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 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 nothing quite like the smell of warm cinnamon mingling with sugar in the air, especially when it’s from a batch of my favorite Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe. These little treats are soft, fluffy, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar dusting that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug.

A white decorative plate holds a stack of about a dozen small round doughnuts covered in light brown sugar and cinnamon, giving them a grainy texture and warm color. The doughnuts look soft and fluffy with a slightly crisp surface, stacking unevenly with some resting on top of others. In front of the plate on the white marbled surface are two similar doughnuts, one whole and one broken open to show its light, airy inside. Next to them is a silver spoon filled with the same cinnamon sugar mixture. In the blurred background, a few more doughnuts and a glass with light brown liquid are visible. 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 become a staple in my weekend mornings. They hit that sweet spot between being indulgent and convenient, and I love that you don’t have to mess with deep frying. Plus, they bring a little cinnamon-sugar magic without the fuss.

Simple Preparation: Mixing just a few basic ingredients to get fluffy, moist donut holes is a total win in my book.
Baked, Not Fried: You get all the flavor and crispiness with less mess and guilt.
Flavor Packed: The combo of cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of caramel macchiato iced coffee makes these donut holes uniquely delicious.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s brunch, a snack, or a quick dessert, they disappear fast—just like mine!

Three round dough balls are shown coated in a light brown cinnamon sugar mix inside a white bowl filled with the cinnamon sugar. Each ball has a textured surface with a visible sugar coating that sparkles softly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon resting inside, partially buried in the sugar mix behind the dough balls. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a soft natural light highlighting the sugar crystals and the golden-brown tones of the dough balls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together very naturally, giving the donut holes a soft texture with the right amount of spice and sweetness. Using a touch of iced coffee adds a subtle depth that’s unexpected but so good. Let me walk you through why each one matters.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a white ceramic bowl with light brown baking powder powder, a small white bowl of warm ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl of caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of white granulated sugar, one large whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of melted golden unsalted butter, a second small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon, all perfectly arranged symmetrically on a clean 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: This is the base that gives structure but keeps the donut holes tender.
Baking powder: Helps the donut holes rise beautifully, making them fluffy inside.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with sugar to give that classic warm flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that makes these extra special.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps them incredibly moist while adding a slight tang for depth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and then again on the outside for that crunchy coating.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Boosts sweetness with fragrant warmth.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Provides richness and a tender crumb in the batter, plus the melted butter coating for the sugar exterior.
Ground cinnamon and sugar for coating: The finishing touch that creates the signature cinnamon sugar coat.

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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 that this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe welcomes your own spin on it. I often tweak the coating or batter slightly depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and it always turns out great.

Variation: I sometimes swap the caramel macchiato iced coffee for a splash of pumpkin spice latte creamer in the fall—totally elevates the flavor and makes your kitchen smell divine.
Healthier Twist: Using Greek yogurt lets me cut back on butter without losing moisture, perfect when I want a slightly lighter treat.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter brings in a cozy warmth that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Dairy-Free Option: You can easily substitute dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter if needed, with just a subtle difference in texture.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

First, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that your donut holes get a consistent rise and that cinnamon flavor is spread throughout, not just in random bites. I always sift these together for a smoother batter.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk the caramel macchiato iced coffee (or milk), Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mixing these wet ingredients well before combining with the dry helps avoid over-mixing later, which keeps the donut holes tender.

Step 3: Fold Wet Into Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overdo it—some small clumps are fine! Over-mixing can toughen the batter, and we want these donut holes soft and fluffy.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Lightly grease a mini muffin or donut hole pan, then scoop the batter in, filling each cavity almost to the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until puffed and golden. I like to check with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a crumb attached.

Step 5: Toss in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Right after baking, brush the donut holes with the melted butter, then immediately roll them in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This step locks in that signature cinnamon sugar crunch and makes the outside slightly crispy while the inside stays soft.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference when baking these donut holes at home. They’re simple, but trust me, you’ll notice the improvement in texture and flavor.

Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting keeps the flour light and helps prevent lumps, giving a finer crumb.
Don’t Over-mix: It’s tempting to stir it all up, but stopping once combined keeps the donut holes nice and tender.
Brush Butter While Warm: The butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly; doing it while the donut holes are hot is key.
Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures evenly sized donut holes so they bake at the same rate without drying out.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, the classic cinnamon sugar coating is perfect, but I've also sprinkled some powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness or drizzled a quick glaze made with powdered sugar and milk when I want a bit more decadence. Sometimes, just a dollop of whipped cream alongside is enough to turn these into a special treat!

Side Dishes

These donut holes pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte. For a heartier brunch, I like serving them with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served these at gatherings is stacked in a glass jar or bowl layered with cinnamon sugar and small dollops of cream cheese frosting as a kind of playful deconstructed donut doughnut. Turning them into mini “donut hole” skewers with berries adds colorful flair too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft but I recommend refreshing them in the oven or microwave before enjoying to get back some of their original tenderness.

Freezing

You can freeze these donut holes once completely cooled. Pop them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, I sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before warming them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through and crisps the outside, reviving that freshly-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of the iced coffee?

Absolutely! If you don’t have iced coffee or prefer not to use it, plain milk works fine. The iced coffee adds a subtle depth and caramel note, but milk will still keep the donut holes moist and tasty.

How do I prevent donut holes from drying out?

To avoid dry donut holes, don’t over-mix the batter and avoid over-baking. Also, adding Greek yogurt keeps them moist, and storing them properly in an airtight container helps maintain softness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. Texture might be slightly different but the flavor will still shine.

What’s the best pan to bake these donut holes in?

A mini muffin tin or a donut hole pan works best for uniformity in size and even baking. If you don’t have a specialized pan, a mini muffin tin is a great alternative and easy to find.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes feel like a warm, cozy secret I love sharing because they’re so easy and fun to make. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, snack, or a little pick-me-up anytime, they bring joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked, just like me!