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 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 just so cozy about those little bites of sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness—these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe deliver that nostalgic treat with less fuss and a whole lot of flavor. They bake up golden and soft, then get rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

A pile of small round doughnut holes covered in cinnamon sugar sits in the center of a white plate with a floral lace edge design. The doughnut holes are golden brown with a fine layer of cinnamon sugar that looks slightly grainy. One doughnut hole, placed in the front on a white marbled surface, is split open, showing a soft, airy, light beige inside texture. A silver spoon with some cinnamon sugar sits nearby, and a glass of light brown drink is slightly out of focus in the background. 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 adore this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe because it’s a no-fry, no-mess way to get that classic donut hole fix without leaving your kitchen smelling like a bakery. Plus, these come together quickly and stay soft for days!

Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, so these donut holes are ready to roll whenever you want a sweet snack.
Baked, Not Fried: You get that golden outer crunch without the greasy aftermath or standing over hot oil.
Lightly Flavored Iced Coffee Twist: Using caramel macchiato iced coffee adds a fun, subtle hint of flavor that makes these extra special.
Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing brunch treat, these donut holes fit the bill beautifully.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fine brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Inside the bowl, there are three round dough balls coated evenly with the sugar mixture, giving them a textured, slightly grainy surface with a light brown color. The dough balls are softly lit, highlighting their fluffy texture beneath the sugary coating. In the background, a metal spoon is partially resting inside the bowl, adding a silver shine to the composition. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look to the picture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This mix of ingredients creates a tender, flavorful batter with a lovely crumb and moisture. The Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and helps keep the donut holes soft, while the cinnamon and the coffee bring cozy warmth.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl filled with caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a few tablespoons of melted unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a second small white bowl of granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, 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: Provides structure and the perfect texture for soft, cakey donut holes.
Baking powder: The rising agent that makes these donut holes puff up and stay light.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic spice flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds subtle caramel and coffee notes, which give these donut holes a gourmet twist.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness, keeping donut holes soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and, combined with cinnamon for the coating, gives the outside that addictive crunch.
Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and moisture, crucial for tender baked donut holes.
Butter, additional melted: Used to coat the donut holes before rolling in cinnamon sugar, giving that irresistible glaze.
Ground cinnamon (for coating): Gives the signature cinnamon sugar flavor on the outside.

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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

While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is a must for me, I love playing with the flavors sometimes. Feel free to tweak this recipe as you like—you’ll find it’s forgiving and perfect for getting creative!

Variation: I once swapped the caramel macchiato iced coffee for pumpkin spice latte—and oh, it was like autumn in every bite. You can switch up the coffee flavor or use plain milk if preferred.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, simply use a plant-based yogurt and butter substitute. The texture stays lovely.
Gluten-Free: You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities; just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Sweet Coating Twist: Mix a little nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar for a seasonal upgrade.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, especially the cinnamon and baking powder, which helps the donut holes rise and taste balanced.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with sugar, then stir in the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, caramel macchiato iced coffee, and melted butter. I like to make sure the butter’s cooled just enough so it doesn’t cook the egg or curdle the yogurt—room temp is your friend here.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want a thick batter that’s a bit lumpy. Overmixing can make the donut holes tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Bake the Donut Holes

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the batter into a greased mini muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the donut holes spring back when gently pressed and are golden on top.

Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While still warm, brush the donut holes with the additional melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. I find this step makes all the difference—the sugar sticks better and gives that iconic crunch.

Top Tip

From making these several times, a couple of things stood out that really make the difference between okay donut holes and incredible ones.

Use a Mini Muffin Tin: It keeps the donut holes evenly shaped and the perfect size—not too big, not too small.
Don’t Skip the Butter Coating: Brushing melted butter before the cinnamon sugar is key for that perfect sugar coating that sticks beautifully.
Watch Your Bake Time: Since these are bite-sized, they can go from beautifully golden to dry quickly. Set a timer for 10 minutes and check right after.
Mix Gently: Combining wet and dry too much makes the texture dense—stop mixing as soon as ingredients come together.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the classic cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a festive look. Drizzling a tiny bit of caramel sauce or dipping them in melted chocolate is a fun treat for gatherings or celebrations.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day. For brunch, they’re great alongside fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or even a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like putting the donut holes in little paper liners arranged on tiered dessert trays—it makes them look fancy without extra effort. You can even serve them in small mason jars with a cinnamon stick for stirring a drink alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay surprisingly soft and fresh, making them perfect for next-day snacking.

Freezing

If I’m making extras, I freeze the baked donut holes before coating them in cinnamon sugar. Just freeze them spread out on a baking sheet for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, warm them and toss in sugar for the freshest taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. A quick toss in cinnamon sugar after warming brings back that freshly made magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without coffee?

Absolutely! You can substitute the International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee with regular milk, almond milk, or your favorite dairy-free milk. The coffee adds a subtle flavor twist but isn’t essential for the recipe to work.

How do I prevent the donut holes from drying out?

The key is not to overbake them and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, storing them in an airtight container shortly after cooling helps maintain moisture. Using Greek yogurt in the batter adds extra tenderness.

Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the donut holes from crumbling.

What’s the best way to coat the donut holes in cinnamon sugar?

Right after baking, when the donut holes are still warm, brush them with melted butter and then roll them generously in a cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the sugar stick and creates a crunchy, flavorful coating.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe whenever I want a simple, homemade treat that doesn’t require a deep fryer or fancy equipment. They’re just so fun to make and even better to share with friends over coffee or brunch. Give them a try—you’ll find that warm cinnamon sugar coating hard to resist, just like I did the very first time I made them!