Krispy Kreme Donut Balls

Catherine was helpful when it came to coming up with another cool idea for the New Year's themed Family Game Night of "balls" (as in the ball drops at midnight).  We were sitting around and she thought of donut balls.  As we looked on Pinterest, she thought to search for Krispy Kremes... absolute GENIUS that girl of mine!  We found this one for the donuts and modified it to make donut balls rather than the whole donut.  Finger-licking good, I tell you!

• 2 (1/4 oz.) packages yeast or 4-½ tsp. yeast
• ⅓ cup water (105-115F / 40-46C)
• 1½ cup milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup butter
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• Canola oil for frying

Donut Glaze

• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 5-7 Tbsp. evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a standing mixer, add lukewarm water and yeast.  Let it sit until dissolved for about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile in a microwave safe medium bowl, heat milk for about 2 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
3. Add, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter and 2 cups of flour to bowl of yeast.
4. Mix for 2 minutes at medium speed.
5. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and continue mixing dough, scraping down sides – dough will be slightly sticky.
6. Place dough in a large greased bowl, covering loosely with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled.
   
7. When ready to work with dough, preheat Fry Daddy
   (Original instructions called to use a large sauce pan with 3” high of oil at medium heat until 375 degrees)
8. Roll dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
9. Cut donut balls using a donut cutter or cookie cutter about one 1-inch.
10. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
11. Carefully drop donuts into hot oil, only 3-4 at a time.
12. Fry, turning once, for about 1-2 minutes total, or until golden brown.
13. Drain on prepared paper towels.
    
14. For the donut glaze, in a microwave safe bowl melt the butter.
15. Remove and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything comes together.
16. Add evaporated milk until you have reached desired consistency
17. Dip donuts in glaze and let them drip on the rack.
    (If you are like my daughter, you may want to double dip in the glaze once first dip has dried)

Yields at least 6 dozen donut balls

Adapted from Immaculate Bites blog