When biscuit dough hits hot oil, something magical happens. The dough puffs and turns golden, the surface gently blistering. Once drained and rolled through cinnamon sugar, the crisp exterior gives way to a tender, buttery center. Dunked into the warm chocolate sauce, these easy biscuit dough donut holes become an unexpectedly luxurious breakfast or quick sweet bite.
Serve them fresh and warm with a side of chocolate ganache if desired (the ganache recipe and steps for dipping appears with the holes below).
Steps + Photos to make this recipe for Biscuit Dough Donut Holes
Step 1: Gather ingredients, tools, and equipment.
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Step 2: Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into fourths. Roll each piece loosely into a ball.
Step 3: Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Insert the tip of a deep fry thermometer halfway into the oil for an accurate reading.
Step 4: Fry several dough balls at a time, about 2–3 minutes, until evenly browned, turning them so they get golden all around.
Step 5: Using tongs or a sturdy slotted spoon, transfer the fried dough balls to paper towels or a cooling rack.
Step 5: Mix 1/3 c sugar and 1 T cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll warm donut holes in the mixture until coated.
Step 6: For the chocolate dipping sauce, microwave 1 c chocolate chips with ½ c heavy cream for 30–45 seconds, removing to stir occasionally. Stir until smooth.
Step 7: Serve immediately with the chocolate sauce for dipping.
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Biscuit Dough Donut Holes
Equipment
- Heavy pot, high-sided frying pan, or Dutch oven
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooling rack or paper towels
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 8-count can of Pillsbury Grands (or other buttermilk-style biscuit dough, not flaky layers)
- vegetable oil for deep frying about 1/2 bottle
- 1/3 c granulated sugar
- 1 T ground cinnamon
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
- 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 c heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Pull out your ingredients, tools and equipment. If using paper towels, arrange them on a plate or rack so they are ready when it’s time to transfer the hot donuts.
- In a large, heavy pot, heat 1 inch of oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F. Check temp with deep-fry thermometer if you have one.
- Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 4 equal pieces. Loosely roll into balls.
- Fry the dough balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes, turning gently with heat-safe tongs or slotted spoon until golden on all sides.
- Remove donuts and drain on paper towels or a cooling rack.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll warm donut holes in the mixture to coat.
- For the chocolate sauce, microwave the chocolate chips with the cream for 30–45 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Serve donut holes warm with chocolate sauce for dipping. Or hand-dip them and transfer to serving plates.
The bottom line
These biscuit dough donut holes prove that a can of biscuits can transform into something truly special. Each bite has the satisfying crackle of fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar, giving way to a soft, buttery center that begs to be dipped in melted chocolate. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, Pillsbury biscuit donuts, the kind of treat that makes weekend mornings feel like a small celebration.
