1-First Step: Mise en place Gather and measure all ingredients before starting. Preheat a deep pot or Dutch oven with vegetable oil and set a deep-fry thermometer in place. You want the oil to reach a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit before frying. Line a tray with paper towels for draining freshly fried donut holes.

2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning so each mini donut puffs uniformly.

3-Third Step: Combine wet ingredients In another bowl, whisk ½ cup milk, ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Ensure the melted butter is not piping hot to avoid cooking the egg. If making a vegan version, substitute the egg as listed earlier and use plant milk.

4-Fourth Step: Make the dough Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine. Overmixing will develop gluten and make the donut holes tougher instead of tender. If the batter seems too runny, add a tablespoon of flour; too thick, add a splash of milk.

5-Fifth Step: Heat and test the oil Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a deep-fry thermometer to hold temperature steady. If you do not have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise slowly without burning in the first 10 seconds.

6-Sixth Step: Fry the donut holes Use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to drop rounded balls of dough into the oil in small batches so the pot doesn’t overcrowd. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally so each side browns evenly. The ideal color is a golden brown all around. If oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the center stays raw.

7-Seventh Step: Drain and coat Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. For extra crunch, roll them twice.

8-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are perfect for coffee breaks, brunch spreads, or as a quick dessert. If you need to keep them warm for a short time, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 10 minutes.