Crispy Donut Balls with Chocolate Dip are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy donut holes with a crispy exterior and a rich, velvety chocolate dip that takes them to the next level. They’re a great treat for breakfast, dessert, or even as a fun snack for parties. These donut balls are easy to make and oh-so-delicious—once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Here’s how to make them:
Crispy Donut Balls with Chocolate Dip
Ingredients:
For the Donut Balls:
- 1 can (16 oz) biscuit dough (like Pillsbury or similar)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for cinnamon-sugar coating)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or other frying oil)
For the Chocolate Dip:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a silky smooth texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Balls:
- Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create small dough balls (you should have about 16 pieces from one can).
- Roll each dough piece into a small, smooth ball using your hands. Try to make them all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to fry the donut balls in, but not too much that they’re submerged entirely. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) if you have a thermometer.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it starts to sizzle and float to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
3. Fry the Donut Balls:
- Working in batches, drop the donut balls into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Coat the Donut Balls (Optional Cinnamon Sugar):
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if you want cinnamon-sugar donut balls). While the donut balls are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step is optional, but it gives them that classic donut flavor!
5. Make the Chocolate Dip:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the butter and vanilla extract (if using) and stir to combine until the dip is glossy and smooth.
- If the dip seems too thick, you can add a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Arrange the donut balls on a plate and serve with the chocolate dip on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the chocolate sauce over the donut balls if you prefer.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Crispy and Fluffy: The biscuit dough creates a donut ball that’s crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, just like a traditional donut hole, but easier to make.
- Chocolate Dip: The rich, silky chocolate dip adds the perfect balance of sweetness and decadence, making these donut balls irresistible.
- Customizable Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating is an easy way to turn these donut balls into classic cinnamon sugar donuts, or you can keep them simple with just the chocolate dip.
Tips & Variations:
- For Flavored Donut Balls: You can add a little vanilla extract or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- Fruit Dips: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can dip these in caramel sauce, strawberry sauce, or even cream cheese icing for a different twist.
- Baked Version: If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the donut balls at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying them.
- Make Ahead: You can make the donut balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a day or two, then reheat them in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- These Crispy Donut Balls are great on their own as a dessert or snack, but they’re also fun to serve at parties, brunches, or as a sweet breakfast treat with a cup of coffee.
- Pair them with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal, or serve them with a side of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Crispy Donut Balls with Chocolate Dip are a fun and indulgent treat that everyone will love. With a golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!