Funfetti Donut Holes

These Funfetti Donut Holes are the perfect way to add a pop of color and a burst of joy to any occasion. Soft, fluffy, and filled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, they’re an easy and fun treat that will be loved by kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply craving a sweet snack, these baked donut holes are a delightful option. The combination of tender dough and crunchy sprinkles creates a wonderful contrast in texture, making each bite a true pleasure. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them without any guilt. Perfect for a fun-filled day of baking or a festive gathering!

Full Recipe:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or donut hole pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, combine the milk, Greek yogurt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donut holes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 75 kcal per donut hole | Servings: 24 donut holes

About Funfetti Donut Holes

Funfetti Donut Holes are a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to any occasion. These mini donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option compared to traditional donuts. The name “Funfetti” comes from the colorful rainbow sprinkles that are mixed into the batter, creating a fun and vibrant appearance that kids and adults alike love. Each bite offers a soft and fluffy texture with a bit of crunch from the sprinkles, making them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for a quick baking session. You can have these delicious donut holes ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Healthier Option: Since these donut holes are baked instead of fried, they contain less fat and fewer calories, making them a healthier treat to enjoy any time of the day.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or a fun snack for the kids, these donut holes are versatile and can fit any occasion. Their colorful appearance makes them especially great for celebrations.
Customizable: You can easily customize these donut holes by using different types of sprinkles or even adding a glaze on top for extra sweetness. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of almond extract or some cocoa powder to the batter.

Tips for Making the Best Funfetti Donut Holes

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donut holes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Use Fresh Sprinkles: To get the best results, use fresh sprinkles that haven’t been exposed to moisture. Old sprinkles may bleed their color into the batter, which can affect the look of your donut holes.
Grease the Pan Well: To ensure the donut holes come out of the pan easily, make sure to grease the mini muffin tin or donut hole pan well. You can use a non-stick spray or butter.
Experiment with Toppings: While these donut holes are delicious on their own, you can add an extra layer of flavor by dipping them in a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or by rolling them in cinnamon sugar right after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Funfetti Donut Holes are best served fresh and warm, straight out of the oven. You can serve them as a fun breakfast treat, a sweet snack with coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert spread at parties. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that everyone will enjoy.

Storage Instructions

These donut holes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Funfetti Donut Holes for Special Diets

Gluten-Free Option: To make these donut holes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Dairy-Free Option: You can make these donut holes dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt and a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk.

History and Origin of Funfetti Desserts

The concept of “Funfetti” desserts originates from the Funfetti cake mix, which was first introduced by Pillsbury in 1989. The idea was simple yet ingenious—incorporate colorful rainbow sprinkles directly into the cake batter to create a fun and festive look without any extra decoration needed. This innovation quickly became a hit, especially for children’s birthdays and celebrations, as it brought a burst of color and excitement to the classic vanilla cake.

Over the years, the Funfetti concept has expanded beyond just cakes. From cookies to pancakes and, of course, these delightful donut holes, Funfetti has become a versatile way to add a bit of magic to various baked goods. The vibrant sprinkles make these treats visually appealing and perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra cheer.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Funfetti Donut Holes are not just fun to eat—they’re also relatively light compared to traditional fried donuts. Each donut hole contains approximately 75 calories, making them a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day. The use of Greek yogurt in the recipe adds a slight tang and moisture to the donut holes while also providing a small boost of protein.

If you’re looking to make these donut holes even healthier, here are some substitutions and modifications you can consider:

Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients.

Sugar Alternatives: For a lower sugar option, you can replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt and reduce the butter to keep the calorie count even lower.

Creative Variations of Funfetti Donut Holes

While the classic Funfetti Donut Holes are always a hit, there are many ways to get creative with this recipe. Here are some fun variations you can try:

Chocolate Funfetti Donut Holes: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter and increase the sugar slightly to balance the bitterness. Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for an extra indulgent treat.
Lemon Funfetti Donut Holes: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet sprinkles.
Filled Funfetti Donut Holes: After baking, use a piping bag to inject a small amount of vanilla or chocolate cream into the center of each donut hole. This adds an extra layer of flavor and surprise.

Glazed Funfetti Donut Holes: After the donut holes have cooled, dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, then add an extra sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top for added flair.

Fun Facts About Donut Holes

Origins: Donut holes were traditionally made from the dough left over after cutting out the center of ring donuts. Rather than wasting the dough, bakers would fry the small pieces, creating bite-sized treats.
Popularity: While donut holes have been around for a long time, they gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century when they became a staple offering at donut shops across the United States.

Baking vs. Frying: Baked donut holes, like the Funfetti Donut Holes, have become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to the classic fried version. They retain the same delicious flavor and texture without the added fat from frying.

How to Serve and Enjoy Funfetti Donut Holes

Funfetti Donut Holes are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to enhance the enjoyment of these treats:

Breakfast Treat: Serve the donut holes alongside a bowl of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a fun and colorful breakfast.

Dessert Platter: Include Funfetti Donut Holes as part of a dessert platter at parties, paired with other mini treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit skewers.
Gift Idea: Package these donut holes in a decorative box or bag and give them as a homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or just to brighten someone’s day.
Kids’ Party Activity: Let kids decorate their own Funfetti Donut Holes by setting up a DIY station with different glazes, sprinkles, and toppings. It’s a fun and interactive way to involve them in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Funfetti Donut Holes are not just a treat—they’re an experience. Their cheerful appearance and delicious taste make them a perfect choice for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a moment of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delightful outcome. Plus, with all the possible variations and serving ideas, you can customize these donut holes to suit any occasion or preference.

Adding Funfetti Donut Holes to your recipe repertoire means you’ll always have a go-to dessert that’s sure to impress and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Give them a try today and discover the joy of baking—and eating—these colorful, scrumptious treats!