Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

There is something irresistible about a batch of warm, homemade donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar. They are crisp and lightly golden on the outside, soft and tender in the center, and covered in a fragrant mixture of cinnamon and sugar that makes every bite taste like a cozy bakery treat.

These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are surprisingly simple to make at home. The dough comes together with everyday pantry ingredients, and once the little dough balls are fried until golden, they are tossed in cinnamon sugar while still warm so the coating sticks beautifully.

They make a wonderful breakfast, weekend treat, afternoon snack, or sweet addition to a brunch table. Serve them on their own or alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

These homemade donut holes are especially appealing because they don’t require complicated ingredients or advanced baking skills.

• Quick and easy: The dough is simple and doesn’t require yeast or a long rising period.
• Soft inside: A lightly enriched dough gives the centers a tender, cake-like texture.
• Crispy outside: Frying creates a delicate golden crust around each donut hole.
• Perfect cinnamon-sugar coating: Tossing the warm donut holes in the coating gives them a sweet, aromatic finish.
• Great for sharing: Their small size makes them perfect for parties, brunches, and family gatherings.
• Easy to customize: You can add vanilla, nutmeg, or even a simple glaze for a different variation.

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

The cinnamon sugar can easily be adjusted to taste. If you enjoy a stronger cinnamon flavor, add another 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Before making the dough, prepare the coating so it is ready as soon as the donut holes come out of the oil.

Add the granulated sugar and cinnamon to a shallow bowl. Stir thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

Set the mixture aside.

Having the coating prepared ahead of time is important because the donut holes are easiest to coat while they are still warm.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Mixing these ingredients thoroughly at this stage helps distribute the baking powder and cinnamon evenly, so every donut hole has a consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the egg mixture. You don’t want it to be extremely hot.

Whisk until everything is smoothly combined.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients.

Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently stir until the ingredients are just combined.

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid mixing it excessively. Overmixing can develop too much gluten and result in donut holes that are heavier rather than light and tender.

If the dough seems unusually wet, add a small amount of flour, about one tablespoon at a time. If it seems very dry, add a small splash of milk.

Step 5: Shape the Donut Holes

Lightly flour your hands or use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough.

Take approximately one tablespoon of dough at a time and gently roll it between your palms to form a small, smooth ball.

Try to keep the pieces approximately the same size. Uniform donut holes will cook more evenly, preventing some from becoming overly browned while others remain undercooked.

Place the shaped dough balls on a lightly floured tray while you finish forming the remaining dough.

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