There's just something magical about warm, cinnamon-sugared bites fresh from the oven. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly, offering a simple yet utterly delicious treat that’s better for you and just as comforting.

A pile of small round doughnut holes covered in cinnamon sugar sits in the center of a white plate with a floral lace edge design. The doughnut holes are golden brown with a fine layer of cinnamon sugar that looks slightly grainy. One doughnut hole, placed in the front on a white marbled surface, is split open, showing a soft, airy, light beige inside texture. A silver spoon with some cinnamon sugar sits nearby, and a glass of light brown drink is slightly out of focus in the background. 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 have to admit, I used to think making donut holes at home meant frying in a vat of oil and a huge mess. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe totally changed my mind—it’s both easy and surprisingly light, making my kitchen smell amazing without the greasy cleanup.

Simple Baking Method: Forget deep-frying—these donut holes bake to golden perfection with a tender crumb and beautiful cinnamon sugar coating.
Flavorful and Moist: Using Greek yogurt and a hint of caramel macchiato iced coffee keeps the texture soft and adds subtle delicious notes.
Perfect Snack or Breakfast Bite: They’re small, easy to share, and totally snackable any time of day.
Customizable and Fun: You can easily tweak the toppings and flavors to match your cravings or the season.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fine brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Inside the bowl, there are three round dough balls coated evenly with the sugar mixture, giving them a textured, slightly grainy surface with a light brown color. The dough balls are softly lit, highlighting their fluffy texture beneath the sugary coating. In the background, a metal spoon is partially resting inside the bowl, adding a silver shine to the composition. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look to the picture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances classic baking ingredients with a few unique additions to make these donut holes especially tender, flavorful, and irresistible. Here’s why each one shines in the mix.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl filled with caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a few tablespoons of melted unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a second small white bowl of granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, 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 structure for fluffy but sturdy donut holes that hold their shape while baking.
Baking powder: Gives the donut holes a gentle lift and a light texture without heaviness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice right into the dough for that classic flavor in every bite.
Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and highlight other flavors.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): This adds a subtle coffee and caramel flavor, but milk works perfectly if you want it simpler.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender with a slight tang that complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the topping for that perfect cinnamon sugar crunch.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the texture soft inside while helping the sugar and cinnamon stick on the outside when brushing 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

One of the best parts about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often play with the spices or switch up the coating depending on what I’m in the mood for or what I have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a little extra warmth and complexity—totally worth trying!
Dietary Swap: Want to make it dairy-free? Coconut yogurt and a plant-based milk work surprisingly well here, just watch the texture as you mix.
Flavor Twist: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dust the baked donut holes with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for a decadently different finish.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures your leavening (baking powder) is evenly distributed, which helps avoid any uneven rising or dense spots in the donut holes.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and sugar until they’re smooth and fully combined. Then stir in the Greek yogurt, caramel macchiato iced coffee (or milk), vanilla extract, and melted butter. Using a whisk or spatula, make sure you blend everything well so the batter will be silky and cohesive.

Step 3: Fold Wet Into Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into your dry mix until just combined. Take care not to overmix here because that can make the donut holes tough. A few small lumps are totally fine and will keep the texture tender.

Step 4: Spoon Into Prepared Pan

Lightly grease or spray a mini muffin or donut hole pan. Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to portion the batter evenly into each cavity. This helps ensure each baked donut hole has a consistent size for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—once a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, they’re done! While they bake, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for tossing later.

Step 6: Butter and Toss

Right after baking, brush the donut holes with melted butter to give them a shiny glaze that helps the cinnamon sugar stick. Then, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. This step is where the magic happens—you get that perfect sweet and spiced coating everywhere.

Top Tip

After making these a handful of times, I’ve learned a few key things that make the Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe truly shine every time, so you can skip the guesswork.

Don’t Overmix: The batter should remain slightly lumpy to keep the donuts tender. Overmixing develops gluten and makes them chewy.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform dough balls that bake evenly, a small cookie scoop is worth the investment and saves time.
Brush While Hot: Brushing the donut holes with butter immediately after baking helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully—don’t let them cool first!
Avoid Overbaking: Check a minute or two before the full bake time is up. You want soft, moist centers, not dry ones.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar right before serving for added crunch and aroma. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of honey or cream cheese glaze for an indulgent finish that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Pair these donut holes with a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast. They’re also great next to a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait to round out your morning or afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the donut holes on a tiered stand, sprinkle with edible flowers, or serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or caramel sauce. Kids especially love a “donut hole bar” where they can customize their toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting too soft, I add a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

They freeze wonderfully! Just lay the cooled donut holes out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Reheating

To warm them back up, pop the donut holes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This crisps the outside slightly while warming the center—better than the microwave, which can make them a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of caramel macchiato iced coffee?

Absolutely! Regular milk works perfectly if you prefer a simpler flavor or don’t have iced coffee on hand. The coffee just adds a subtle caramel note that’s really nice but not essential.

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

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Using a silicone mini donut pan is also a great no-stick option. Allow the pan to cool slightly between batches if you’re making multiple trays.

Can these donut holes be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. You might need to add a little extra baking powder or xanthan gum depending on your flour choice to get the right texture.

Is it necessary to brush the donut holes with butter before coating with cinnamon sugar?

Brushing with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a beautiful glossy finish. If you skip this step, the sugar may not adhere as well, and the coating might be patchy. It’s a small extra step with a big payoff.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this cozy kitchen chat about the Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe. They’re such a comforting little treat—easy to whip up, full of warm flavor, and perfect for sharing or savoring just for yourself. Give them a try and see how fast they’ll become a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine!