Crispy Bubble Donuts (Mini Popcorn Donuts!)

How to Make Crispy Bubble Donuts (Mini Popcorn Donuts)

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Pan

To get the perfect mini donut shape, you’ll need a donut pan. Grease the pan lightly with cooking spray or butter to ensure your donuts come out easily after baking. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also use a mini muffin pan, though the shape will be a bit different.

Step 2: Make the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Add the vanilla extract for a touch of extra flavor.

Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter should be thick but not too dry. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up. Gently fold in the rice cereal. You want to keep the cereal as intact as possible, so be careful not to over-mix.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 of the way full. This will give your donuts room to rise and get that perfect airy texture. If you want, you can use a piping bag to fill the molds neatly and avoid a mess.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the donuts for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops of the donuts should look crisp and slightly browned, and the donuts should have a nice light texture when you gently press them.

Step 5: Let the Donuts Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they don’t become soggy or too soft.

Step 6: Add Your Toppings (Optional)

Once your mini popcorn donuts are cool, it’s time to get creative with toppings! You can:

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for a decadent touch.
• Roll the donuts in powdered sugar for a simple, sweet finish.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar for a cozy flavor.
• Top with colorful sprinkles for a fun, party-ready treat.
• Or go all out with caramel drizzle, crushed nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the best part—enjoy your crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious mini popcorn donuts! They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a playful dessert at your next gathering. These donuts are light and airy with a satisfying crunch that will keep you coming back for more.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bubble Donuts

• Don’t Overmix: When mixing in the rice cereal, be gentle to avoid crushing it too much. The crispiness of the cereal is what gives these donuts their unique texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can go traditional with powdered sugar, or try drizzling some fruit glaze or adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Serve Fresh: Crispy Bubble Donuts are best served fresh. They’ll be crisp and delicious straight from the oven, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container to keep them as fresh as possible for a day or two.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Bubble Donuts

• Crunchy and Light: These donuts have a perfectly crispy texture on the outside while remaining light and airy on the inside, just like popcorn!
• Fun to Make: With their fun shape and easy-to-follow recipe, these donuts are perfect for a weekend baking project or to get the kids involved.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a sweet or savory version, you can experiment with different toppings to suit your tastes.
• Mini and Perfectly Bite-Sized: These donuts are small enough to enjoy in a few bites, making them a great option for sharing or serving at a party.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Bubble Donuts (Mini Popcorn Donuts) are a fun and creative way to elevate your donut game. With their crispy, airy texture and customizable toppings, these mini treats are a sure hit for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, an afternoon snack, or something to impress your guests at your next gathering, these donuts will do the trick. So, get your donut pan ready and start making these irresistible little bites of deliciousness!