Make delicious, fast, and easy donut holes in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy families, these homemade treats deliver sweet results with simple steps.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth but only a few minutes to spare, you’re in the right place. These 15-minute donut holes are a lifesaver for busy families looking to whip up a quick, homemade treat. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll enjoy warm, sugary bites in no time.
There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen or rely on store-bought options. Making donut holes from scratch is surprisingly easy and fits right into even the most packed schedules. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast or a fun after-school snack, this recipe brings fresh, delicious results with hardly any fuss.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Donut Holes Recipe ⭐
Quick & Fuss-Free – These donut holes come together in just 15 minutes! Mix, roll, and fry—no fancy equipment or long prep needed. Perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – You only need a handful of everyday staples to whip up this sweet treat. No specialty items, just pure homemade goodness.
Kid (and Adult!) Approved – Warm, fluffy, and sugar-coated—these bite-sized delights are irresistible. They’re perfect for tiny hands, after-school snacks, or fun weekend breakfasts. Let the kids help with rolling and coating for a hands-on treat!
Versatile & Customizable – This recipe is easy to make your own! Try cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, a chocolate dip, or even rainbow sprinkles. You can even give them a seasonal twist with pumpkin spice or caramel glaze.
Fresh-Baked Flavor – Skip the store-bought versions! These homemade donut holes are buttery, fluffy, and coated in sweet crunchy sugar—freshly made and full of flavor in every bite.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Buttermilk
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Oil for frying
- Sugar for coating
🔪 How to Make 15 Minute Donut Holes
Pour enough oil into a deep pan and heat it to 355°F.
Stir together the dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients with a whisk.
Bring the two mixtures together, mixing until a dough forms. Shape small portions into balls—make them as even and cute as you like.
Drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry them for two to three minutes on each side. Take them out with a slotted spoon, let any extra oil drip away, then roll them through a layer of sugar for the finishing touch.
There you have it: warm, golden treats with a sparkly sugar coat!
⭐ Tips and Tricks for Perfect Donut Holes ⭐
- Use fresh baking powder for light, fluffy donut holes—expired powder can make them dense and heavy.
- Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid a dry or tough dough. Precision makes a big difference!
- Keep your oil steady at 355°F. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and your donut holes will soak up oil and get greasy.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop. Overcrowding the pan leads to uneven cooking.
- Handle the dough gently. Mix just until combined and let it rest a few minutes before frying to keep the texture soft and pillowy.
- Roll donut holes in sugar while they’re still warm for the perfect sweet coating. Cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar are fun twists to try!
📖 Creating Your Own Donut Hole Variations
Customizable Coatings – Start with the classic sugar coating, then take it up a notch! Try cinnamon sugar for cozy bakery vibes, pumpkin spice for a fall twist, or a light powdered sugar dusting for a sweet, snowy finish. Each version brings a new flavor to the party!
Surprise-Filled Centers – Tuck in mini chocolate chips, a dab of jam, caramel bits, or creamy nut butter before frying. Every bite becomes a fun surprise—especially for kids who love discovering a gooey center!
Easy Glazes & Dips – Turn your donut holes into party-ready treats with simple glazes. Try a shiny vanilla glaze, rich chocolate dip, or bright citrus drizzle. Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies for extra flair before the glaze sets.
Fun Mix-Ins – Add rainbow sprinkles, dried fruit, coconut, or a splash of almond or vanilla extract right into the dough for bites bursting with flavor and color.
Perfect for Dessert Boards – Make a donut hole board with dips, sugars, and toppings for a DIY dessert experience. Great for gatherings or family fun nights—everyone gets to mix, match, and decorate their own.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
15-Minute Donut Holes: Quick and Easy Treat for Busy Families [Recipe]
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- Oil for frying
- Sugar for coating
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 355°F.
- Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry, then roll dough into balls.
- Fry 2–3 minutes per side, drain, and roll in sugar.
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