Cherry Doughnut Holes – A Sweet Morning Delight
There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly fried Cherry Doughnut Holes wafting through the house. As the sweet scent mingles with the morning air, these delightful treats promise a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether baked or fried, the Cherry Doughnut Holes offer a sweet escape, where each bite brings the juicy essence of cherries to life. With a wonderful sweet glaze catching the light, this cozy treat is more than just a breakfast item.
I remember visiting my grandmother’s house on lazy Sunday mornings, where a plate of Mini Cherry Doughnuts awaited us. The bright pink color and the delightful aroma would draw us to the kitchen, hearts full of anticipation. Biting into one was like tasting a piece of heaven fluffy, warm, and sweet, capturing the essence of cherished childhood memories. It’s moments like those that make these doughnuts more than just a treat; they are a connection to love and family traditions.
When those sweet cravings hit, you might be looking for something a little special, like these delightful cream-filled Italian donuts. If you’re in the mood for something with a similar comforting feel, you’ll also love this recipe for apple cider donut cake – it’s perfect for a cozy treat.
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Cherry Doughnut Holes – A Sweet Morning Delight
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 doughnut holes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wake up to the delightful aroma of Cherry Doughnut Holes, offering a sweet escape with every bite. These treats promise a burst of cherry flavor, wrapped in a warm, fluffy doughnut adorned with a beautiful glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 30 maraschino cherries, very finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice or syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 4 to 5 cups oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cream for the glaze, set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in cherries.
- Whisk egg with buttermilk and cherry syrup, then pour into dry ingredients. Stir in melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying 4-5 at a time until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Dip in glaze and set on a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- Ensure oil is at a consistent 350°F for perfect frying.
- Use paper towels to remove excess oil from doughnuts.
- Dip doughnut holes into the glaze while still slightly warm for better adhesion.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut hole
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cherry doughnut holes, sweet treats, breakfast
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Doughnut Holes
- Easy to make with simple steps and no fancy tools needed.
- Flexible: easy to change ingredients or style, accommodating preferences for kid-friendly baking.
- Great for busy days, families, or guests, offering a delightful sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Cherry Doughnut Holes
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Deep-fry Thermometer
- Heavy Saucepan or Dutch Oven
- Slotted Spoon
- Wire Rack
- Paper Towels
- Spatula
Step 1: Preparation for the Cherry Doughnut Holes
- For the Glaze:
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- For the Doughnuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 30 maraschino cherries, very finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice or syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
- 4 to 5 cups oil for frying (amount depends on saucepan size)
Step 2: Cooking the Cherry Doughnut Holes
Start by heating the oil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven to 350°F. While the oil is heating, whisk together the powdered sugar and cream in a bowl to make the glaze and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries.
Whisk the egg in another bowl, adding in the buttermilk and cherry syrup until combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding together with a spatula. Finally, stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying 4–5 doughnut holes at a time. Turn occasionally to achieve an even golden brown color. Once fried, remove the doughnut holes with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. After cooling slightly, dip each one into the glaze and place on a wire rack to set. Enjoy the warm, sweet flavor with each bite.
Tips for the Best Cherry Doughnut Holes Every Time
- Use fresh oil for frying to maintain the doughnuts’ light flavor.
- Ensure the oil is evenly heated to 350°F for perfect frying.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.
- Dip doughnut holes into the glaze while still slightly warm for better adhesion.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Switch the cherry with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of almond extract to the glaze for a nutty twist.
- Experiment with different types of icing or sprinkles for festive occasions.
Occasions Perfect for This Recipe
- Serve during brunch gatherings as a delightful sweet dish.
- Perfect for holidays as a festive and colorful treat.
- Ideal for bake sales to offer a unique flavor option.
- A great choice for summer parties with a fruit-filled theme.
The Secret Behind a Great Cherry Doughnut Hole
The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and proper frying technique. A well-mixed batter ensures a fluffy texture, while precise oil temperature maintains even cooking without becoming greasy. The use of finely chopped maraschino cherries infuses the doughnuts with a burst of sweet cherry flavor, complemented by a rich glaze that seals in the goodness.
FAQs
To make cherry doughnut holes from scratch, you’ll combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and sugar with wet ingredients such as buttermilk and melted butter. Add finely chopped maraschino cherries for flavor, then fry spoonfuls of batter until golden brown. Finish by dipping in a sweet cherry glaze.
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in your doughnut holes. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping, so they don’t add excess moisture to the batter.
A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and either half-and-half or heavy cream works beautifully. You can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of almond extract to complement the cherries.
In the US, these tasty treats are commonly referred to as doughnut holes. They are small, bite-sized portions of dough, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick snack.
Cherry doughnut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the glaze, then reheating before serving.
Conclusion
These cherry doughnut holes truly bring a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of homemade comfort. Whether enjoyed fresh or shared with loved ones, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to explore homemade doughnuts with a fruity twist.
For more delicious ideas, you might want to check out our delightful cream-filled Italian donuts that will make any day special.
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