Name: Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can buttermilk Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough (8 biscuits); Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 2 cups to fill 1-inch depth in pot); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe, you’ll be hooked! These little golden bites are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar for that perfect sweet crunch.

A white plate filled with a pile of round, golden-brown doughnut balls coated in a rough layer of sugar and cinnamon, placed on a white marbled surface. The doughnut balls have a warm, slightly uneven texture with some scattered doughnut balls lying around the plate on the surface. The background features a soft, blurred teal cloth partially visible on the left side. The image is bright and clear, showcasing the crispy sugar layer and the rounded shape of each doughnut ball, 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 Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this recipe when I’m craving something warm and sweet that comes together in a flash. It feels fancy but is so simple — basically, a quick way to satisfy your donut cravings without any complicated dough.

Quick to make: From start to finish in just 10 minutes—perfect for a spontaneous sweet snack.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus that trusty can of biscuit dough you probably have chilling in your fridge.
Double the fun: Crispy outside, fluffy inside with a luscious chocolate sauce for dipping.
Kid-friendly: Easy hands-on rolling and rolling in cinnamon sugar—kids love helping out!

Ingredients & Why They Work

I like to keep things super straightforward with this recipe, relying on a few key ingredients that bring fantastic results without any fuss. When you grab your ingredients, pick a good-quality biscuit dough and the freshest cinnamon you can find for a bright flavor.

Flat lay of a few pieces of pale biscuit dough rolled into small balls, a small mound of granulated sugar beside a small pile of warm brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, another small white bowl with thick heavy whipping cream, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, and a small white bowl holding golden vegetable oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, 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

Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough: The shortcut that makes these donut holes insanely soft and tender without any extra rising time.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, giving the donut holes that perfect crunch.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and, combined with cinnamon, creates that iconic coating.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the sugar coating, making the flavor irresistible.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for melting into a rich, creamy dipping sauce that pairs beautifully with the donut holes.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the chocolate sauce, making it dip-ready in seconds.

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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

One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to tweak flavors, try new coatings, or tweak the dipping sauce, there’s plenty of room for creativity in this simple, delicious treat.

Variation: Instead of using just cinnamon sugar, try rolling your donut holes in powdered sugar or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a slightly spicier twist. I love adding a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a subtle heat that perfectly contrasts the sweet chocolate dip—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Diet-Friendly Option: For a gluten-free version, swap the biscuit dough with your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough brand. Just keep an eye on frying times as textures may vary.
Seasonal Twist: Mix some pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar during fall for a cozy, festive flavor. It pairs beautifully with the warm chocolate sauce and gives these donut holes a wonderful seasonal flair.
Chocolate Sauce Swap: If semi-sweet chocolate isn’t your favorite, try milk chocolate for a sweeter sauce or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet option. You can even add a splash of vanilla or espresso powder to the chocolate cream mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

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

A white shallow bowl is filled with a layer of cinnamon sugar, light brown with a fine, grainy texture. Three round, golden brown fried dough balls rest on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, two of which are partially covered in the sugar, while one is plain. A silver fork lies inside the bowl with its prongs touching the sugar, angled diagonally. To the right of the bowl, many more fried dough balls with a similar golden brown color sit piled on a white paper towel on a wooden surface, all in front of a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape the Dough Into Perfect Balls

Start by opening that trusty can of buttermilk biscuit dough—nothing beats the convenience here. Separate the 8 biscuits and cut each one into 4 equal pieces. Then, take each piece and roll it gently between your palms until you get a smooth, round dough ball. This helps the donut holes cook evenly and get that perfect shape. You'll end up with about 32 bite-sized dough balls—just the right size for popping!

Step 2: Get Your Oil Ready and Hot

Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy pot to a depth of about 1 inch—enough to let the donuts float while frying without being fully submerged. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and use a thermometer to check the temperature. It’s important to reach 350°F to get that crisp exterior without sogginess. Patience here pays off; if the oil is too cool, the donut holes will soak up more oil and feel greasy.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Beautiful

Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop. Fry the donut holes for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning them gently with a slotted spoon so they brown evenly on all sides. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color. Once cooked, transfer them to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers.

Step 4: Coat ’Em in Cinnamon Sugar Magic

While the donut holes are still warm, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate or shallow bowl. Roll each warm donut hole thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar until well coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly, giving you that addictive, crackly cinnamon-sugar crust that makes these treats irresistible.

Step 5: Whip Up That Velvety Chocolate Dipping Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds—just enough time for the chocolate to melt but not burn. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This sauce is pure decadence and pairs perfectly with the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut holes.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy Every Bite

Arrange your cinnamon sugar biscuit donut holes on a serving plate with a small bowl of the luscious chocolate sauce on the side. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These little bites of joy are perfect for sharing at a party or indulging in a quiet moment of sweet bliss.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect texture and flavor in your Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe every single time. From frying to coating, a little knowledge goes a long way!

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F ensures the donut holes cook evenly without soaking up too much oil, giving you that perfect crispy outside and soft inside.
Roll While Warm: Rolling the donut holes in cinnamon sugar when they’re still warm helps the coating stick beautifully, so you get max cinnamon sugar flavor in every bite.
Fry in Small Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot—frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature steady and helps the donut holes brown evenly without steaming.
Chocolate Sauce Heating: If you don’t have a microwave, gently melt the chocolate chips and cream over a double boiler to keep the sauce smooth and avoid burning.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

Several round, brown doughnut holes covered in cinnamon sugar are piled on a long white rectangular dish with a subtle textured pattern. The doughnut holes have a slightly rough coating of sugar and cinnamon, giving them a grainy texture. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and the image focuses closely on the doughnut holes, showing their uneven shapes and sugar coating clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fun twist, sprinkle some powdered sugar lightly over the cinnamon sugar-coated donut holes. You can also add a pinch of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a subtle crunch. Fresh mint leaves on the side add a refreshing color contrast, perfect for presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these donut holes with fresh berries or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness. They make a delightful companion to coffee, hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of milk for a nostalgic snack vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon sugar biscuit donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within 1 day to enjoy their crisp exterior and tender inside.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, place the donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the donut holes in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as they can become soggy. Re-coat with cinnamon sugar if needed for that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of biscuit dough for this recipe?

Yes! While Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough is ideal for texture and flavor, you can use other refrigerated biscuit dough brands. Just make sure to follow the same cutting and frying steps for consistent results.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

The best way is to use a candy or deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil to exactly 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil — it should sizzle and bubble steadily without burning too fast.

Can I make the chocolate dipping sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before serving to regain that smooth, creamy texture.

Are these donut holes suitable for children?

Yes, these Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes are a family-friendly treat perfect for kids due to their bite-sized, easy-to-handle nature and sweet, comforting flavors.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of sharing freshly fried, warm donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar with the ones you love. This Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is proof that simple ingredients and a little love can make snack time special. Whether it’s a busy afternoon or a cozy weekend treat, they’re sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to your day.