Name: Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 42
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp salt; 30 maraschino cherries, finely chopped; 2 tbsp cherry syrup; 1 large egg; 1 cup + 2 tbsp buttermilk (room temperature); ¼ cup melted butter; 2½ cups powdered sugar; ¼-⅓ cup heavy cream; Neutral oil for frying (enough for 2+ inches depth)

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Recipe Overview

Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Method: Fried
Prep: Make-Ahead Friendly

Cherry glazed doughnut holes are the perfect bite-sized treats that bring bakery-quality sweetness to your home kitchen. These fluffy, tender morsels combine the tangy brightness of maraschino cherries with a silky smooth glaze that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or weekend brunches, these delightful treats cost approximately $8-12 to make and yield 42 pieces. The cherry flavor provides natural antioxidants while the portion control helps manage indulgence.

◆✨ What Makes This Special

Quick 55minute recipe perfect for lastminute entertaining
Budgetfriendly ingredients create bakeryquality results at home
Bitesized portions make them ideal for parties and sharing

Why This Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes Recipe Works

This recipe delivers consistently fluffy results through precise ingredient ratios. The buttermilk creates tender crumb while baking powder provides proper lift. Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly for even texture.

Finely chopped maraschino cherries distribute flavor throughout each bite. The cherry syrup adds moisture and enhances the fruity taste. The 350°F oil temperature ensures golden exteriors without greasy interiors.

The simple glaze uses powdered sugar and cream for smooth coverage. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweetness that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Ingredients

Category	Ingredients	Quantity & Notes
Dry Base	All-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt	2 cups flour, 4 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt
Cherry Elements	Maraschino cherries, cherry syrup	30 cherries finely chopped, 2 tbsp syrup
Wet Ingredients	Large egg, buttermilk, melted butter	1 egg, 1 cup + 2 tbsp buttermilk (room temp), ¼ cup butter
Glaze	Powdered sugar, heavy cream	2½ cups sugar, ¼-⅓ cup cream
Frying	Neutral oil	Enough for 2+ inches depth

Tools

Category	Tools	Purpose
Mixing	Large bowls, whisk, wooden spoon	Combine ingredients smoothly
Frying	Heavy-bottom saucepan, thermometer, slotted spoon	Safe oil temperature control
Finishing	Paper towels, wire rack	Drain and cool properly

How to Make Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Phase	Steps	Time/Key Points
Prep	Make glaze by whisking powdered sugar and cream. Chop cherries finely. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.	10 minutes
Mix	Whisk egg, add buttermilk and cherry syrup. Fold wet into dry ingredients, then stir in melted butter.	5 minutes
Fry	Heat oil to 350°F. Drop 1-2 tsp spoonfuls of dough, fry 4-5 at a time for 2 minutes, turning once.	15 minutes total
Finish	Drain on paper towels, cool slightly, dip in glaze, set on wire rack to dry.	10 minutes

Check out these amazing Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts for more creative donut variations.

✓⚡ Cook Smarter

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and prevent greasiness
Don’t overmix batter to keep doughnut holes tender and light
Test first batch and adjust frying time based on your equipment

Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Serving Tips

Serve cherry glazed doughnut holes warm for the best experience. They pair beautifully with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. Arrange on tiered serving trays for elegant presentation at parties.

These treats work wonderfully for breakfast buffets, afternoon tea, or dessert tables. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or savory dishes for balanced meals.

Store leftover doughnut holes in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F to restore freshness. Freeze unglazed holes for up to 1 month.

cherry glazed doughnut holes process photo

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Don’t skip chopping cherries finely. Large pieces create uneven texture and can cause holes to break apart during frying. Pat cherries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture.

Avoid overcrowding the oil. Frying too many at once drops temperature and creates soggy results. Work in small batches for consistent golden color and proper cooking.

Never glaze hot doughnut holes. The heat melts the glaze completely off. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before dipping for perfect coating that stays put.

! 🧭 Need to Know

Oil temperature is crucial – use a thermometer for accuracy and food safety
Room temperature ingredients blend easier and create smoother batter
Fresh oil produces better flavor than reused oil

Suggestions for Cherry Glazed Doughnut Holes

Try different glaze flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon for variety. Add food coloring to match party themes or seasonal celebrations. Sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut over wet glaze.

Make mini versions using ½ teaspoon of batter for elegant appetizers. Create chocolate cherry versions by adding cocoa powder to the batter. Roll in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing for different texture.

Explore more donut inspiration with these 28 Decadent Doughnut Recipes. Pair with hearty main dishes for complete meal planning.

cherry glazed doughnut holes midjourney photo

FAQs:

Can I bake cherry glazed doughnut holes instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. They’ll have a more muffin-like texture but still taste delicious.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

Use a thermometer to reach 350°F, or test with a small piece of dough that should sizzle immediately when dropped in.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Best used immediately, but you can refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Let come to room temperature before frying.

What if I don't have buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more cream to thin. Adjust gradually until you reach desired consistency.

Conclusion

Cherry glazed doughnut holes bring bakery-quality sweetness to your kitchen with simple ingredients and techniques. These bite-sized treats perfect for any occasion, from family breakfasts to elegant parties.

The combination of tender texture, bright cherry flavor, and smooth glaze creates an irresistible treat. With proper technique and fresh ingredients, you’ll achieve professional results every time. Enjoy sharing these delightful morsels with loved ones!