These easy gluten-free donut holes are soft, fluffy, and lightly golden without using yeast. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, so they’re perfect when you want a quick homemade sweet treat. Toss them in cinnamon sugar, dust them with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with your favorite glaze.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 18–20 donut holes
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the Donut Holes
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, with xanthan gum
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
First, add the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until evenly combined.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until a thick, soft dough forms.
The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to scoop. If it seems too dry, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time.
3. Shape the Donut Holes
Meanwhile, lightly grease your hands or use a small cookie scoop.
Scoop out small portions of dough and gently roll them into balls about 1 inch wide. Try not to make them too large because they puff up while cooking.
4. Cook
Heat about 1½–2 inches of neutral oil in a small saucepan over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place a few donut holes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
While the donut holes are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter if desired.
Then, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Easy Powdered Sugar Option
Instead of cinnamon sugar, simply let the donut holes cool for a few minutes and dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Quick Vanilla Glaze
For a simple glaze, mix:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth. Dip the slightly cooled donut holes into the glaze and place them on a rack until set.
Air Fryer Method
If you prefer not to deep-fry them, you can air fry the donut holes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the donut holes in a single layer.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Brush with melted butter and toss with cinnamon sugar.
Keep in mind that the air-fried version will be slightly less crisp than the fried version.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Donut Holes
- Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- If your flour blend does not contain xanthan gum, add about ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Keep the donut holes small so the centers cook before the outside becomes too dark.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F–360°F for the best texture.
- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Toss the donut holes in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for the best coating.
Storage
These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To refresh them, warm them briefly in an air fryer or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate per donut hole, based on 20 donut holes and without additional glaze:
- Calories: 75
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
Nutrition information will vary depending on the gluten-free flour blend, oil absorption, and toppings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donut holes without yeast?
Yes! This recipe uses baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast, so there is no rising time. That’s what makes them so quick.
Are these donut holes completely gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a certified gluten-free flour blend and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Why are my donut holes dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make gluten-free donut holes dense. Measure the flour carefully and mix only until combined.
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes. Almond milk, oat milk labeled gluten-free, soy milk, or another dairy-free milk can be used.
Can I make them without eggs?
For an egg-free version, try replacing the egg with a suitable egg replacer. The texture may be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free donut holes without yeast are one of the easiest ways to make homemade donuts when you don’t have time to wait for dough to rise. With a simple batter, a few basic ingredients, and about 15 minutes, you can have warm, fluffy donut holes ready for a cinnamon-sugar coating or sweet vanilla glaze.
