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 (about 2 cups to fill 1-inch depth in pot); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing snack, this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Soft, pillowy biscuit dough gets fried until golden, then rolled in cinnamon sugar and paired with a luscious chocolate sauce—it’s simple magic on a plate!

A white plate piled with about twenty round donuts coated evenly in a mix of sugar and cinnamon, showing a golden-brown color with a slightly rough texture, several more donuts scattered in front of the plate on a white marbled surface, and a soft blue cloth partly visible to the left, 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’ve made this recipe more times than I can count—there’s something so comforting about those warm, cinnamon-coated bites dipped in silky chocolate that just makes any day better.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, especially that trusty can of Pillsbury biscuit dough.
Perfectly Soft and Crispy: The contrast of tender dough inside with a golden fried crust is irresistible.
Decadent Dipping Sauce: The chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence that everyone will love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe really shines because it keeps things simple but hits all the right notes flavor-wise. I always recommend using buttermilk biscuit dough for that perfect soft texture, and fresh cinnamon for maximum aroma and flavor.

Flat lay of uncut pale biscuit dough rounds, a small mound of golden granulated sugar, a small pile of warm brown ground cinnamon, a handful of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl of rich creamy heavy whipping cream, and a small white bowl filled with clear golden vegetable oil, all arranged symmetrically 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 Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough: The star of the show—makes shaping dough balls quick and foolproof, plus they fry up beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for frying crisp golden donut holes without burning.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crunch to the coating.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, festive spice that pairs perfectly with the sugar and chocolate.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt smoothly for the richest dipping experience without being overly sweet.
Heavy whipping cream: Helps create a luscious, velvety chocolate sauce that’s great for dipping.

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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

One of the joys of this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste or occasion. Whether you prefer a twist on the coating or a new dipping sauce, the fun is in making it your own!

Spiced Up: I love adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for a warm, cozy flavor that feels perfect in the fall. It’s a small change that makes a big difference!
Healthier Swap: For a lighter option, try air-frying the biscuit balls instead of deep-frying. They won’t have quite the same richness but are still delicious coated in cinnamon sugar.
Flavored Sugar: Experiment with other coatings like powdered sugar, a mix of cinnamon and cocoa powder, or even coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile that pairs beautifully with the chocolate sauce.
Dipping Sauces Galore: While this recipe uses a smooth semi-sweet chocolate dipping sauce, you could switch it up with caramel, cream cheese frosting, or even a tangy berry sauce for added contrast.

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

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with a light brown powder that looks like cinnamon sugar. In the bowl, there are three small round balls, two on the left side covered with the powder and one on the right slightly dipped but more visible, showing a golden brown fried texture. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially touching the balls. To the right of the bowl, on a white paper towel, there is a pile of many similar golden brown fried balls stacked close together. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred light background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape the Dough into Perfect Little Balls

Start by opening your can of buttermilk Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough. Each biscuit gets cut into 4 equal pieces — it’s like little bite-sized gifts waiting to be fried! Roll each piece gently between your palms into smooth, even balls. This helps ensure they cook evenly and have that soft, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Get Your Oil Ready and Hot

Using a large heavy pot, pour in about 2 cups of vegetable oil, enough to reach a 1-inch depth. Heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit — that’s the sweet spot for frying these little treats just right. A candy thermometer is super helpful here to keep the temperature steady, preventing greasy or undercooked centers.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully drop just a few dough balls into the hot oil at a time — overcrowding will drop the temperature and lead to disappointing results. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning so all sides become beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Bliss

While your donut holes are still a little warm, mix together ⅓ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll each fried donut hole in the mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. This warm sugar-cinnamon embrace is exactly what makes them irresistible!

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Dipping Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with half a cup of heavy whipping cream. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds — keep an eye on it! Once melted, stir gently until the sauce is velvety smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a perfect, decadent contrast to your warm biscuit donut holes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Plate your freshly coated donut holes and serve them alongside the warm chocolate dipping sauce. These are best enjoyed right away while still warm and tender, making for an unforgettable sweet snack or dessert that’s ready in just 10 minutes total.

Top Tip

Getting your Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes just right is easier with a few insider tips. These will help you achieve that perfect golden crisp outside and soft, fluffy inside every single time!

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Using a candy thermometer to keep your oil steady at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is key. It prevents greasy or undercooked donut holes, making frying a breeze.
Uniform Dough Balls: Rolling each biscuit piece into evenly sized balls ensures they cook consistently, so none end up doughy or over-fried.
Batch Frying: Fry your dough balls in small batches. This avoids overcrowding the pot, which can drop the oil temperature and mess up the crispy texture.
Chocolate Sauce Prep: Feel free to make the chocolate dipping sauce ahead of time. Just warm it gently before serving to keep it silky and ready for dunking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

The image shows about 20 small round dough balls covered in cinnamon sugar, arranged closely together on a white rectangular plate with a textured pattern. Each dough ball is light brown with a sandy sugar coating giving a grainy texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. The dough balls appear soft and slightly puffy, stacked in two rows with some overlapping near the center and edges of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra pizzazz by dusting your donut holes with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can also add delightful texture and flavor variation.

Side Dishes

Serve these warm donut holes alongside a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a rich hot chocolate for a perfect cozy snack. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit salad or a refreshing yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with some brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh without losing their soft interior or cinnamon sugar coating.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the donut holes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat donut holes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. This helps restore their crispy exterior. Warm the chocolate dipping sauce gently in the microwave for smooth dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular biscuit dough instead of buttermilk?

Yes! While buttermilk biscuit dough gives a slight tang and extra tenderness, regular biscuit dough will still fry up nicely and taste delicious.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it bubbles up and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready. Just keep watch to avoid overheating.

Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying?

Baking changes the texture quite a bit—it won’t be the same crispy outside and soft inside as frying. But you can try baking at 375°F for about 12 minutes for a lighter version.

How do I store leftover chocolate dipping sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it gently before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making these for a quick dessert, afternoon treat, or weekend brunch, the Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is a winner every time. They’re simple, fast, and utterly delightful with that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness. So go ahead, grab that can of biscuit dough, and treat yourself to some warm, cinnamon-coated joy—you deserve it!