Timbits from Tim Hortons are bite-sized doughnut holes made from fluffy, sweet dough, available in a variety of flavors like chocolate glazed, honey dip, and sour cream, with a soft interior and a slightly crispy exterior perfect for a quick and delicious snack.
Equipments
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl with hand mixer
- Dough hook or paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Dough cutter or knife
- Doughnut hole cutter or small round cutter
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
- Mixing bowls (for glazes or coatings)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for sour cream Timbits)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate Timbits)
Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast essential for a fluffy dough texture. Use 3 to 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour gradually to achieve the ideal dough consistency without making it too dense or sticky. Your vegetable oil temperature should be carefully monitored with a thermometer to maintain frying at around 350degF, ensuring a crispy yet tender exterior. Incorporate specific ingredients like 1/2 cup sour cream for sour cream Timbits or 1/4 cup cocoa powder for chocolate Timbits to replicate their unique flavors accurately. You'll find that these tips will help you recreate Timbits from Tim Hortons on your own copycat menu with delicious results.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough (using stand mixer or by hand) for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover dough and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut out doughnut holes using a doughnut hole cutter or small round cutter.
- Place cut dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet; cover and let rest 10–15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry dough balls in batches, turning until golden brown (about 2 minutes per batch).
- Remove with slotted spoon and transfer to cooling rack.
- In mixing bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk to make glaze.
- Dip warm Timbits in glaze and place back on rack to set.
- For chocolate Timbits: Add cocoa powder to some of the dough before frying.
- For sour cream Timbits: Replace a portion of milk with sour cream in dough.
- Serve fresh.
Substitution
Timbits from Tim Hortons copycat menu can be easily customized to suit your taste by substituting ingredients like milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. If a deep fryer isn't available, frying the doughnut holes in a heavy-bottomed pot with a thermometer to monitor oil temperature ensures even cooking and safety. You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey, but expect a slight change in sweetness and texture. When shaping the dough, use a small round cutter or a knife to achieve perfectly sized doughnut holes if a doughnut hole cutter is unavailable. Your glazes or coatings can be modified by mixing powdered sugar with different liquids like lemon juice or coffee to create unique flavors that complement the base dough.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature remains steady at 350degF (175degC) when frying to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior without sogginess. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this can drop the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. After cutting the dough, allow the Timbits to rest for 10-15 minutes to develop a light texture during frying. When glazing, dip warm Timbits to ensure the glaze sets properly and provides a smooth, sweet coating for your snack.
Nutritions
Timbits from Tim Hortons provide a source of carbohydrates mainly from all-purpose flour and sugar, offering quick energy for your day. Each serving contains moderate amounts of fat, contributed by unsalted butter and oil used in frying, which also adds to the calorie content. Protein is present from eggs, helping in muscle repair and satiety. Be mindful of added sugars in the glaze, as excessive consumption can impact your overall nutritional balance.
Storage
Store your Timbits in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out, ideally consuming them within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating Timbits, as this can cause them to become stale and lose their desirable texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slightly tropical flavor and healthier fat profile. To make glazed Timbits shine more, brush them lightly with butter before dipping in the powdered sugar glaze. For a baked version, arrange dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil usage. Experiment by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for warming spice notes that complement the sweetness.
Allergies
Timbits from Tim Hortons contain common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The use of vegetable oil for frying could pose a risk if cross-contamination with nuts or other allergens occurs in the kitchen. You should always check with the manufacturer or store for specific allergen information to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Timbits from Tim Hortons are loved for their bite-sized, flavorful doughnut holes that come in a variety of classic and innovative flavors, appealing to diverse taste preferences. Their consistent freshness and perfect balance of sweetness make them a popular snack choice for all ages. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate the beloved taste experience at home, saving money while customizing flavors to your liking. Your homemade Timbits can deliver the same satisfaction with the convenience of enjoying them anytime.