What makes the perfect sweet treat even better – a surprise inside. These bite sized glazed chocolate donut holes are filled with sprinkles and topped with even more, making them a fun and easy homemade dessert to whip up on a weeknight. Rich chocolate and colorful sprinkles come together in this simple recipe. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert.

glazed chocolate donut holes with sprinkles on top and in the middle

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful world of glazed chocolate donut holes, sprinkled with a burst of colorful fun both on top and in the middle. These bite-sized treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity and joy to their baking repertoire.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility – The combination of rich chocolate, sweet glaze, and the surprise of sprinkles in the middle creates a delightful flavor balance that is both accessible and exciting.
• Ease of preparation – Despite the impressive outcome, these donut holes are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort – The addition of sprinkles both on top and in the middle adds an element of surprise and fun, making these donut holes a hit at any gathering or party.

Key Ingredients

To make these glazed chocolate donut holes with sprinkles, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the donuts, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, whole milk, active dry yeast, salt, large eggs, and melted unsalted butter. For the chocolate glaze, you’ll need unsalted chocolate chips and heavy cream. And of course, don’t forget the sprinkles! You can use any color or type of sprinkles you like, making this recipe highly customizable to your preferences or the occasion. Practical substitutions can be made for ingredients like milk (using almond or soy milk for a non-dairy version) or chocolate chips (using white, milk, or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles).

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by activating the yeast in warm milk, then combine with flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter to form a smooth dough. Let it rise until doubled in size.
2. Step 2: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and use a cookie scoop or spoon to form into balls. Fry these balls in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Step 3: For the glaze, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Add heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency for glazing. To add sprinkles in the middle, you can either inject them into the donut holes after they’ve cooled slightly using a pastry bag or simply press a few sprinkles into the top of each donut hole before glazing.
4. Step 4: Dip the tops of the donut holes into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over them. Immediately sprinkle with additional sprinkles on top before the glaze sets. Let the glaze set completely before serving.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) for frying to prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot; fry in batches if necessary.
• For the glaze, using high-quality chocolate will give you the best flavor. If you find your glaze too thin, you can refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to thicken before using.
• Experiment with different types of sprinkles or mix-ins, like chopped nuts or shredded coconut, to create unique flavor combinations.

Heat Control

When frying the donut holes, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature. Too low, and the donuts will absorb excess oil and be greasy. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays between 350°F and 375°F. Also, be careful when handling hot oil and never leave it unattended.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these glazed chocolate donut holes comes from the sprinkles on the outside and potentially any mix-ins you add to the dough. The donuts themselves should be light and airy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, thanks to the frying process. To maintain this texture, it’s essential to not overfry the donuts and to glaze them when they’re completely cool to prevent sogginess.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a deep frying thermometer to ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying donuts.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined.
• For an extra crispy exterior, you can chill the shaped donuts in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.

Storage Tips

• These donut holes are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you won’t be serving them within this timeframe, consider freezing them before glazing. Simply thaw and glaze when you’re ready to serve.
• For reheating, place the donut holes in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes to warm through without melting the glaze.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These glazed! chocolate donut holes make perfect gifts, especially for birthdays, holidays, or as a surprise treat for coworkers or friends. Consider packaging them in decorative jars, paper cones, or boxes lined with tissue paper. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message for a thoughtful touch. For an extra-special presentation, you can also arrange the donuts in a pattern on a platter or tray before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices – Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for unique flavor twists.
• Creative toppings – In addition to sprinkles, consider using chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces for varied textures and flavors.
• Ingredient swaps – Use different types of milk or flavor extracts (like vanilla or almond) to change up the flavor profile of the donuts and glaze.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems – If your donuts turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. If they’re too oily, the oil might not have been hot enough.
• Ingredient replacements – If you’re out of a specific ingredient, look for substitutions in the recipe. For example, you can use baking powder instead of yeast for a quicker rise, though the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
• Over/undercooking signs – Donuts that are undercooked will be raw in the center, while overcooked donuts will be dark brown and possibly burnt-tasting. Adjust your frying time accordingly based on the size of your donuts and the temperature of your oil.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the donut holes before glazing. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw when you’re ready to glaze and serve.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version, though you might need to adjust the ratio of flours and add xanthan gum for texture.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe if you’re serving a large crowd. Just be sure to fry the donuts in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot.

Conclusion

Making glazed chocolate donut holes with sprinkles on top and in the middle is a fun and rewarding baking project that’s sure to bring joy to both the maker and the eater. With its accessible ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little sweetness and excitement to their day. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, toppings, and presentation ideas to make this recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!