Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter); 1/2 cup International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

There’s something utterly delightful about warm bites coating your fingertips in sweet cinnamon sugar. That joy is exactly why I keep coming back to this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe. They’re light, fluffy, and just the perfect morning pick-me-up that’s easy to whip up in no time.

A white plate with a delicate lace-like edge holds a pile of about ten small round dough balls, each coated evenly with a light brown sugar and cinnamon mix giving a grainy texture on the surface. Around the plate, on a white marbled texture, are three more dough balls, including one bitten into to show the soft, airy inside. To the right is a silver spoon filled with the same brown sugar cinnamon coating. The overall scene looks soft and bright, showing the dough balls as warm and freshly made, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these baked donut holes have quickly become my go-to comfort treat. They capture the nostalgia of classic donuts but come together fast and without the mess of frying. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!

Quick and Easy: Makes about two dozen fluffy donut holes with just one bowl and under 40 minutes.
Baked, Not Fried: You get that donut magic without deep frying or greasy cleanup.
Flavor Packed: The mix of cinnamon sugar and a hint of caramel macchiato iced coffee makes these truly crave-worthy.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different spices or mix-ins if you're feeling adventurous.

A white plate with a lace-like edge holds a stack of nine round donut holes arranged in a pyramid shape. Each donut hole is golden brown and covered evenly with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon, giving them a slightly rough, sparkling texture. The plate sits on a folded checkered blue cloth on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are hints of beverage containers and other items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a role in making these donut holes tender, flavorful, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar. If you pick high-quality vanilla and fresh cinnamon, you’ll notice the difference right away!

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt on a small white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of caramel macchiato iced coffee, a small white ceramic bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted unsalted butter, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides that classic donut structure without weighing them down.
Baking powder: This little leavener gives the donut holes a light, airy texture.
Ground cinnamon: The key spice adding warmth and that signature donut flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds moisture and subtle caramel-coffee undertones, making these extra special.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender; I always use full-fat for richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and, combined with cinnamon, doubles as the delicious coating.
Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and depth of flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds buttery richness to the batter and for coating after baking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love these donut holes as they are, but you can absolutely tailor the flavors to suit your mood or occasion. Experimenting has always made this recipe feel more like "mine" than just a standard donut hole.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the caramel macchiato iced coffee for plain milk and add a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy fall vibe. It’s just as delicious!
Healthier Twist: Using Greek yogurt not only keeps them moist but also adds a bit of protein, which means you can feel a little less guilty about enjoying a few extra.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve successfully used a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with great results—just double-check the baking powder you use is gluten-free.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients gently

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk them together to evenly distribute the cinnamon and baking powder throughout the flour—it helps everything bake uniformly!

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl

In another bowl, whisk together the iced coffee (or milk), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg—this is a little thing that can make a big difference in texture.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Resist the urge to over-mix—lumps are okay. Over-mixing can make the donuts tough, which we definitely don’t want!

Step 4: Portion and bake

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to drop batter into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full. Bake at 375°F for about 9-10 minutes or until they spring back when lightly pressed. This part is crucial: watch closely because overbaking can dry them out.

Step 5: Toss warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar

While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in melted butter, then immediately in your cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the sugar stick and gives that classic, irresistible coating.

Top Tip

From making these donut holes many times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make the difference between “meh” and “wow!” Here’s the scoop to help you nail it on your first try.

Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until ingredients come together to keep donut holes tender and fluffy.
Use a mini muffin tin: It holds the batter perfectly, making donut holes that are uniform and easy to bake evenly.
Coat while warm: Toss the donut holes in butter and cinnamon sugar immediately after baking for that sticky, irresistible crust.
Watch the baking time: Every oven varies—start checking at 9 minutes to prevent dry, crumbly donut holes.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just cinnamon sugar, but I’ve also sprinkled powdered sugar or even drizzled a little caramel sauce over the top when feeling fancy. Sometimes, a dusting of chopped toasted pecans adds a wonderful crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for the ultimate morning treat. I’ve also served them alongside fresh berries or yogurt parfaits for a balanced breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like stacking these donut holes in a small tiered stand or arranging them in a decorative bowl with fresh flowers around. They also make cute little additions to brunch grazing boards with cheeses and fruits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container on the countertop and are best eaten within two days. They start to lose that fresh-baked charm after that, but still taste good warmed up.

Freezing

I freeze leftover donut holes on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. That way, they don’t stick together and thaw quickly when I want a treat later. They reheat surprisingly well from frozen!

Reheating

The oven or toaster oven is my favorite reheating method—set to 325°F and warm the donut holes for about 5 minutes. This brings back their crispy edges and warm gooey middle better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the iced coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee with regular milk, almond milk, or even a non-dairy creamer. The iced coffee adds a subtle caramel-coffee undertone but isn't essential for the recipe's success.

What’s the best way to prevent donut holes from drying out?

The key is not to overbake them—check for doneness at around 9 minutes. Also, tossing them immediately in melted butter helps lock in moisture. Using Greek yogurt in the batter also ensures they stay tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Are these donut holes best fresh or can they be stored?

They’re definitely best fresh, right out of the oven, but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheating helps bring back their fresh-baked feel.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely enjoy making and sharing this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe whenever I want a quick, cozy treat that feels homemade but fuss-free. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these warm, cinnamon-sprinkled bites ready to brighten any morning or snack time. Give them a try—I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen like they are in mine!