve the doughnut holes warm or at room temperature, perfect with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a satisfying treat.
Storage
Store any leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQ
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing into the dough.
While frying gives the doughnut holes their classic texture, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
Yes, you can freeze the doughnut holes after frying. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these doughnut holes gluten-free.
Cherry Doughnut Holes are a perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough with the delightful burst of sweet cherry filling.
Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to please everyone.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these doughnut holes are a treat that’s both fun and satisfying.
You can customize the doughnut holes with various fillings, toppings, and coatings to match your preferences.
Whether you stick to the classic cherry or experiment with other fruits, the result will always be a crowd-pleasing treat.
With a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you’ll have delicious, homemade doughnut holes that rival your favorite bakery’s.
Perfect for parties, brunches, or a weekend treat, these doughnut holes will quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection.
CHERRY DOUGHNUT HOLES
Ingredients
For the Doughnut Holes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil — it should sizzle and float to the top.
Fry the Doughnut Holes:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry the doughnut holes in batches for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the doughnut holes are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Serve:
- Serve warm, and enjoy these sweet, fruity doughnut holes with your favorite hot beverage!
Notes
These doughnut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Customizing the Flavor:
For a different twist, try adding a splash of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor, or drizzle them with a glaze instead of rolling in cinnamon-sugar. Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cherry doughnut holes with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They also pair perfectly with a fruit dip or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Allergy-Friendly Options:
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute for frying. Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
Comments
No Comments