Start off by making the glaze or flavorings first. For the glaze, mix 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
For the cinnamon sugar flavor, just mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. And for the powdered sugar flavor, all you need is 1 cup of powdered sugar. Then set these aside for later.
Make the donut dough
Now start making the donuts by sifting 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 Tablespoons of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt into a bowl.
Then in a separate measuring cup whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 6 tablespoons unsalted melted butter.
Now pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture. Use a spatula to give the donut dough a good mix.
Scoop and Fry the Donuts
Now pour in about 2 inches of canola, corn, or vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Then bring the oil temperature to 350°F. The best way to measure your oil temperature is by using an instant-read thermometer.
Now use a cookie scoop to drop in 1 tablespoon-sized balls of the dough into the hot oil.
Fry the doughnut holes for about 2 minutes making sure to fry both sides. They might not stay put at all times so you might need to constantly move them around with a large spoon until they become golden brown.
Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Once the donuts have cooled slightly roll and dip them in the different flavorings.
Notes
TIPS:
Use a cookie scoop for auniform shape- Using a cookie scoop ensures that you will have donut holes that are the same size for even cooking and ones that are uniformly round. You can also use 2 spoons to form the balls, but it's not as exact.
Keep the oil temperature consistent- An instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way to make sure your fry oil stays at the right temperature while you fry your donut holes. If it gets too hot, you may burn the outside, while oil that is too cool will result in ones that are greasy and undercooked.
Fry them in batches- This recipe makes about 25 donut holes, and while frying, the dough tends to expand some. Do these in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure they are evenly and fully cooked.
Move the dough around as it cooks. The donut holes will not stay put as they fry, so use a large spoon to guide them and flip them so they become golden brown on all sides.