Introduction to Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly fried donuts wafting through the kitchen. When I think of comfort food, glazed cherry donut holes come to mind. They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that can brighten any day. Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy morning or a sweet surprise for your loved ones, these little gems are perfect. With their soft, fluffy texture and a sweet cherry glaze, they’re bound to bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll want to whip them up again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

These glazed cherry donut holes are a dream come true for any home cook! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings. The delightful combination of sweet cherries and a glossy glaze creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone leaves the table with a smile. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful glazed cherry donut holes. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your donut holes, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the cherries.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the donut holes rise, giving them that light, airy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and brings everything together.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, making it creamy and delicious.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients and contribute to the overall fluffiness.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds a rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, making it even more irresistible.
Maraschino cherries: Chopped and well-drained, these sweet gems are the star of the show, adding bursts of flavor.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying, ensuring a crispy exterior.
Powdered sugar: This is the key ingredient for the glaze, giving it that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Milk (for glaze): Adjust the amount to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): A little extra vanilla in the glaze adds depth to the sweetness.
Cherry juice (optional): For a fun pink tint in your glaze, add a splash of maraschino cherry juice.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!

How to Make Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious glazed cherry donut holes! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to donut heaven in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

First things first, let’s get that oil ready for frying. In a deep pot, pour in about three inches of vegetable or canola oil. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter in. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go! Just be careful—hot oil can be tricky, so keep an eye on it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is essential. It ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your donut holes rise beautifully. Plus, it prevents any clumps of sugar or salt from sneaking into your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture is the heart of your batter, adding moisture and richness. The eggs help bind everything together, while the melted butter gives that lovely flavor. Don’t skip the vanilla; it adds a delightful aroma that makes your glazed cherry donut holes even more irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Batter

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Finally, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This is where the magic happens, as those sweet cherry bits will burst with flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Fry the Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone in a flash! Once they’re ready, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your donut holes are cooling, let’s whip up that sweet glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to add a fun pink tint, mix in a tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice. Adjust the milk as needed to get your desired glaze consistency. It should be thick enough to coat but not too runny.

Step 7: Glaze the Donut Holes

Once your donut holes are warm, it’s time to dip them in the glaze! Take each donut hole and dip it into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Give them about 10 minutes before serving, and watch as everyone gathers around, eager to enjoy these delightful glazed cherry donut holes!

Glazed Cherry Donut Holes: A Sweet Recipe Delight! 7

Tips for Success

Make sure your cherries are well-drained to avoid a soggy batter.
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry in batches for even cooking.
Let the glaze set for at least 10 minutes for a beautiful finish.
Experiment with different flavored extracts in the glaze for a unique twist!

Equipment Needed

Deep pot: A heavy-bottomed pot works well, but a deep fryer is even better for consistent heat.
Slotted spoon: Essential for removing donut holes from hot oil; a spider strainer is a great alternative.
Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls for mixing ingredients; any size will do!
Whisk: A standard whisk is perfect for blending wet and dry ingredients.
Wire rack: Ideal for draining and cooling; a baking sheet lined with paper towels can work too.

Variations of Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

Chocolate Cherry Donut Holes: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Almond Extract: Swap out vanilla for almond extract in the batter and glaze for a delightful nutty twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donut holes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter for a delicious vegan treat.
Spiced Cherry Donut Holes: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
For a fun presentation, stack them on a tiered cake stand.
Drizzle extra glaze on top for an eye-catching finish.
Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.

FAQs about Glazed Cherry Donut Holes

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a delightful tartness. Just make sure to pit and chop them, and keep in mind they may add a bit more moisture to the batter.

How do I store leftover glazed cherry donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without glaze and adding the glaze just before serving.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While it’s best to fry the donut holes fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Just mix them together and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to add the wet ingredients.

What can I serve with glazed cherry donut holes?

These donut holes pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They’re perfect for brunch or as a sweet snack!

Can I make these donut holes in an air fryer?

Yes! You can air fry them for a healthier option. Preheat your air fryer and cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making glazed cherry donut holes is more than just a cooking task; it’s a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Each bite is a delightful reminder of simpler times, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings. The vibrant cherry flavor combined with the glossy glaze creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, these little bites of happiness are sure to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of these donut holes brighten your day!

Glazed Cherry Donut Holes: A Sweet Recipe Delight!

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Author: HearthMuse
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious glazed cherry donut holes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (well-drained & patted dry)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
(Optional) 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice for a pink tint

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Instructions

In a deep pot, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in cherries. Batter will be slightly thick.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop batter carefully into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add cherry juice if desired for color.
Dip each warm donut hole into glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on wire rack. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Adjust the milk in the glaze for desired consistency.
For a fun twist, try adding different flavored extracts to the glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut hole
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg