If you’re craving a bright, tangy treat that’s just the right size for popping straight into your mouth, this Glazed Lemon Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these donut holes are light, perfectly sweet, and impossibly addictive. They’re a wonderful twist on a classic, combining the zing of lemon with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will brighten any snack time or gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate filled with small round dough balls, each topped with a smooth, creamy white glaze that drips slightly over the edges. One dough ball is held up close by a woman's hand with polished nails, revealing its soft, light, and fluffy inside texture. The dough balls have a light golden brown color beneath the glaze, indicating they are baked. The background is a white marbled surface and the lighting is bright, highlighting the glossy texture of the glaze and the soft crumb inside the dough ball. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays a starring role in creating the deliciousness of this recipe. From the citrusy punch of lemon juice to the creamy tenderness of butter and cream cheese, every component works together to achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Milk (1 cup): Whether you use regular or plant-based, milk adds moisture, helping the batter turn out tender.
Lemon juice (1/2 cup): Fresh or bottled, this brings the unmistakable zesty brightness that makes these donut holes special.
Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness which keeps the donut holes tender and flavorful.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the lemon.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the donut holes puff up light and fluffy.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Works hand-in-hand with the lemon for a perfect rise and texture.
Lemon extract (1 tsp, optional): An extra lemon punch if you want the flavor to really pop.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Use regular or gluten-free to give structure to your donut holes.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): The base for the luscious cream cheese glaze coating your donut holes.
Melted butter (2 tbsp): Adds a silky richness to the glaze making it smooth and decadent.
Cream cheese (2 oz): Brings creamy tang to the glaze, perfectly complementing the lemon.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Molds

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to make sure the silicone donut hole molds are greased well with non-stick spray; this ensures your donut holes come out effortlessly once baked, maintaining their perfect little round shape.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Combine the milk, lemon juice, melted butter, sugar, and optional lemon extract in a bowl. This is where the magic begins — the ingredients marry to create that fresh, citrusy base that will shine through every bite. Stir them gently but thoroughly until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Step 3: Add the Leavening Agents

Sprinkle in the baking powder and baking soda; you’ll notice the mixture starts to fizz as the acids react with the bases. That fizz is your indication that your donut holes will be delightfully light and airy. Quickly proceed to add the flour so you capture that lift.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour for a Smooth Batter

Add in the all-purpose flour all at once and mix until the batter is smooth. Don’t overmix here — just enough to combine everything into a thick, lemony batter. The texture should be velvety and pourable but not runny.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Molds and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your silicone donut hole molds. You should have enough to fill about 50 molds, making this recipe perfect for parties or sharing. Place them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they spring back lightly when touched and are cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your lemon donut holes cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and cream cheese. If the glaze feels a bit thick for drizzling, stir in a tablespoon of milk (regular or plant-based) to achieve the perfect dripping consistency that’ll beautifully coat each donut hole.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle, drizzle the cream cheese glaze all over them generously. This finishing touch adds creaminess and sweetness that makes these bite-sized treats utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Donut Holes Recipe

A stack of six round donuts with a smooth light beige glaze covering the top and sides, giving a shiny and slightly wet look. The donuts are thick and fluffy with a golden-brown color under the glaze, showing soft texture and slight browning at the edges. The glaze drips gently over the edges, creating small drip lines and pooling a bit on the white plate beneath the stack. The background is a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, consider sprinkling some finely grated lemon zest over the glaze as it sets. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers can turn your donut holes into a charming centerpiece. These little details make your presentation look effortlessly elevated and inviting.

Side Dishes

These donut holes pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making for a perfect snack break. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Their bright lemon flavor and sweetness complement creamy or fruity sides superbly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your glazed lemon donut holes on a tiered cake stand for a lovely visual display if you’re hosting friends. You can also thread them onto bamboo skewers with small berries in between for fun, handheld treats. Arranged in a decorative bowl or on a rustic wooden board, they become the perfect party snack that everyone will want to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover glazed lemon donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture. If your kitchen tends to be warm, storing them in the refrigerator is fine but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to bring back their tender crumb.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Freeze without glaze for better texture, then glaze freshly after thawing.

Reheating

To warm up frozen donut holes, simply let them thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them rubbery. After warming, add the glaze and enjoy them like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! By substituting plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives, you can create a delicious dairy-free version of this Glazed Lemon Donut Holes Recipe without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

How many donut holes does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 50 donut holes, making it great for large gatherings or to have plenty of treats to share with family and friends.

Can I use fresh lemon zest in the batter?

Yes, adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter will intensify the citrus flavor even more, giving your donut holes an extra zing of freshness.

Is it necessary to use lemon extract?

Lemon extract is optional, but it really amps up that lemony aroma and flavor. If you love lemon, it’s worth including, but the recipe is fantastic even without it.

What’s the best way to glaze the donut holes?

Using a spoon or a small whisk, drizzle the glaze over each cooled donut hole, or dip the tops directly into the glaze for a thicker coating. You want the glaze to just cling to the surface without soaking in completely.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Glazed Lemon Donut Holes Recipe a try soon because they have a way of brightening your day with every bite. They’re simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with anyone who appreciates a sweet, tangy treat. Once you taste that fresh lemon paired with a creamy glaze, these little bites will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.