You know those mornings when you just need a little something sweet? Like, *really* sweet, but also super easy? That’s where my Sugar Donut Balls come in! Seriously, these little bites of heaven are my go-to when I want that classic donut shop taste without all the fuss. I remember making these for the first time on a lazy Saturday, and my whole kitchen smelled like pure happiness. They’re so quick, you can whip them up before you even finish your first cup of coffee. Trust me, these Sugar Donut Balls are about to become your new favorite treat!

Essential Ingredients for Your Sugar Donut Balls

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing Sugar Donut Balls. It’s a pretty straightforward list, and you probably have most of it in your pantry already! For the dough, you’ll want 2 cups of all-purpose flour, about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for a little sweetness in the batter itself, and then 2 teaspoons of baking powder to make them nice and fluffy. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance everything out. Then, we’ve got 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter that’s been melted. For frying, we’ll need plenty of vegetable oil – just make sure you have enough to fill your pot about 2-3 inches deep. And for that irresistible glaze, grab 1 cup of powdered sugar, another 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Easy peasy!

Flour and Leavening for Sugar Donut Balls

The flour is our base, giving structure to these little guys. And that baking powder? It’s the magic ingredient that makes them puff up so delightfully light and airy when they hit the hot oil. It’s what gives them that perfect donut texture!

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers

We’re using both granulated sugar in the dough for a subtle sweetness and powdered sugar for that classic, dreamy glaze. And the vanilla extract? Oh, it just makes everything smell and taste so much better. It really rounds out that sweet donut flavor we all love.

The Dairy and Fat Components

Milk and butter are crucial here! The milk helps bring the dough together, making it moist and tender. The melted butter adds richness and a lovely tenderness to the donut balls. It’s a simple combo that makes a big difference.

Frying Medium for Perfect Sugar Donut Balls

You’ll need a good amount of neutral vegetable oil for frying. This is what gives them that signature golden-brown crispiness. Just make sure it’s hot enough! For more on safe frying practices, check out these deep frying safety tips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sugar Donut Balls

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these little rounds of joy! It’s really not complicated at all, and I promise you, the results are SO worth it. We’re talking about fluffy, sweet donut balls that are just begging to be dipped in glaze. Let’s get started!

Preparing the Dough for Sugar Donut Balls

First things first, grab a big bowl. Whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good swirl so everything is evenly mixed. Now, in a separate, smaller bowl, whisk up your wet ingredients – the milk, that egg, and the melted butter. Pour all that lovely wet stuff into the dry ingredients. Here’s the super important part: mix it *just* until everything is combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy stirring. A few little lumps are totally fine! Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy donuts, so be gentle.

Frying Your Delicious Sugar Donut Balls

Time to get that oil hot! You want to heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or a Dutch oven. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). A candy thermometer is your best friend here, but you can also test it by dropping a tiny bit of dough in – it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. Now, using two spoons (one to scoop, one to push), carefully drop small balls of your dough into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pot; give them space to puff up! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them! Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and let them drain on a wire rack. You want them golden, not burnt!

Glazing Your Warm Sugar Donut Balls

While those little donut balls are still warm – this is key! – whip up your glaze. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, the 1/4 cup of milk, and that teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and pourable. Now, carefully dip each warm donut ball into the glaze, making sure to coat them all over. Pop them back onto the wire rack for a minute to let that gorgeous glaze set up. And voilà!

Tips for Achieving the Best Sugar Donut Balls

You want these Sugar Donut Balls to be perfect, right? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. It’s all about paying attention to a couple of key things, and suddenly, you’re a donut-making pro! Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t magazine-perfect; they’ll still taste amazing.

Maintaining the Right Frying Temperature

Seriously, the oil temperature is everything for these Sugar Donut Balls. Too cool, and they soak up oil and get greasy. Too hot, and they burn on the outside before the inside cooks. Get yourself a candy thermometer – it’s a lifesaver! You’re aiming for that sweet spot of 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a tiny bit of dough in; it should sizzle happily and float right up.

Achieving a Perfect Glaze Coating

For the glaze, you want it thick enough to coat but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. Too thin? A little more powdered sugar will fix it. Dip the donut balls while they’re still warm – that’s when the glaze clings beautifully. Just give them a quick dip and let the excess drip off before putting them back on the rack.

Variations to Enjoy Your Sugar Donut Balls

Now, while I absolutely adore the classic sugar glaze on these little Sugar Donut Balls, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! You can totally customize them to your liking. The best part is how easy it is to change the flavor profile with just a couple of simple swaps or additions. These variations are perfect for when you want something a little different but still want that quick, easy donut fix.

Cinnamon Sugar Delight for Sugar Donut Balls

This is my absolute favorite alternative to the glaze! Once your Sugar Donut Balls are fried and still warm, just mix about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm donut balls around in that mixture until they’re perfectly coated. It gives them this amazing sweet and spicy kick!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Donut Balls

Got questions about these yummy Sugar Donut Balls? I totally get it! It’s always good to know a few extra tips. Let’s clear up some common things people ask about making these little fried delights. Don’t worry, they’re pretty forgiving!

Can I bake Sugar Donut Balls instead of frying?

You *can* bake them, but they won’t have that same crispy, airy texture that frying gives. If you want to try baking, shape them into little balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden. They’ll be more like little cake bites, though, not true Sugar Donut Balls!

How do I store leftover Sugar Donut Balls?

Honestly, these are best eaten fresh! But if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They might lose a little bit of their crispness, but they’ll still be tasty.

What is the best way to reheat Sugar Donut Balls?

If they’ve lost their oomph, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can help warm them up. For a little crispness back, you can try toasting them gently in a toaster oven or even an air fryer for a minute or two. Just watch them closely!

Nutritional Estimate for Sugar Donut Balls

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but I always like to give you a rough idea of what you’re getting into with these delicious Sugar Donut Balls. Keep in mind these numbers are just estimates, because, you know, homemade treats can vary a bit depending on how you make them! This is just a ballpark figure per serving (about 3 little donut balls).

Dreamy Sugar Donut Balls: 1 Easy Recipe

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20-25 donut balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Sugar Donut Balls are a delightful, bite-sized treat, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They’re coated in a sweet sugar glaze for a classic donut flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using two spoons, carefully drop small balls of dough into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Remove the donut balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain.
While the donut balls are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl to create the glaze.
Dip each donut ball into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the glazed donut balls back on the wire rack to set.

Notes

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for even cooking.
For a cinnamon sugar coating, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and roll the warm donut balls in it instead of glazing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 donut balls
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Sugar Donut Balls, mini donuts, fried donuts, sweet treats, easy dessert, breakfast pastry