CHOCOLATE DOUGHNUT HOLES

Chocolate Doughnut Holes image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 5h

Yield About 5 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
3/4 cup sour cream
Nonstick cooking spray
Vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Orange and black nonpareils, for decorating

Steps:

Make the doughnut holes: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, until a sticky dough forms, about 2 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 340 degrees F. Meanwhile, roll out the dough until 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface. (The dough will be sticky.) Cut out rounds using a 1-inch-round cookie cutter, dipping the cutter in flour each time. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Set a rack on another baking sheet. Working in batches, carefully fry the doughnut holes until puffed and browned, 30 seconds per side. Transfer to the rack using a slotted spoon or wire strainer.
Make the glaze: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a boil in a small saucepan and immediately pour over the chocolate; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and smooth, then whisk in the corn syrup and vanilla. Set aside until cooled and thickened, about 5 minutes. Dip the doughnut holes in the glaze, transfer to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with nonpareils. Let sit at least 1 hour before serving.