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 utterly delightful about warm, cinnamon-sugary bites melting in your mouth, and that’s exactly what the Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe delivers. These little treats are soft, lightly spiced, and baked to golden perfection—no frying required. Trust me, once you try these, they'll quickly become your go-to breakfast or snack!

A white plate with lace edges is piled high with round, sugar-coated mini donuts. The donuts have a light golden brown color with a textured surface, dusted evenly with cinnamon sugar. One donut is broken open at the front, showing a soft, fluffy inside with a pale beige color. Around the plate, there are a few more mini donuts scattered on a white marbled surface, along with a silver spoon holding some of the cinnamon sugar mix. In the background, there is a blur of a glass cup with a light brown drink. 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, I can’t get enough of this recipe because it’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for when you want something sweet without the guilt of frying. It’s a comforting twist on classic donut holes that anyone can nail.

Simplified Baking: Baking instead of frying keeps it light and mess-free, so you can whip these up on a busy morning.
Flavorful But Not Overpowering: The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweet warmth, paired beautifully with subtle vanilla notes.
Perfect Texture: Thanks to Greek yogurt and a splash of iced coffee, these donut holes are tender and moist inside with a slightly crisp outside.
Made With Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need at home already—no fancy or hard-to-find items here.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe plays a role in balancing texture and flavor, making it approachable for any kitchen. Let me break down the stars of the show and share little tips for picking each.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of caramel macchiato iced coffee, a small white bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, another small white bowl of granulated sugar, and a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance 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 your base structure. Make sure it’s fresh to avoid any off flavors.
Baking powder: Provides the lift that keeps the donut holes light and fluffy; measure carefully for the right rise.
Ground cinnamon: Vital for that warm spice—freshly ground cinnamon always brightens the flavor.
Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): The iced coffee adds subtle caramel and coffee undertones; use your favorite milk if you prefer a milkier bite.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the dough tender with a nice tang; if you use full-fat, your donut holes get even richer.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly; using superfine sugar can help it dissolve better.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture—room temperature eggs mix better.
Vanilla extract: Injects warm sweetness and depth into the dough.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Keeps the dough rich without overwhelming saltiness and helps with that perfect crumb.
Cinnamon sugar coating (granulated sugar + ground cinnamon): The final touch that gives these donut holes their addictive sweet-spicy crunch outside.

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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 switching up this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge. Feel free to experiment—you can easily make it your own and still get those delicious, tender bites you’re aiming for.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping the iced coffee for chai tea or almond milk for an entirely different flavor profile that still complements that cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary needs—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
Extra indulgent: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for those special mornings when you want a little extra treat.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in the dough when you want a cozy fall feel.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a donut hole or mini muffin pan with nonstick spray or lightly grease it. It helps to soften the butter and let your egg come to room temperature so they mix in smoothly without clumping.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices so each bite tastes balanced—no clumps or uneven spots.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk sugar and egg until slightly fluffy. Then add the Greek yogurt, iced coffee (or milk), vanilla, and melted butter. Mixing these well ensures your dough stays tender and moist throughout baking.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just enough to combine—over mixing can lead to tougher donut holes. The batter will be slightly thick but scoopable. That’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill each cavity in your pan about ¾ full. Bake for roughly 10 minutes or until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid drying them out.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating Magic

As soon as the donut holes come out of the oven, melt the additional butter and prepare your cinnamon sugar mix. Gently toss the warm holes in melted butter, then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. This step is hands-down the best part—so addictive!

Top Tip

I’ve made these baked donut holes dozens of times, and a few small tricks make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned so you get the best results every time.

Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep your donut holes tender and fluffy.
Use a cookie scoop: It helps make uniformly sized donut holes so they cook evenly and look professional.
Warm coating is key: Coat your holes while still warm for the cinnamon sugar to stick beautifully without clumping.
Keep butter melted but not hot: If it’s too hot, it’ll melt your donut holes; too cool, and the coating won’t adhere well.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for an eye-catching sparkle and extra crunch. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze or honey if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These donut holes pair so well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. I especially enjoy them alongside fresh fruit like berries or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, try stacking the donut holes on a skewer or serving them in a decorative bowl lined with a colorful napkin. Dipping sauces—like vanilla glaze or salted caramel—can transform them into a charming finger food buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft, but to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them wrapped tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully! After they cool completely, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then dump them into a zip-top bag. When you want a quick treat, microwave or warm them in the oven straight from the freezer.

Reheating

I prefer reheating them briefly in the oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes to get that crisp cinnamon sugar coating back. Microwave works too in a pinch but can soften the coating a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk instead of iced coffee?

Absolutely! While the iced coffee adds a subtle caramel and coffee flavor that enhances the donut holes, using milk or even a nut milk will still give you a deliciously tender result, just a bit milder in flavor.

How do I know when the donut holes are done baking?

You want to look for donut holes that are a light golden color with tops that spring back when gently pressed. Inserting a toothpick into one should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make these vegan?

To make vegan Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still lovely.

How do I store leftover donut holes to keep them fresh?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To refresh the texture, reheat them gently in the oven before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes feels like a little act of love—warm, cozy, and just the right balance of indulgence and simplicity. I recommend giving this recipe a try the next time you want a comforting treat that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. You’ll end up with dozens of tender, flavorful bites that vanish almost as fast as they come out of the oven!