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Donut Holes with Strawberry Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 81 reviews

Delight in these homemade Donut Holes paired with a fresh Strawberry Dipping Sauce. Soft, fluffy donut holes are fried to a golden perfection and coated in sugar, complemented by a sweet, smooth sauce made from fresh strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and an optional splash of bourbon. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Donut Holes

  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (plus more for rolling)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups bread or strong flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 4-6 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Strawberry Dipping Sauce

  • 3-4 cups cut and hulled strawberries
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Heat the water and milk in a small pot until it reaches 105-110°F. Pour the yeast into a large bowl fitted with a stand mixer dough hook. Pour the warm milk and water mixture over the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate and become foamy.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, salt, and sugar thoroughly to combine the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the egg into the activated yeast mixture.
  4. Form the Dough: Add the flour mixture, vanilla extract, almond extract, and honey to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook until a dough begins to form.
  5. Incorporate Butter: Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, ensuring each tablespoon is fully incorporated before adding the next. This develops richness and texture in the dough.
  6. Knead the Dough: Continue kneading the dough with the dough hook for 5-10 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test, indicating sufficient gluten development.
  7. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours depending on kitchen temperature.
  8. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼ to ½ inch thickness. Cut out 2-inch circles using a round cutter and place each dough circle on its own 4×4 inch parchment square.
  9. Second Rise: Let the cut dough circles rise again for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
  10. Heat Oil: While the dough is rising, heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F, suitable for deep frying.
  11. Fry Donut Holes: Carefully add 3-4 donut holes at a time to the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  12. Drain and Sugar Coat: Remove donut holes from oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled enough to handle, roll them in sugar to coat evenly.
  13. Make Strawberry Sauce: Place cut strawberries and sugar in a medium pot. Heat over medium to medium-low heat for 10-20 minutes until strawberries soften and release juices.
  14. Blend Sauce: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the strawberry mixture until smooth with no lumps.
  15. Finish Sauce: Stir in bourbon (if using) and vanilla extract. Allow sauce to cool before serving alongside the donut holes.
  16. Storage: Store donut holes in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep strawberry sauce refrigerated and use within one day.

Notes

  • Ensure yeast is fresh and water/milk temperature is between 105-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The windowpane test ensures adequate gluten development for a light, airy texture.
  • Use a candy or deep-frying thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for optimal frying results.
  • Bourbon in the sauce is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Rolling donut holes in sugar while still slightly warm helps the sugar stick better.
  • Donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and lightly reheated for a crisp exterior.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/donut-holes-with-strawberry-dipping-sauce-recipe/