Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes: Prepare to meet your new favorite bite-sized indulgence! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, slightly crispy exterior, giving way to a soft, fluffy interior bursting with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and the sweet, juicy pop of blueberries. These aren’t just donut holes; they’re miniature explosions of happiness.

While the exact origins of donut holes are debated, their popularity is undeniable. Some say they were born from necessity, the resourceful solution to using the dough removed from the center of traditional donuts. Others believe they were created for easier frying and quicker cooking. Regardless of their history, these little treats have become a beloved staple in bakeries and homes around the world.

What makes these Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The lemon zest adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness, while the blueberries provide a burst of juicy goodness. They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weekend brunch, or a delightful treat to share with friends and family. Plus, their small size makes them dangerously addictive – you can’t just eat one!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Donut Holes:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• For the Blueberry Sugar Coating (Optional):
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries, finely ground

Preparing the Donut Hole Dough

Alright, let’s get started with the most important part – the donut hole dough! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy donut holes in no time.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even rising and a light, airy texture. This step is crucial for preventing dense, heavy donut holes.
2. Add Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the dry ingredients and whisk again until evenly distributed. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps with browning during frying.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, egg, buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. It’s important to let the butter cool slightly before adding it to the egg to prevent cooking the egg. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps create a tender crumb.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in tough donut holes. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the donut holes from spreading too much during frying. You can even chill it for longer, up to a few hours, if you need to prepare the dough in advance.

Shaping and Frying the Donut Holes

Now comes the fun part – shaping and frying! This is where your donut holes start to take shape and transform into golden-brown, delicious treats. Get ready to watch the magic happen!

1. Prepare Your Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to roll out.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the chilled dough out onto the floured surface. Gently roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Try to keep the dough as even as possible for uniform cooking.
3. Cut Out the Donut Holes: Use a small cookie cutter (about 1 inch in diameter) or a pastry tip to cut out the donut holes. You can also use a knife to cut the dough into small squares if you don’t have a cookie cutter.
4. Re-roll Scraps: Gently re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more donut holes. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
5. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donut holes from becoming greasy.
6. Fry the Donut Holes: Carefully drop a few donut holes into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the donut holes from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Lemon Glaze

The lemon glaze is what takes these donut holes to the next level! It adds a bright, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the fluffy donut holes. This glaze is super easy to make and will have you licking your fingers clean.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth. Start with the specified amounts and add more lemon juice or milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donut holes but thin enough to drip slightly.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up.

Preparing the Blueberry Sugar Coating (Optional)

If you want to add an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color, the blueberry sugar coating is the way to go! It’s a simple addition that makes these donut holes even more special.

1. Grind Freeze-Dried Blueberries: In a food processor or blender, grind the freeze-dried blueberries into a fine powder. You can also use a mortar and pestle if you don’t have a food processor or blender.
2. Combine with Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the ground freeze-dried blueberries with the granulated sugar. Mix well until evenly distributed.

Assembling the Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the donut holes! This is where you get to put the finishing touches on your creations and make them look as good as they taste.

1. Glaze or Coat: While the donut holes are still warm (but not too hot), dip them into the lemon glaze or toss them in the blueberry sugar coating. For the glaze, dip each donut hole into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. For the sugar coating, place a few donut holes at a time into the dish with the blueberry sugar and toss to coat evenly.
2. Let Set: Place the glazed or coated donut holes on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set or the sugar to adhere. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donut holes immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a little bit of indulgence without the guilt of overly processed ingredients. The combination of juicy blueberries and zesty lemon is simply irresistible, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. The light and airy texture of these baked donut holes makes them incredibly easy to devour, and the simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to tie everything together.

But what truly sets these apart is their versatility. While they’re perfect as is, fresh out of the oven, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking. For a more decadent experience, try dipping them in melted white chocolate and sprinkling them with extra lemon zest. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even create a blueberry lemon cream cheese frosting for a truly unforgettable treat. Imagine serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – pure bliss!

Beyond the flavor, these Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes are also incredibly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Even if you’re a beginner baker, I’m confident that you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these in no time. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy them without feeling too guilty.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Brunch Staple: These donut holes are the perfect addition to any brunch spread. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and your favorite breakfast beverages.
* Dessert Delight: Looking for a light and satisfying dessert? These donut holes are a great option. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
* Party Favor: Planning a party? These donut holes make adorable and delicious party favors. Package them in small cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a personalized touch.
* Lemon Poppy Seed Variation: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful twist on the classic lemon flavor.
* Glaze Alternatives: Experiment with different glazes, such as a simple powdered sugar glaze, a maple glaze, or even a chocolate glaze.
* Berry Medley: Substitute some of the blueberries with other berries like raspberries or strawberries for a mixed berry flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of these Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes for yourself. I truly believe they’ll become a new favorite in your household.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these little bites of happiness. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this Blueberry Lemon Donut Holes recipe as much as I do.