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 International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 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 so comforting about the sweet, warm hug of cinnamon sugar coated treats, which is exactly why I adore this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe. They're light, fluffy, and baked instead of fried, making them a healthier yet still indulgent way to satisfy that sweet tooth.

A pile of round, golden brown doughnut holes covered with a fine layer of cinnamon sugar sits stacked in the center of a white plate with a lace-like edge design. The doughnut holes have a textured, slightly rough surface from the sugar coating, and one is broken open in front of the plate, showing a soft, light beige inside with a fluffy texture. Nearby, a silver spoon holds extra cinnamon sugar, and a glass of a light brown drink is blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. 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

I remember the first time I made these donut holes — the smell filled my kitchen in minutes, and they turned out perfectly soft inside with that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch outside. They’re a joy to bake and even more fun to share!

Baked, Not Fried: You get all the flavor and texture with way less mess and oil, which makes baking these a total breeze.
Easy Ingredients: No fancy pantry items here, just simple staples that you probably already have on hand.
Perfect Anytime Treat: These little bites work just as well for breakfast as they do with afternoon coffee or even dessert.
Great for Sharing: They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for parties, brunches, or just passing around with friends.

A white plate with a decorative edge holds a stack of eight round doughnut holes, arranged in a pyramid shape with three layers: three at the bottom, four in the middle, and one on top. Each doughnut hole is covered in sugar and cinnamon, giving them a light brown, grainy texture with a dusting of white sugar crystals. The plate sits on a blue and white checkered cloth, and the background is a soft-focused white marbled texture with some blurred items that add warmth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe plays a key role in delivering that tender, flavorful bite. Using a mix of baking powder and cinnamon helps create that classic cinnamon donut taste with a light rise, while Greek yogurt adds a touch of tang and moisture that keeps these donut holes perfectly soft.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of baking powder, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl filled with caramel macchiato iced coffee, a small white bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small pile of granulated sugar, a single large brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, another small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small pile of granulated sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, 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: The base that provides structure, easy to find and versatile.
Baking Powder: Essential for lift and fluffiness, giving your donut holes a tender crumb.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, imparting warm, cozy flavor throughout.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or Milk): Adds moisture and a subtle coffee nuance that’s delicious but optional if you prefer plain milk.
Greek Yogurt: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender while adding a mild tang.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the batter and the cinnamon coating for that classic crunch.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides richness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings depth to the flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the donut holes brown nicely in the oven.

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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

While I’m a fan of mixing in a little iced coffee for extra depth, you might prefer to swap that for milk or even almond milk to suit your taste. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a bit of nutmeg into the sugar coating for a spicy twist — don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Dairy-Free Variation: Use a dairy-free yogurt and your favorite plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly — I’ve tried this and it turns out just as delicious.
Flavor Boost: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar adds a sophisticated flavor kick.
Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top after baking for an extra-special finish, especially if serving to guests.

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

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Carefully

I start by sifting together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. This little step ensures even baking and no clumps of cinnamon pockets. It’s a small detail but makes a big difference in the final texture!

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients to Perfection

In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg with sugar until smooth, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and caramel macchiato iced coffee. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot—it should be warm or cooled to avoid scrambling the egg.

Step 3: Combine and Stir Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix here — a few lumps are okay! That helps keep the donut holes light and tender.

Step 4: Scoop into Donut Hole Pan

I use a mini muffin or donut hole pan, greasing it lightly to prevent sticking. Then I fill each cup about three-quarters full with the batter — this gives them room to rise without spilling over.

Step 5: Bake and Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. While still warm, brush each donut hole with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic coating. It’s the best part — the sugar sticks perfectly to the butter!

Top Tip

From countless batches, I’ve learned these little tips make a big difference in how your baked donut holes turn out — and I’m sharing them so you nail it the first time!

Perfect Butter Temperature: Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing it with eggs to prevent curdling.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just enough to combine ingredients to avoid tough, dense donut holes.
Use a Donut Hole or Mini Muffin Pan: It helps keep the shape uniform and ensures even baking.
Brush Butter While Warm: Coat the donut holes with melted butter right out of the oven so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a simple extra dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving, or sometimes a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sticky-sweet finish. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a pretty touch if you’re aiming for a cafe vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these baked donut holes with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, I usually serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced meal that feels special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these donut holes on tiered stands or stacked them in decorative bowls. You can also thread them onto skewers for a fun “donut hole pop” presentation — kids and adults both love that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge wrapped tightly, but I find they’re best fresh and soft.

Freezing

You can freeze baked donut holes after coating in cinnamon sugar by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked taste, reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or pop a few in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, then brush with a little melted butter and recoat with cinnamon sugar to revive that crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of iced coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! Iced coffee adds a nice caramel undertone, but regular milk or any milk alternative works perfectly fine. It won’t affect the texture, just the subtle flavor.

How do I prevent the donut holes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease your mini muffin or donut hole pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. You can also use silicone pans that naturally prevent sticking, making cleanup even easier.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before scooping it into the pan to refresh the texture.

Are these donut holes suitable for vegan diets?

The original recipe includes egg, butter, and Greek yogurt, but you can swap those for vegan alternatives. Use plant-based yogurt, a flax egg, and dairy-free butter to make a vegan version that’s just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these baked cinnamon sugar donut holes have become one of my go-to recipes for quick, feel-good treats. There’s something so satisfying about making them fresh at home, knowing they’re lighter but still so full of flavor. I can’t wait for you to try this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe and see how easy and rewarding homemade baked treats can be. Trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!