Funfetti Donut Hole Delight: A Step-by-Step Recipe for Sprinkle-Filled Joy

Donut holes. Those bite-sized spheres of fried doughy goodness that disappear far too quickly. But what if we could elevate the humble donut hole to a whole new level of fun? Enter the Funfetti Donut Hole! Bursting with colorful sprinkles and a sweet, comforting flavor, these little treats are perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply a joyful afternoon snack. This recipe will guide you through creating these delightful morsels from scratch, ensuring a light, fluffy texture and a generous dose of fun.

## Why Funfetti Donut Holes?

Let’s face it, sprinkles make everything better. They add a touch of whimsy and cheer to any dessert. Funfetti donut holes are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Here are a few reasons why you should try this recipe:

* **Fun and Festive:** The colorful sprinkles instantly brighten up any occasion.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any complicated equipment.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
* **Deliciously Addictive:** The combination of fluffy dough, sweet glaze, and crunchy sprinkles is simply irresistible.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. We’ll break it down into three parts: the donut holes, the glaze, and the funfetti (of course!).

### For the Donut Holes:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 1/2 cups (300g). All-purpose flour provides the structure for the donut holes. Make sure to measure accurately using the spoon and level method.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/2 cup (100g). Sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons. Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the donut holes rise and become light and fluffy.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness.
* **Milk:** 1 cup (240ml). Milk provides moisture and helps to bind the ingredients together.
* **Egg:** 1 large. The egg adds richness, structure, and moisture to the dough.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying. Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavored oil that’s perfect for frying donut holes. Canola oil or peanut oil can also be used.
* **Sprinkles:** 1/4 cup. Use your favorite rainbow sprinkles, jimmies, or nonpareils to add a pop of color.

### For the Glaze:

* **Powdered Sugar:** 2 cups (240g). Powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
* **Milk:** 1/4 cup (60ml), or more as needed. Milk thins out the glaze to the desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Medium Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Deep Pot or Dutch Oven:** For frying the donut holes.
* **Candy Thermometer:** To monitor the oil temperature.
* **Slotted Spoon or Spider:** For removing the donut holes from the oil.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the donut holes.
* **Small Bowl:** For the glaze.
* **Fork or Whisk:** To mix the glaze.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the fun part: making the Funfetti Donut Holes!

### Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donut holes. A few lumps are okay.
4. **Add Sprinkles:** Gently fold in the sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

### Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. **Pour Oil into Pot:** Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven.
2. **Heat Oil to 350°F (175°C):** Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked donut holes. If the oil is too hot, the donut holes will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the donut holes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

### Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes

1. **Drop Dough into Oil:** Using a small spoon or a donut hole maker, carefully drop small balls of dough into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry the donut holes in batches of 5-6 at a time.
2. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the donut holes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. **Remove from Oil:** Once the donut holes are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack to cool and drain excess oil.

### Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the donut holes but thin enough to drip slightly.

### Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

1. **Dip Donut Holes:** Dip each donut hole into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can use a fork or your fingers to hold the donut holes while dipping.
2. **Return to Wire Rack:** Place the glazed donut holes back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
3. **Add More Sprinkles (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle the glazed donut holes with additional sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. This will help the sprinkles adhere to the surface.
4. **Let Glaze Set:** Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Funfetti Donut Holes

* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough donut holes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Maintain the Correct Oil Temperature:** The oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked donut holes. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Fry in Batches:** Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the donut holes. Fry them in batches of 5-6 at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Using fresh oil will result in cleaner-tasting donut holes. If you’ve used the oil to fry other foods, it may impart unwanted flavors to the donut holes.
* **Let the Donut Holes Cool Slightly Before Glazing:** Glazing the donut holes while they are still hot can cause the glaze to melt and become too thin.
* **Experiment with Different Glazes:** Get creative with your glazes! Try adding different flavorings like lemon extract, almond extract, or chocolate extract.
* **Use Different Sprinkles:** Experiment with different types of sprinkles to create unique and festive donut holes. Try using colored sugar, edible glitter, or even crushed cookies.
* **Make Mini Donut Holes:** For even smaller bite-sized treats, use a smaller spoon or a mini donut hole maker.
* **Add a Filling:** Inject the donut holes with a sweet filling like jam, pastry cream, or chocolate ganache for an extra special treat.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make gluten-free donut holes. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help hold the dough together.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use non-dairy milk and margarine to make dairy-free donut holes.
* **Vegan:** Use non-dairy milk, margarine, and an egg replacer to make vegan donut holes. You can also use applesauce or mashed banana as an egg substitute.
* **Baked Donut Holes:** If you prefer not to fry the donut holes, you can bake them in a donut hole pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Chocolate Funfetti Donut Holes:** Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate-flavored donut holes.
* **Lemon Funfetti Donut Holes:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients for lemon-flavored donut holes.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve as a snack or dessert:** Funfetti Donut Holes are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert.
* **Bring to parties and potlucks:** These bite-sized treats are always a hit at parties and potlucks.
* **Gift them to friends and family:** Package the donut holes in a cute box or bag and give them as a thoughtful gift.
* **Serve with coffee or tea:** The sweet and sprinkle-filled goodness pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
* **Create a donut hole bar:** Set up a donut hole bar with different glazes, sprinkles, and toppings for guests to customize their own treats.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store at Room Temperature:** Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 80-100 per donut hole
* Fat: 4-6g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 10-15mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-12g
* Sugar: 6-8g
* Protein: 1-2g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Let’s Get Baking!

Funfetti Donut Holes are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With this easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up batches of these sprinkle-filled goodies in no time. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Funfetti Donut Holes! Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Funfetti Donut Holes**

A delightful recipe for bite-sized donut holes bursting with colorful sprinkles.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** Approximately 24 donut holes

**Ingredients:**

* **Donut Holes:**
* 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 1 cup (240ml) milk
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Vegetable oil for frying
* 1/4 cup sprinkles
* **Glaze:**
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk, or more as needed
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Fold in sprinkles.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Drop small balls of dough into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on a wire rack to cool.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Dip donut holes into glaze and place back on wire rack to let excess glaze drip off. Add more sprinkles if desired.
9. Let glaze set completely before serving.

**Notes:**

* Don’t overmix the dough.
* Maintain the correct oil temperature.
* Fry in batches.
* Get creative with glazes and sprinkles!