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 truly comforting about warm, sweet treats that you can pop into your mouth, one after another—like these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe. They’re soft, cinnamon-spiced, and baked instead of fried, making them perfect for a cozy morning or an anytime snack that won’t weigh you down.

A pile of round, golden-brown doughnut holes covered with a layer of cinnamon sugar sits in the middle of a white plate with a delicate cut-out floral edge. The doughnut holes have a slightly rough texture from the sugar coating and some appear fluffy inside, as one is torn open showing its soft, airy interior. Around the plate are a few more doughnut holes scattered on a white marbled surface, along with a silver spoon filled with cinnamon sugar and a blurred glass in the background. The warm tones of the doughnuts contrast with the clean, white plate and surface, making the treats look fresh and inviting. 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

I’m a huge fan of anything with cinnamon sugar, but these donut holes hit a sweet spot because they’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge without the guilt. Plus, they come together pretty quickly, which makes them a go-to when you want something homemade with minimal fuss.

Easy to Make: No frying needed—just mix, bake, and toss in cinnamon sugar for a simple treat.
Beautiful Cinnamon Flavor: The warm cinnamon pairs perfectly with the sweet sugar coating for a nostalgic taste.
Great for Sharing: Makes 24 donut holes, so you can easily share with family or friends—or just savor them yourself!
Customizable: You can tweak the dough or topping to fit your favorite flavors or dietary needs.

A stack of eight round doughnut holes coated evenly with a layer of cinnamon sugar, showing a light brown color with sparkling sugar crystals on the surface. The doughnut holes are arranged in a pyramid shape, with three on the bottom layer, then three above them, and two at the top, all set on a white plate with a decorative lace-like edge. The plate is placed on a soft blue and white checkered cloth, all against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that combine beautifully to make light, tender donut holes—plus, a splash of flavored iced coffee gives them a subtle caramel kick. Here’s why each ingredient is key.

Flat lay of a small heap of pale all-purpose flour, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of fine granulated sugar, a small pile of ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of plain creamy Greek yogurt, another small white bowl filled with light caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, and a tiny white bowl of smooth vanilla extract, all arranged symmetrically with perfect spacing, 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: Gives structure but keeps the donut holes soft and cakey.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these donut holes puff up nicely in the oven.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy warmth and classic spice flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds moisture plus a subtle caramel coffee flavor that’s a lovely twist.
Plain Greek yogurt: Gives tanginess and keeps the donut holes tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and also coats the donut holes after baking for a crisp, sugary crust.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that complements cinnamon and caramel notes.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds buttery richness that makes each bite melt in your mouth.

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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 my favorite things about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want to amp up the flavors or swap out ingredients to suit your diet, these little bites make it simple.

Variation: I once added a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon to make it more autumnal—so good with a cup of chai tea!
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based yogurt and milk substitute to make these vegan-friendly without losing moisture or flavor.
Gluten-Free: Try a gluten-free flour blend, but note that the texture will be a tad different—still delicious, though!
Sweet Topping Swap: Mix in a little nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon sugar for an interesting twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Wet and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin pan. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. In another, mix your wet ingredients—icing coffee (or milk), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla—until smooth. Combining wet and dry separately helps ensure a smooth batter without overmixing, which keeps the donut holes tender.

Step 2: Mix Carefully and Fill Your Pan

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. The batter should be slightly thick but scoopable. I like to use a small cookie scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter into your greased mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly full for that perfect round shape.

Step 3: Bake and Watch the Magic

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tops spring back when pressed lightly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end—overbaking can dry them out, so a little underdone is better than over.

Step 4: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donut holes are still warm, brush or toss them lightly in the melted butter you saved for coating, then roll them generously in a cinnamon sugar mixture. This part always feels a little like magic—the warm donut holes soak in that buttery sugar, creating a crackly, sweet outer layer that’s seriously addictive.

Top Tip

I’ve tried lots of cinnamon sugar coatings before, and here’s what really makes the difference in this recipe: the butter you use for the coating should be warm but not hot, so it clings to the donut holes without making them soggy.

Butter Temperature: Slightly cooled melted butter sticks perfectly to the warm donut holes without pooling.
Coat Immediately: Rolling the donut holes right out of the oven in the cinnamon sugar ensures the sugar adheres beautifully while they’re still warm.
Even Coating: Use a shallow bowl or plate for the cinnamon sugar to roll each donut hole evenly and get that signature crackly crust.
Don’t Overmix Batter: It’s tempting, but mix just enough to combine dry and wet for tender donut holes instead of dense ones.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting these donut holes with a little powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Sometimes, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

These donut holes go beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve set up a sweet “donut hole bar” where friends can add their favorite toppings—sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a dash of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick. Arranging the donut holes in little paper cups or mini baskets makes for a charming presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked cinnamon sugar donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep the coating intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donut holes successfully by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw them on the counter for about 30 minutes before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy warm donut holes after storing or freezing, reheat them in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method refreshes their texture and keeps the cinnamon sugar coating crisp, unlike microwaving which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of iced coffee?

Yes! Regular milk or any milk alternative works perfectly. The caramel macchiato iced coffee adds a subtle caramel flavor, but it’s totally optional and you won’t lose the texture or freshness if you substitute milk instead.

How do I keep baked donut holes from drying out?

To keep your baked donut holes moist, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake them. Also, rolling them in warm melted butter and cinnamon sugar right after baking locks in moisture and adds delicious richness.

Can these donut holes be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind texture might be slightly different. I recommend letting the batter rest a few minutes to hydrate before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover donut holes?

The best way is to warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and keeps the cinnamon sugar crust crisp. Microwaving is faster but can soften the coating and make them slightly soggy.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe aren’t just a treat; they’re a bit of homemade joy that I love sharing with guests and sneaking for myself! Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they bring a little warmth and sweetness to any day. I hope you try them soon—you’ll find they’re just as satisfying as classic fried donuts, with less mess and loads of flavor.