CHERRY DOUGHNUT HOLES
These cherry doughnut holes are soft, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor. Coated in cinnamon-sugar and lightly fried to perfection, they make a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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
Make Ahead:
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.
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.