Donuts are kind of a big thing in Texas.  You can find a cute little donut shop on almost every corner.  They are open in the wee hours of the morning, but be careful, if you are not there by 8 am, chance are you won’t get your favorites!  Most youth activities here involve donuts because they are so easy and inexpensive.  I thought everybody had an abundance of donuts, but talking with out-of-state friends I’ve come to learn that is not the case {so sorry}.   No need to worry, you’ll love these easy-to-make donut holes even more  – I think they taste like a cross between cake donuts and sweet fritters.

There really is something irresistible about hot fresh donuts.  These little gems have that fresh-made taste, and once you fill them with your favorite jam or jelly resistance is futile. 😉

Wouldn’t fresh-made donuts warm your Valentine’s heart?  Add this free printable tag for a Valentine’s surprise that’s sure to score big points!

Easy Jelly Donut Holes

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons (4 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup lukewarm milk

1/4 cup melted butter

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Filling

your favorite jelly or jam (I like seedless raspberry)

Cinnamon-Sugar Mix

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

1) Use a skillet that’s at least 2 1/2″ deep {I use my electric skillet so I can regulate the heat).  Fill it with about 1″ of peanut oil {peanut oil has the best taste for frying, but vegetable oil will work if needed}.

2) Start heating the oil to 350°F while you make the doughnut batter.

3) To make the doughnuts: Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.

4) Whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.

5) Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to make a thick batter (or soft dough).

6) When the oil has come up to temperature, use a tablespoon cookie scoop  (or spoon) to drop balls of batter into the hot oil. This recipe will make 2″ doughnut holes using a tablespoon cookie scoop and dropping in balls of dough about as big as an undersized ping-pong ball.

7) Fry the doughnut holes for 2 minutes on the first side, or until they’re a deep golden brown. Some of them may turn themselves over; that’s OK, just use a pair of tongs to turn them back. After 2 minutes, turn the holes over, and fry for an additional 2 minutes, until golden  brown. Transfer the doughnut holes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain and cool.

8 )  When the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag with a long, plain tip to fill them with as much jelly as you like {tip 11 or 13 work well}.  If you don’t have a piping bag, try using an inexpensive plastic condiment squeeze bottle like an empty mustard or ketchup bottle, with its tip cut off midway down to make it wider.

9) Mix together the cinnamon and sugar and roll donut holes until coated.

 Makes approx. 24 donut holes.

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour

Want more Valentine Ideas . . .

Chocolate Fondue for Two
Red Velvet Crepes
Owl Always Love You Cupcakes (and printable tags)
Cupid Corn (and printable tag)
Fresh Strawberry Pie
White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie
Make your own Pixie Sticks with Freeze Dried Fruit