
We all need a little sweetness in our lives, right? Whether you’re a busy mom trying to bribe your kids into behaving (no judgment) or just craving something warm and fluffy with your coffee, Donut Balls are the answer. These bite-sized beauties are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ridiculously easy to make. Oh, and did I mention? No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and a love for fried dough.
Why You’ll Love These Donut Balls
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, because who has time for complicated desserts?
Minimal Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
Kid-Friendly – Perfect for little hands (and big ones, too).
Customizable – Coat them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or keep them classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar for coating
How to Make Donut Balls
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Try not to inhale the cinnamon—it’s a lesson learned the hard way.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable—think soft cookie dough, not pancake batter.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep pan with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (use a thermometer if you’ve got one). No thermometer? Drop a small bit of batter in—if it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go!
Step 4: Fry Those Beauties

Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully drop balls of batter into the oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Coat & Enjoy

While warm, roll your donut balls in powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some chocolate or caramel on top.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Balls

- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Keep them round. If they look a little lopsided, roll them around in the oil gently using a spoon.
- No fryer? No problem. A deep pan works just fine—just be careful with the hot oil!
FAQs About Donut Balls
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely! Fry them up, let them cool, and store them in a sealed bag. Just reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Final Sweet Thoughts
Life is too short to say no to Donut Balls—especially when they’re this easy to make! Whether you’re making them for a cozy family breakfast or sneaking them straight from the kitchen (no judgment), they’re bound to be a hit.
Want more quick and easy dessert ideas? Check out our Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake for another simple treat!
Donut Balls: Irresistible, Easy, & Quick Recipe

Crispy outside, fluffy inside—these Donut Balls are the perfect quick and easy treat. Make them in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients!
Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Donut balls
Recipe Yield: 4-6
Calories: 200 per serving
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar for coating
Recipe Instructions: Mix dry ingredients. Whisk together wet ingredients, then combine. Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown. Coat in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Pros
- ✔ Quick and easy to make
- ✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
- ✔ Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- ✔ Kid-friendly and fun to eat
- ✔ Customizable with different toppings