Glazed Lemon Donut Holes: Easy Sunshine Bites

Name: Glazed Lemon Donut Holes: Easy Sunshine Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based); 1/2 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free); For the glaze:; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 oz cream cheese

by Jannet Lisa

30 de August de 2025

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Glazed Lemon Donut Holes have a way of making any day feel a little brighter, and I’ve perfected an easy glazed lemon donut recipe that’s become a family favorite. I still remember the first time I tried making them; the air filled with the sweet, tangy scent of lemon, and the little golden spheres came out of the oven looking so inviting. It felt like magic! If you’ve ever wondered how to make glazed lemon donut holes that are perfectly tender with a zesty kick, you’re in the right place. Get ready for a burst of sunshine in every bite! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Lemon Donut Holes

These little bites of sunshine are a dream to make and even better to eat! Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:

Incredible citrus flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.
Super quick prep time, meaning you can enjoy them sooner.
A lighter, baked alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have.
Perfectly portioned sweet lemon donut drops for easy snacking.
A delightful treat that’s sure to please kids and adults alike.
These mini lemon glazed donuts are a fantastic addition to any brunch spread.
They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Donut Holes

Gathering the ingredients for these delightful homemade lemon donut holes is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it! The magic starts with basic pantry staples. My favorite part is using fresh lemon juice and zest, which really makes the citrus flavor pop. For the glaze, a touch of cream cheese adds a lovely richness that balances the tartness. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup milk – regular or plant-based works perfectly
1/2 cup lemon juice – fresh is best for that vibrant tang!
1/4 cup melted butter – unsalted is preferred
1 cup sugar – for sweetness and tender texture
1 1/2 tsp baking powder – helps them get nice and fluffy
1 tsp baking soda – works with the lemon juice for lift
2 cups all-purpose flour – regular or a good gluten-free blend
For the lemon zest donut holes glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar – for that smooth, sweet coating
2 tbsp melted butter – adds richness to the glaze
2 oz cream cheese – softened, for a creamy tang

How to Make Glazed Lemon Donut Holes

Get ready to create some sunshine! This baked lemon donut holes recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before. The process is quite forgiving, even if you’re new to baking.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and grease it well. This is crucial to prevent any sticking and ensure your donut holes pop right off after baking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup melted butter. This liquid mixture is the base of our tender donut holes.
Step 3: In a separate, larger bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Give it a quick whisk to make sure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable for a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough donut holes.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean. They should be lightly golden brown and smell wonderfully lemony.

Step 6: While the donut holes bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and the softened 2 oz cream cheese until you have a smooth, glossy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk; if too thin, a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 7: Once the donut holes are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for the glaze to stick properly. Dip each cooled donut hole into the luscious glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set, creating beautiful lemon sugar donut holes.

Pro Tips for the Best Glazed Lemon Donut Holes

Want to elevate your donut hole game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. These simple tips will ensure your homemade lemon donut holes are always a hit!

Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most authentic, bright citrus flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same punch!
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough donut holes instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re after.
Let the donut holes cool completely before glazing. This ensures the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t melt off, giving you those beautiful, glossy finishes.
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can try dropping spoonfuls of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they might not be perfectly spherical.

What’s the secret to perfect Glazed Lemon Donut Holes?

The secret truly lies in the balance of fresh lemon and not overmixing the batter. For the absolute best lemon donut holes recipe, using fresh lemon zest in both the batter and the glaze provides an incredible depth of citrus flavor that you just can’t get from juice alone. For more baking tips, check out these bread secrets.

Can I make these lemon donut holes ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter and bake the donut holes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to make the glaze fresh just before you plan to serve them for the best texture and shine.

How do I avoid common mistakes with lemon donut holes?

A common pitfall is overmixing, which makes the donut holes dense. Another issue is what causes why are my lemon donut holes flat – usually it’s expired baking powder or soda. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh for maximum lift! For more baking tips, consider these last recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Tangy Lemon Donut Spheres

These delightful tangy lemon donut spheres are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate them even further! I love serving them warm with a cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit salad and yogurt parfaits.

For a truly decadent treat, consider a dessert board featuring these lemon beauties alongside other small treats. Think of them as perfect little citrus glazed donut bites that pair beautifully with a light raspberry coulis or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re so versatile and always a hit!

Nutrition Facts for Glazed Lemon Donut Holes

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each delicious bite, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! These values are based on the recipe as written and the specified serving size.

Serving Size: 1 donut hole (30g)
Calories: 95
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: <1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: <1g
Sodium: 60mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving sizes. For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on health promotion and disease prevention.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Cake Donut Holes Glazed

Even though these lemon cake donut holes glazed are best enjoyed fresh, I’ve found they store surprisingly well, making them perfect for a bit of make-ahead magic. Once they’ve completely cooled on the wire rack – this is super important for the glaze to set properly – place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for longer freshness, I pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days this way.

Planning even further ahead? You can freeze these little gems for up to 3 months! Just make sure they are fully cooled and glazed, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. To reheat, I usually let them thaw overnight in the fridge. If you want them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave (be careful not to overheat!) or a brief stint in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C for 5-7 minutes) works wonders to bring back their tender texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Lemon Donut Holes

Got questions about whipping up these delightful lemon treats? I’ve got you covered!

What are lemon donut holes?

What are lemon donut holes? Simply put, they are small, bite-sized baked donuts infused with bright lemon flavor and coated in a sweet, tangy glaze. They offer all the deliciousness of a classic donut but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-eat format.

Can I make Glazed Lemon Donut Holes in an air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re wondering about air fryer lemon donut holes, you can adapt this recipe. Prepare the batter as directed, then spoon it into a lightly greased mini muffin tin or silicone donut molds suitable for your air fryer. Air fry at around 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Glaze once cooled.

Why did my baked lemon donut holes turn out dry?

Dryness can happen if the batter is overmixed, which develops the gluten too much, or if they are overbaked. Always stir the batter until *just* combined, and keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, but don’t let them brown too much!

Can I make the lemon glaze ahead of time?

While the glaze is best made fresh for optimal texture and shine, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it thickens too much, you can whisk in a tiny bit of milk or lemon juice to loosen it before glazing your cooled donut holes.

Variations of Glazed Lemon Donut Holes You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you’ll want to try all sorts of delicious twists! These variations ensure there’s a perfect lemon donut hole for everyone. For a richer, tangier flavor, you might want to explore a buttermilk lemon donut holes recipe, which can add an extra layer of moistness and a slight tang to the cake donut itself.

If you’re looking for a different cooking method, consider adapting this for the air fryer or even trying a baked donut variation. You can also play with the glaze; a simple powdered sugar glaze works too, or you can experiment with adding different extracts like almond or vanilla. Don’t forget about the donut hole recipe lemon glaze itself – you can add a hint of poppy seed for texture or a touch of lavender for a floral note. These small changes can create exciting new flavor profiles!

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