Can you really make soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed doughnut holes in just 25 minutes without yeast or proofing? Absolutely—and we’re about to show you how! This easy homemade glazed doughnut holes recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving that classic bakery treat without the long wait. Featuring pantry staples and a quick-fry method, you can enjoy pillowy doughnut holes coated in silky vanilla glaze faster than it takes to make a coffee run.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These doughnut holes are:
- Quick and easy: No yeast, no rising time.
- Deliciously fluffy: Thanks to baking powder and a well-balanced batter.
- Kid-friendly: A fun activity with a sweet reward.
- Customizable: Switch up the glaze, add fillings, or top with sprinkles.
Whether entertaining guests or needing a sweet fix in a hurry, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Doughnut Holes:
- 5 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Equipment:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Small ice cream scoop or tablespoon
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
How to Make Easy Homemade Glazed Doughnut Holes
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, mix in an extra tablespoon of milk. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil to a minimum depth of 2 inches. Attach your thermometer and heat the oil to 350°F over medium heat. Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil from the fried doughnut holes.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Whisk the milk and egg in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk-egg mixture, followed by the melted butter, until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Fry the Doughnut Holes
Using a small scoop or spoon, drop 1-tablespoon portions of dough into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Transfer to the paper towel-lined tray using a slotted spoon.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once slightly cooled, dip each doughnut hole into the glaze. Set them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let excess glaze drip off. Enjoy while warm!
Helpful Tips
- Oil temperature matters: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool and they absorb too much oil.
- Consistent sizing: Use a scoop for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Glazing trick: Double-dip if you love a thicker glaze.
Substitutions And Variations
- Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk and a vegan butter substitute.
- Flavored glazes: Try lemon, maple, or chocolate glaze.
- Spiced twist: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Stuffed version: Inject with jam or cream post-fry.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
They’ll lose the classic doughnut texture, but you can try baking them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes.
How do I keep them fresh?
They’re best the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze doughnut holes?
Yes, store unglazed doughnut holes in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then glaze.
Storage Instructions
Store glazed doughnut holes in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended storage, freeze the unglazed doughnut holes in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
More Recipes You Will Love
Conclusion
Who knew making delicious, fluffy doughnut holes at home could be this easy and quick? This Easy Homemade Glazed Doughnut Holes recipe proves you don’t need fancy tools or yeast to achieve that bakery-style taste and texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, these treats are perfect for any occasion or sweet craving.
Craving more quick dessert recipes? Try these doughnut holes today, and let us know how they turned out in the comments!
Print
Easy Homemade Glazed Doughnut Holes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 doughnut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Homemade Glazed Doughnut Holes come together in just 25 minutes—no yeast, no proofing, just quick-fried dough coated in smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a spontaneous sweet treat. Try it now and share your favorite glaze twist!
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Doughnut Holes:
5 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
In a bowl, sift powdered sugar. Stir in 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla until smooth. Add extra milk if needed. Cover and set aside.
-
Fill a deep pot with oil to at least 2 inches. Heat to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
-
In a small bowl, whisk milk and egg. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the wet ingredients, then melted butter, until a soft dough forms.
-
Drop 1-tablespoon scoops of dough into hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden. Drain on the paper towel-lined sheet.
-
While warm, dip doughnut holes into glaze. Place on a rack to let excess drip. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, maintain oil temperature at 350ºF.
Use a small scoop for even frying.
Double-dip in glaze if you prefer a thicker coating.
Store unglazed leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut hole
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg