Can I make this recipe without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is strongly recommended for perfect results, you can test your oil by dropping in a small piece of biscuit dough. It should rise to the surface and begin bubbling immediately, turning golden brown in about 2 minutes. If it browns too quickly, your oil is too hot; if it soaks up oil and browns slowly, your oil isn't hot enough.

My donut holes are turning out too greasy. What am I doing wrong?

The most common cause is oil that's not hot enough. When oil temperature falls below 350°F, the dough absorbs more oil instead of instantly creating a barrier. Always check your temperature between batches and give the oil time to return to temperature before adding more donut holes.

Can I make this with homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite sweet dough recipe, you can use that instead. Just portion it into small balls and proceed with the frying instructions. The texture will be different but equally delicious.

How far in advance can I make this for a party?

For the best texture and presentation, I recommend making this wreath no more than 4 hours before serving. The glazed donuts will begin to soften over time. If you need to work ahead, you can fry the donut holes a day in advance, store in an airtight container, then glaze and arrange them the day of your event.

Christmas Wreath Donut Holes Recipe

Description

Celebrate the holiday season with this festive and delightful Donut Holes Christmas Wreath. These soft and golden donut holes are quick to prepare, coated with a sweet vanilla glaze, and arranged in a charming wreath shape. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this recipe adds a sweet and decorative touch to your holiday table!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Donuts

4 cups vegetable oil
1 (16oz.) can flaky jumbo biscuits

Glaze

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons whole milk

Toppings

Powdered sugar for dusting
Sprinkles

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Instructions

Prepare the Oil
Add vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure at least 2 inches of oil covering the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Set Up for Draining
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place it next to the pot of hot oil.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Set this aside for later.
Prepare the Dough
Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into 6 pieces using scissors. Roll the pieces in your hands to make them into round dough balls.
Fry the Donuts
Using a slotted spoon, gently place a few donut balls into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the oil’s temperature. Fry for a few minutes until golden brown.
Cool the Donuts
Remove the fried donut holes using a slotted spoon and place them onto the prepared baking sheet to cool slightly.
Glaze the Donuts
Use a fork or tongs to dip each donut into the glaze. Allow the excess to drip off before placing each donut into a wreath shape on a round platter, ensuring they touch to stick together.
Decorate the Wreath
Lightly dust the donuts with powdered sugar and sprinkle red and green sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover Glazed Donut Holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air, and store for up to 2 months.
Oil Options: Suitable oils for frying include canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.
Prevent Oily Donuts: Keep the oil consistently at 350°F to prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
Glaze Alternative: Swap whole milk for water in the glaze recipe, if necessary.
Sticky Wreath Assembly: Assemble the wreath shape while the glaze is still sticky to ensure the donuts stick together as they dry.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping Option: Instead of glaze, sprinkle freshly fried donut holes with a cinnamon sugar mix (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut hole
Calories: 90
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 115mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg