Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes (The Easiest Recipe!)

There’s something universally comforting about a warm, freshly made donut hole, coated in a sparkling layer of cinnamon and sugar. They bring back memories of weekend treats and special mornings. What if you could capture that magic right in your own kitchen? This recipe for cinnamon sugar donut holes is your answer. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly quick, and delivers those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth bites of joy you’re craving.

We’ve designed this guide to be foolproof, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. Forget complicated yeast doughs or long waiting times. This recipe comes together in minutes and, best of all, we’re giving you three different cooking methods—classic frying, baking, and even the air fryer—so you can make them perfectly, your way.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

This isn’t just another donut recipe; it’s set to become your new favorite. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:

• Incredibly Fast: From mixing bowl to finished treat in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute dessert or a special breakfast surprise.
• Simple, Pantry-Staple Ingredients: No need for a special trip to the store. You likely have everything you need on hand right now.
• Three Ways to Cook: Whether you prefer the classic crispiness of fried, the softer texture of baked, or the convenience of an air fryer, this recipe has you covered.
• Utterly Delicious: These homemade donut holes are light, fluffy, and have that perfect sweet and spicy coating. They taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the dough and the classic coating.

For the Donut Holes:

• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our donut holes.
• Granulated Sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the dough itself.
• Baking Powder: This is the magic ingredient that makes them rise and get fluffy without any yeast.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture.
• Milk: Binds the ingredients together and ensures a tender crumb. Any kind works—whole, 2%, or even almond milk.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: For that classic warm, bakery flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated Sugar: The sweet, crystalline base of the coating.
• Ground Cinnamon: For that signature warm spice.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted, for dipping the warm donut holes so the coating sticks perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes (3 Ways!)

Follow these simple steps to create perfect donut holes. The process is straightforward: mix the dough, cook, and coat. It’s that easy!

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Hole Dough

First, in a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay!

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Now, it’s time to cook. Form the dough into small 1-inch balls. This recipe makes about 24-30 donut holes. Choose your preferred method below.

Method 1: Classic Deep-Frying (The Crispiest)

1. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place 5-6 dough balls into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot.
3. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Method 2: Baked Donut Holes (The Easiest)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Place one dough ball into each mini muffin cup.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Let them cool for a minute in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Method 3: Air Fryer Donut Holes (The Healthier Option)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the dough balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

This is the final, delicious step. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Melt the butter in a separate bowl. Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip each one into the melted butter, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s generously coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Holes

Want to guarantee bakery-quality results? Keep these simple tips in mind.

• Check Your Oil Temperature: If frying, using a thermometer is key. Oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: For a light and fluffy texture, mix only until the flour is just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the donut holes tough.
• Uniform Size is Key: Try to make your donut holes a consistent size to ensure they all cook evenly in the same amount of time.
• Coat While Warm: The magic to getting the cinnamon sugar to stick is to coat the donut holes while they are still warm. The residual heat helps the butter and sugar adhere perfectly. Looking for an alternative to these? You might enjoy this delicious apple crumble cake.

Storing and Reheating

These cinnamon sugar donut holes are definitely best enjoyed fresh, on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore their warmth and softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donut Holes

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this easy recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorites. For another sweet breakfast treat, try our Soft Pumpkin Cookies. Or for a savory start to your day, this Shepherd's Pie Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And for a truly decadent dessert, don’t miss our Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

The Best Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes (The Easiest Recipe!)

This foolproof recipe gives you light, fluffy cinnamon sugar donut holes with options for frying, baking, or air frying. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 24 donut holes

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 85

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Donut Holes

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter melted
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the Coating

• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter melted

Equipment

• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Air Fryer
• 1 Slotted Spoon

Instructions

 

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.

Cook the Donut Holes

1. TO FRY: Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry dough balls in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
2. TO BAKE: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place dough balls in a greased mini muffin tin. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
3. TO AIR FRY: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place dough balls in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Coat and Serve

1. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
2. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in another bowl.
3. While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one in the melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, do not overmix the dough.
Ensure oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy or raw donut holes.
These are best enjoyed the same day they are made.

Share Your Creation!

We are so excited for you to try this simple and delicious cinnamon sugar donut holes recipe. There’s nothing better than sharing a batch of these warm, sweet treats with family and friends. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! And don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful creations on Pinterest!