Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 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 something so comforting about warm, cinnamon-scented bites fresh from the oven. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is a game-changer—sweet, tender, and perfectly coated without all the frying fuss. Let me share how simple and satisfying these little treats can be!

A white plate with a lace-like edge holds a pile of small round doughnut holes covered in light brown sugar and cinnamon. In front of the plate, one doughnut hole is whole, and another is broken open showing a soft, fluffy, light yellow inside. A silver spoon full of the sugar-cinnamon mixture is placed to the right on a white marbled surface. A blurred glass of light brown liquid and some more doughnut holes are visible in the background. The photo is 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’m genuinely excited about this recipe because it gives you all the joy of donut holes without the deep frying mess. Baked instead of fried, these cinnamon sugar bites come together quickly, making them great for busy mornings or a cozy afternoon snack.

Simplified Prep: The batter mixes up quickly and bakes in under 10 minutes—no oil splatters or standing over a fryer.
Flavor Packed: The classic combo of cinnamon and sugar is amped up with a subtle hint of caramel macchiato iced coffee, adding just the right depth.
Light & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to Greek yogurt and baking powder, these donut holes are soft but not dense, perfect every single time.
Customizable Coating: You can tweak the cinnamon sugar ratio or add a drizzle of glaze—whatever fits your mood!

A white plate with a decorative edge holds a stack of eight round doughnut holes arranged in a pyramid shape. Each doughnut hole is covered evenly in a light brown sugar and cinnamon coating, giving them a slightly grainy texture and warm color. The background shows a soft, out-of-focus mix of light colors, with a hint of a light blue cloth beneath the plate, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part to create fluffy donut holes with a perfectly crisp cinnamon sugar coating. The combination of baking powder and yogurt ensures the right rise and tenderness, while the caramel macchiato iced coffee adds a surprisingly delightful twist.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a heap of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a single large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl with light caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a pinch of fine salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: The base for structure—be sure to spoon and level when measuring for accuracy.
Baking powder: Gives your donut holes that light, fluffy lift without heaviness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds the warm spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): The coffee adds subtle complexity, but you can swap in milk if preferred.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender without adding too much fat.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the outer coating for that signature cinnamon sugar crunch.
Large egg: Binds ingredients and helps the texture hold.
Vanilla extract: Provides a cozy, sweet aroma and flavor depth.
Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness to the batter and helps the cinnamon sugar stick once baked.

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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 often like to switch things up depending on the season or what pantry staples I have on hand. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to play around and make these donut holes truly yours.

Variation: Once, I swapped the iced coffee for almond milk and added a splash of maple syrup instead of vanilla—delicious and perfect for a nutty twist!
Dietary swap: You can use a dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk to make these vegan-friendly with just a few adjustments.
Add-ins: Some friends love tossing in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and indulgence.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

I start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures all the powders are evenly distributed before anything wet goes in, which helps your donut holes rise perfectly and have a uniform flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, I combine the iced coffee (or milk), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. After that, I add the melted butter, making sure it has cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg. Mixing these together until smooth helps create that tender dough texture.

Step 3: Combine & Scoop Into the Pan

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the donut holes can get tough. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, I portion the batter evenly into a greased mini muffin pan, which shapes perfect little rounds.

Step 4: Bake & Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

Bake the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they're lightly golden and spring back when touched. While they cool for a minute, melt the remaining butter. Then, brush or toss the warm donut holes in the butter before rolling them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar—that sticky coating is what makes these irresistible!

Top Tip

Through lots of trial and error, I discovered that the key to perfect baked donut holes isn’t just the batter but also how you coat them after baking. A few tips from my kitchen to yours:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overworking creates gluten that toughens these little bites—fold just until ingredients come together.
Use a Mini Muffin Pan: It keeps the shape consistent and helps them bake evenly, so every bite is just right.
Brush with Butter When Warm: This helps the cinnamon sugar coat stick better and stay on longer instead of falling off.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Letting the donut holes cool slightly before coating prevents sugar clumping and keeps the outer crust nice.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

baked cinnamon sugar donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving these with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a quick drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce when I want to get fancy. Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cinnamon sugar adds an unexpected flavor pop, too.

Side Dishes

They’re excellent alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a smoothie bowl for breakfast. For an afternoon treat, a hot cup of chai tea or coffee pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Special occasions call for fun—a tiered dessert stand dotted with these cinnamon sugar donut holes makes a stunning brunch centerpiece. For kids' parties, I’ve arranged them in a donut "cake," stacking layers with generous frosting or cream cheese spreads in between for a playful twist everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you leave them exposed, the cinnamon sugar coating can lose its crispness and become a bit sticky.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! I pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, they thaw quickly and still taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked.

Reheating

To warm frozen or leftover donut holes, I heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This keeps them lightly crisp on the outside and warm throughout—microwaves tend to make them soggy, so I avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Regular coffee or even milk works fine if you don’t have caramel macchiato iced coffee on hand. It slightly changes the flavor profile but keeps the donut holes moist and tasty.

Why are my baked donut holes dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, creating dense donut holes. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t skip the yogurt—it helps lighten the texture. Lastly, bake right away after mixing to keep the rise optimum.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Results may vary slightly in texture, but the delicious cinnamon sugar flavor remains intact.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?

Brushing the donut holes with melted butter while they’re still warm before tossing them in cinnamon sugar is key. This sticky coating helps the sugar adhere better and keeps that perfect crunch longer.

Final Thoughts

These baked cinnamon sugar donut holes hold a special spot in my kitchen repertoire—not just for their quick prep but for the little moments of joy they bring with each bite. Whether it's a quick breakfast or a cozy treat with coffee, I encourage you to give this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe a try—once you do, I think you’ll find it as comforting and deliciously fun as I do.