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 (enough for 1-inch depth in pot); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup heavy whipping cream

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that’s ready in just 10 minutes, this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new favorite kitchen hack. Imagine fluffy, golden donut holes rolled in cinnamon sugar and paired with a rich chocolate sauce—yes, please!

A white plate holds a pile of round doughnuts or donut holes, each coated in a layer of sugar that gives them a grainy texture. The doughnuts have a warm golden brown color, some appearing slightly darker around the edges. Several doughnuts are scattered casually around the plate on a white marbled surface, adding depth to the scene. A soft blue cloth is partially visible on the left side. The light is natural and bright, highlighting the sugar coating and warm tones of the doughnuts. 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 can’t get enough of how easy and delicious these biscuit dough donut holes turn out. Honestly, they taste like a mini celebration in every bite, and the chocolate dipping sauce is just the cherry on top of an already perfect snack.

Super Quick to Make: From prep to plate in just 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
Simple Ingredients: Using store-bought buttermilk biscuit dough keeps it fuss-free without sacrificing flavor.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: Deep frying at 350°F gives you that golden crunch on the outside and soft chew inside.
Irresistible Dipping Sauce: Smooth, melty chocolate makes dunking these bite-sized treats extra special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this recipe, the basics go a long way. Using quality store-bought biscuit dough means you’re starting with a fluffy, buttery base, and the cinnamon sugar mixture is a simple combo that turns these little bites into full-on comfort food.

Flat lay of unrolled pale biscuit dough rounds, a small mound of granulated sugar, a small pile of warm brown ground cinnamon, a handful of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy whipping cream, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, 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

Buttermilk biscuit dough: The buttery, flaky texture makes for light and tender donut holes with zero extra effort.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying because it withstands the 350°F heat without burning or smoking.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for the coating.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and cozy spice, elevating each bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for melting into a rich, luscious dipping sauce that balances the cinnamon sugar.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky smooth texture for the chocolate sauce, making it irresistibly dip-worthy.

📝

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're craving a classic sweet treat or want to add a flavor twist, these little bites are totally adaptable.

Variation: For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the cinnamon sugar coating right after frying. I love this add-on during the fall—it adds texture and warmth that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate sauce.
Seasonal Twist: Swap the cinnamon sugar for pumpkin spice sugar in autumn for a cozy, festive flavor. It’s a simple switch that instantly transforms these donut holes into a seasonal favorite!
Dietary Option: You can try dusting the donut holes with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a lighter, sweeter finish. It’s perfect if you want to keep it classic and less spicy.
Chocolate Sauce Swap: For a lighter dip, substitute half the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half. The sauce still feels rich but with a softer texture that’s easier on the palate.

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

A white shallow bowl filled with a fine layer of cinnamon sugar, with three small round fried dough balls placed partly covered in the sugar near the center, and a silver fork resting inside the bowl touching one dough ball. Behind the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there is a pile of many more small, round fried dough balls lying on a white paper towel. The background shows a soft white wall and a wooden countertop at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape Your Dough Balls

Start by opening that trusty can of Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth, even little dough balls. This helps them fry up uniformly golden and puffy. I find that gently rolling them, without squeezing too hard, keeps them light and tender inside.

Step 2: Heat Your Oil Just Right

Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy pot until it’s about 1 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high and use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to bring it to a steady 350°F. This temperature is key—too hot and the donut holes brown too fast outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they’ll soak up too much oil. Patience here makes all the difference!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pot to keep the temperature stable. Let them fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, gently stirring or turning if needed, until all sides are beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a cooling rack or paper towels so they can drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat in small batches to keep the oil hot and the donut holes crispy.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Mix together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or on a plate. While the donut holes are still warm, roll each one generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating every nook and cranny. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving you that irresistible sweet and spicy crust.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Dipping Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with ½ cup heavy whipping cream. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce turns smooth and glossy. This luscious dip is what takes these donut holes from yummy to absolutely decadent.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Warm

Arrange your warm, cinnamon sugar-coated donut holes on a plate with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Serve right away for the best experience—crispy outside, tender inside, and that rich sauce for dunking. Trust me, these disappear quickly once family and friends get a taste!

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience and will help you get the most delicious and perfectly textured Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes every time.

Oil Temperature Matters: Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F ensures your donut holes cook evenly and don’t absorb excess oil.
Small Batches Are Key: Frying just a few dough balls at a time keeps the oil temperature from dropping, resulting in those crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bites.
Roll Evenly: Make sure to roll your biscuit dough pieces into uniform balls so they cook consistently and brown beautifully.
Drain and Cool Properly: Let the donut holes rest on a cooling rack or paper towels right after frying. This helps keep them crisp before the cinnamon sugar coating goes on.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular plate filled with two layers of small round dough balls covered in a light brown sugar coating. The dough balls have a slightly rough texture from the sugar and are closely arranged, with some touching each other, on a white marbled surface. The sugar gives each ball a grainy, sparkling look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is a crowd-pleaser, you can also sprinkle the warm donut holes with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for a decadent twist. For an extra pop of flavor, a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice added to the cinnamon sugar mix works wonders during fall and winter months.

Side Dishes

These donut holes are a sweet star on their own, but pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful brunch or dessert spread. If you’re serving an indulgent breakfast, they also pair nicely with hot coffee, chai tea, or even a vanilla latte.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them lose their crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the donut holes for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back their crispy exterior, reheat donut holes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method refreshes their texture much better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe and gives you the flexibility to customize flavors, like adding a touch of vanilla or nutmeg if you like.

What if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil?

If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it bubbles vigorously and rises to the surface in about 30 seconds, the oil is likely around the right temperature. Just keep your batches small to avoid cooling the oil too much.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Since this recipe depends on the crispy texture deep frying provides, baking won't yield the same results. For a baked alternative, consider biscuit dough baked in mini muffin tins and then coated with cinnamon sugar.

How long do these donut holes stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed fresh but will stay good at room temperature for about 2 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, they tend to lose their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is such a joyous reminder that delicious treats don’t need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and quick frying, you can create a warm, nostalgic dessert that everyone will ask for again and again. Whether you’re sharing them as an afternoon snack or serving them up as a sweet ending to a meal, these little bites of heaven are sure to bring smiles. So grab your biscuit dough, warm up that oil, and get ready to indulge in a delightful homemade treat!