4-Ingredient Carnival Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar
There is something magical about the smell of fried dough dusted in cinnamon sugar that instantly takes you back to warm summer evenings at the carnival. These little golden bites are crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and coated in a generous layer of sweet cinnamon sugar that makes them absolutely irresistible. The best part? You only need four simple ingredients to pull them off at home.
This is the kind of recipe that gets passed down through families, the kind a beloved uncle guards like a treasure until one lucky day he finally lets you in on the secret. Once you make these, do not be surprised when the entire plate disappears before you even sit down. Consider yourself warned.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a pot about 2 inches deep)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Method
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven until it reaches about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results.
- While the oil heats up, open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut or tear each biscuit into quarters and roll each piece into a small ball with your hands.
- In a medium bowl or shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Once the oil is at the right temperature, carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are deep golden brown all over.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the donut holes from the oil and let them drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate for about 30 seconds.
- While they are still warm, toss the donut holes generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated on all sides.
- Transfer to a serving dish or container and serve immediately. Watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
Keep your oil temperature steady at 350°F throughout the frying process. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside stays raw. If it is too cool, the dough will absorb excess oil and turn greasy. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
Always toss the donut holes in the cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. The residual heat and slight oiliness on the surface help the sugar mixture stick beautifully to every curve and crevice.
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of warmth and spice that makes these taste even more like the real carnival deal.
