These Fried Donut Holes No Yeast are the perfect quick homemade treat when you want fresh donuts without waiting for dough to rise. They fry up beautifully golden on the outside while staying soft and fluffy in the center. Rolled in warm cinnamon sugar, these easy donut holes are comforting, simple, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No yeast required, so there is no waiting for dough to rise
- Crispy golden exterior with a soft, tender center
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or holiday treats
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Delicious cinnamon sugar coating adds classic donut shop flavor
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 Tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, very cold
- ¾ cup (175 ml) whole milk
For Rolling
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Fill a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan with 2–3 inches of vegetable or canola oil. Heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a frying thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture using a box grater. Stir gently until incorporated. Small butter pieces should still remain.
- Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, lightly add more flour until manageable.
- Divide the dough into approximately 1½ tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for rolling.
- Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully lower 2–3 dough balls into the oil using a slotted spoon.
- Fry the Fried Donut Holes No Yeast for about 90 seconds, turning halfway through cooking until evenly golden brown.
- Remove donut holes and place them on paper towels for about 1 minute.
- Roll warm donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Repeat with remaining dough, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep the butter very cold for fluffy donut holes.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain even frying temperature.
- Use a thermometer for best results and evenly cooked centers.
- Roll the donut holes while still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks better.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- For a richer taste, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 18 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- You can use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for coating.
- Add nutmeg to the dough for a classic bakery-style flavor.
Nutrition
Approximate Per Serving
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 110mg
FAQ
Can I make Fried Donut Holes No Yeast ahead of time?
Yes, but they taste best fresh and warm. You can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and refrigerate it.
Why are my donut holes raw inside?
The oil may be too hot. Keep the frying temperature steady at 350°F for even cooking.
Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?
Yes, though the texture will be different. Bake at 375°F until golden.
Can I freeze donut holes?
Yes. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works best because of the neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How do I keep the donut holes soft?
Store them in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Fried Donut Holes (No Yeast)
These Fried Donut Holes No Yeast are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.Made with simple pantry staples and ready fast without rising time.Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sweet snacking.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 Tablespoons 70 g unsalted butter, very cold
- ¾ cup 175 ml whole milk
For Rolling
- ⅓ cup 67 g granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Fill a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan with 2–3 inches of vegetable or canola oil. Heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a frying thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture using a box grater. Stir gently until incorporated. Small butter pieces should still remain.
- Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, lightly add more flour until manageable.
- Divide the dough into approximately 1½ tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for rolling.
- Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully lower 2–3 dough balls into the oil using a slotted spoon.
- Fry the Fried Donut Holes No Yeast for about 90 seconds, turning halfway through cooking until evenly golden brown.
- Remove donut holes and place them on paper towels for about 1 minute.
- Roll warm donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Repeat with remaining dough, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches.
Notes
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- You can use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for coating.
- Add nutmeg to the dough for a classic bakery-style flavor.
Conclusion
These Fried Donut Holes No Yeast are the ultimate quick homemade treat for busy mornings, cozy weekends, or sweet cravings. With their crispy golden exterior, soft fluffy center, and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, they deliver classic donut flavor without the hassle of yeast or rising time. Once you try this easy donut recipe, it is sure to become a family favorite.