Welcome to the world of perfectly poppable, irresistible donut bites! These delightful treats, often filled with sweet jam and coated in a warming cinnamon sugar, are truly hard to resist. Prepare yourself for a burst of flavor and a touch of homemade magic with every single bite.
Unlock Sweet Success: The Ultimate Easy Donut Bites Recipe
Get ready for a recipe that might just make you love us a little bit more – or perhaps tempt you into a delightful sugar coma! We swear, our intentions are purely good: to share a simple, utterly delicious way to satisfy your donut cravings without the fuss. These easy donut bites are a game-changer for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or simply when you need a little something special.
Your Secret Weapon: Quick Donut Bites for Any Occasion
This fantastic recipe first caught our eye during the holidays while browsing Pinterest, a true treasure trove of culinary inspiration. We deliberately held off sharing it then, knowing that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, most of us are already swimming in a sea of delicious goodies. But now, as January rolls around, perhaps you’re looking for that perfect, comforting breakfast treat to brighten up a chilly morning, or a unique dessert to impress without the stress. These donut bites fit the bill perfectly, offering a touch of indulgence when you need it most.
Homemade Taste, Shortcut Convenience: Why You’ll Love These Donut Bites
At first, we admit, there was a tiny bit of skepticism. The secret to these amazing donut bites lies in a clever shortcut: using store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making it from scratch. But let’s be honest – sometimes life gets hectic, and you simply don’t have hours to dedicate to proofing yeast and kneading dough. That’s precisely when you need a quick donut fix that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. And trust us, this recipe delivers!
Our toughest critics, both boys in the house, gave these donut bites an enthusiastic thumbs up! They’re incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few key ingredients you likely already have on hand. This minimal ingredient list is a huge bonus when you’re in a hurry but still crave that comforting, homemade taste. Forget the complicated steps; these donut bites are all about ease and deliciousness.
What truly sets these donut bites apart is their incredible versatility when it comes to coatings and fillings. We’ve moved beyond just a simple sugar dip, offering you three fantastic options to customize your batch:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: A timeless favorite, providing a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy crunch.
- Smooth Glaze: A sweet, sticky coating that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Luscious Jam Filling: A delightful surprise inside, bursting with fruity flavor.
You can pick one, two, or go wild and try all three variations! The only real challenge with these donut bites? Stepping away from the plate once you start. Good luck with that!
Donut Bites
Author: Mary Ann Dwyer
Servings: 32 pieces
These perfectly poppable donut bites are an absolute treat! Made with refrigerated biscuits, they’re incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Customize them with cinnamon sugar, a sweet glaze, or a fruity jam filling for a delightful dessert or breakfast.
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Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits (8 biscuits)
- Canola Oil (for frying)
- For Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- For Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
- For Jam Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
Instructions
- Prepare your frying station: Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of canola oil. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. While the oil heats, place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels; this will be for draining the cooked donuts.
- Prepare the dough: Open the can of biscuits and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces.
- Test the oil temperature: A simple trick is to dip the handle of a wooden spoon into the center of the hot oil. If small bubbles immediately form around the handle and float to the surface, your oil is ready. If it bubbles too vigorously, the oil might be too hot; reduce the heat slightly.
- Fry the donut bites: Carefully drop 6-8 biscuit pieces into the hot oil at a time. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. The donuts cook quickly, so watch them closely to prevent burning. Cook until the first side is a beautiful golden brown (this usually takes 1-2 minutes), then flip them with tongs to brown the other side. Continue cooking for a total of approximately 3-4 minutes, or until evenly golden brown on all sides.
- Drain the donuts: Once cooked, use tongs to remove the donut bites from the oil and place them on the prepared wire rack to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining biscuit dough pieces.
- Prepare the coatings/fillings:
- For Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: In a small, shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon until well combined.
- For Glazed Donuts: In another small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- For Jam-Filled Donuts: If using a squeeze bottle, fill it with raspberry jam. Alternatively, fit a piping bag with a #12 Wilton decorating tip (or a similar small, round tip) and fill it with jam.
- Coat or fill the donut bites: While the donuts are still warm (this helps the coatings adhere best):
- Gently toss warm donut bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Dip warm donut bites into the glaze, turning to coat, then place back on the wire rack for the glaze to set slightly.
- For jam-filled, carefully insert the tip of the squeeze bottle or piping bag into the side of a warm donut bite and gently squeeze to fill with jam.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade donut bites!
- Important Safety Note: Please exercise extreme caution when working with hot oil. This is not a kid-friendly activity. Let the adults handle the frying, and let the kids handle the eating!
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!
If you make this irresistible donut bites recipe, we’d love to see your creations! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!
Why These Donut Bites Are Your New Go-To Treat
There are countless reasons why these quick and easy donut bites deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. First and foremost, they deliver on flavor. The light, airy texture of the biscuit dough transforms into a tender donut that perfectly complements any of the delicious coatings. Whether you’re a fan of the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar, the sweet simplicity of a classic glaze, or the unexpected burst of fruit from a jam filling, these donut bites offer something for everyone.
Beyond taste, the convenience factor is unparalleled. In a world where time is a precious commodity, a recipe that allows you to whip up a batch of “homemade” donuts in less than 30 minutes is pure gold. No waiting for dough to rise, no complex equipment – just simple steps and readily available ingredients. This makes them ideal for impromptu gatherings, a last-minute contribution to a potluck, or a special weekend breakfast without the usual morning rush.
Tips for Perfecting Your Donut Bites
- Oil Temperature is Key: As mentioned in the instructions, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too cold, and your donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw. The wooden spoon trick is a reliable method, but an instant-read thermometer (aim for 350-375°F or 175-190°C) offers the most precise control.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying in small batches ensures consistent cooking and helps maintain the oil temperature. Patience here leads to perfectly golden and evenly cooked donut bites.
- Drain Thoroughly: Always place your freshly fried donuts on a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows air to circulate, preventing the bottoms from getting soggy and ensuring any excess oil drips away.
- Coat While Warm: For the best results, coat your donut bites in cinnamon sugar or glaze while they are still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere properly and the glaze to melt slightly, creating a smooth, even coating. For jam filling, warm donuts are also easier to fill.
- Experiment with Fillings and Toppings: While raspberry jam is fantastic, don’t hesitate to try other fruit jams, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting. For toppings, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate can elevate your donut bites even further.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These donut bites are best enjoyed warm and fresh, straight from the pan. They make an exceptional companion to your morning coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a soothing cup of tea. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast favorites.
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they won’t be quite as fresh as on day one, a quick 10-15 second reheat in the microwave can bring back some of their softness and warmth. However, the coatings, especially cinnamon sugar, might absorb some moisture over time.
Embrace the Joy of Easy Baking
This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, comforting food doesn’t always require hours of labor or a chef’s expertise. It’s about finding smart shortcuts that empower you to create joyful moments in the kitchen and share delightful treats with your loved ones. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, these easy donut bites are an invitation to embrace the fun and simplicity of quick baking. Dive in, experiment with your favorite flavors, and prepare to fall in love with these perfectly poppable, utterly irresistible donut bites!