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 reach 1-inch depth); 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 a sweet, bite-sized treat that’s quick to whip up, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe. Using simple canned biscuit dough, these golden little rounds fried to perfection are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar combo.

A white plate is filled with about two dozen round, golden-brown donut holes covered in a dusting of cinnamon sugar, stacked in a small pyramid shape. In the foreground, five additional donut holes sit scattered on a white marbled surface, some laying alone and others partially blurred, adding depth to the image. The background shows a soft, out-of-focus teal fabric on the left, enhancing the warm tones of the donut holes. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the slightly rough texture of the sugar coating on each donut hole. 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 remember the first time I made these donut holes — they practically disappeared before I had a chance to plate them! They’re ridiculously simple but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Super quick and easy: Ready from pantry to plate in just 10 minutes total.
Minimal ingredients: You probably already have everything you need at home.
Perfect bite-sized indulgence: These donut holes are just the right size for guilt-free snacking or sharing.
Loaded with flavor: The cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect nostalgic touch, and the chocolate sauce seals the deal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients before diving in — besides being straightforward, they each play an important role. When shopping, look for quality canned biscuit dough to keep things effortless, and don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating for that classic finish.

Flat lay of a small stack of four round, pale biscuit dough pieces with soft folds, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny semi-sweet chocolate chips, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of smooth heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl holding fine granulated sugar, and a small white bowl containing warm golden vegetable oil, 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

Buttermilk biscuit dough: This is the star of the show, providing a fluffy, tender base that fries up beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying; it heats evenly and keeps the donut holes crispy without flavor interference.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crunch when mixed with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a smooth, rich dipping sauce that balances the sweet and spicy.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy, luscious texture for the chocolate dipping sauce.

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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 best things about this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or accommodate dietary needs, these donut holes are incredibly flexible and forgiving.

Variation: For a little twist, try swapping the cinnamon sugar coating with powdered sugar or vanilla sugar for a slightly different, yet still sweet, finish. I’ve done this when I ran out of cinnamon, and honestly, the donut holes were just as addictive!
Diet-friendly tweak: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can lighten the chocolate dipping sauce by substituting heavy cream with evaporated milk and using lower-fat chocolate chips. It changes the sauce’s texture a bit, but it still satisfies that chocolate craving.
Seasonal touch: Around the holidays, I love adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix. It adds a cozy, festive aroma that makes these even more irresistible.
Serving suggestion: Keep the chocolate sauce warm by placing the bowl over simmering water if you’re serving these over a longer period—no one likes cold, clumpy chocolate!

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

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layer of light brown cinnamon sugar powder with three round, golden-brown fried dough balls placed on top, two of them coated in the cinnamon sugar and one plain, resting beside a silver fork partially buried in the powder. Next to the bowl, on a white paper towel, there is a pile of many more similar golden-brown fried dough balls. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light wooden board partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape the Dough Balls

Start by opening your can of buttermilk Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into four equal pieces. I like to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Then, roll each piece gently between your palms to form smooth, even balls. This helps them fry evenly and results in that perfect little donut hole shape. This part only takes about 5 minutes and is always quite fun!

Step 2: Get That Oil Perfectly Hot

Next, pour about 2 cups of vegetable oil into a large heavy pot, just enough to reach a 1-inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to watch for exactly 350°F. Maintaining this temperature is crucial—it ensures your donut holes fry up golden and crispy without soaking up too much oil. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small piece of dough in the oil; it should bubble vigorously right away.

Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes Until Golden

Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil—be mindful not to overcrowd the pot, as that can lower the oil temperature. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly and become beautifully golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. They’ll be hot, so let them cool just enough to handle before moving on. Repeat until all donut holes are fried. This step only takes about 5 minutes total.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. While the donut holes are still warm but not too hot, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar until they’re fully coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving every bite that sweet, cinnamony crunch. This part is quick, and the smell will have you impatient to dig in!

Step 5: Whip Up the Smooth Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds until the chocolate is melted. Then stir vigorously until you achieve a silky-smooth, creamy sauce. This dipping partner brings such a wonderful balance to the warm, spiced donut holes—feel free to make a little extra if you’re a chocolate lover like me!

Step 6: Arrange and Enjoy!

Arrange your freshly coated donut holes on a serving platter with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. These are at their absolute best when served warm, so gather your friends or family, grab a donut hole, dip in the luscious sauce, and enjoy that cozy, comforting blend of crispy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from the kitchen, where a little know-how turns good Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes into a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re frying for the first time or a seasoned pro, these nuggets of joy deserve a bit of extra care.

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Using a candy thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F ensures your donut holes cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust without soaking up too much oil.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and to give each donut hole room to puff up and brown beautifully.
Roll Smooth Balls: Taking a moment to roll each piece of biscuit dough into smooth, round balls helps them cook uniformly and look visually delightful.
Cool Slightly Before Coating: Allowing the donut holes to cool just enough so they’re warm but not hot avoids melting the cinnamon sugar coating into a sticky mess.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

A white rectangular plate with a geometric pattern holds many small round dough balls covered in a light brown sugar and cinnamon coating. The dough balls are arranged closely together, showing their rough textured surfaces with a dusting of sugar crystals that catch the light. The background is a white marbled texture, enhancing the warm, cinnamon color of the dough balls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate these cozy bites by sprinkling a pinch of powdered sugar over the top or adding a dash of extra cinnamon sugar for contrast. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves on the side add a fresh burst of color and flavor that complements the warm sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and sweet with complementary sides like a creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. For a brunch gathering, pair with fresh fruit salad or a light smoothie to balance the richness of the donut holes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them nicely fresh without getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm donut holes in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and regain their crisp exterior. Serve right away with freshly warmed chocolate dipping sauce for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other biscuit dough brands for this recipe?

Yes! While Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits are recommended for their texture and flavor, other canned biscuit doughs work well too. Just be sure they’re raw dough meant for baking and not pre-cooked or refrigerated biscuit dough.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

If you don’t have one, heat the oil over medium heat and test with a small piece of dough. If it sizzles and rises quickly without browning too fast, it’s close to 350°F. However, a thermometer is the best way to ensure consistent results and safety.

Can I bake the donut holes instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for frying to achieve that crisp exterior and tender inside. Baking may yield a different texture but you can try baking biscuit dough balls at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, keeping an eye on them until golden.

How do I keep the chocolate dipping sauce smooth?

Stir the chocolate sauce well after microwaving until smooth. If it thickens while serving, warm it gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes feels like a warm hug from the inside. In just 10 minutes, you get to enjoy an easy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or an impromptu snack, these little fried delights with their sweet cinnamon sugar coating and decadent chocolate dip are sure to bring smiles all around. So grab your biscuit dough, heat that oil, and let these delicious donut holes brighten your day!