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 so comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar melting on soft, tender bites. That’s exactly why you’ll adore this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe — it’s quick, healthier than fried, and absolutely addictive with every cinnamon-kissed nibble.

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’m a big fan of snacks that feel like a treat but don’t require hours in the kitchen or loads of deep frying. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe makes little bites of joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon nibble.

Healthier Version: Because these donut holes are baked, not fried, you get that delicious cinnamon sugar taste without the extra grease.
Easy and Fast: From mixing the batter to the oven-ready donut holes, it takes under 40 minutes total.
Perfectly Soft Texture: Thanks to the Greek yogurt and iced coffee combo, the donut holes come out tender and moist.
Great for Sharing: Makes about 24 donut holes — enough to brighten up your morning coffee break with friends or family.

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

Every ingredient in this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe plays a key role in flavor and texture. Plus, a few pantry tips I've learned along the way will make your baking smoother.

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: The base that gives structure without weighing the donut holes down.
Baking powder: This makes the donut holes rise nicely so they stay light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with sugar for that classic donut flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavors.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): The coffee adds subtle depth and a slight caramel undertone—if you don’t have iced coffee, plain milk works great too.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the batter moist and adds a tender crumb without extra fat.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly and blends with the cinnamon coating.
Large egg: Helps bind everything while providing richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds flavor and a lovely texture without overpowering the donut holes.
Cinnamon sugar coating: A simple mix of sugar and cinnamon that gives the donut holes their addictive outer crunch.

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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 tweak for different tastes or dietary needs. I often swap the iced coffee for cold chai tea for a spiced twist, and you can easily go dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt and butter alternative.

Variation: Adding a bit of freshly grated nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar coating gives it a cozy fall flair I adore.
Dietary swap: Use coconut yogurt and vegan butter for dairy-free, keeping the same tender texture.
Sweetness tweak: If you like your donut holes sweeter, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving.

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

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This helps distribute the rising agent evenly so your donut holes puff up nice and consistent.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and egg until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, iced coffee, and melted butter. Make sure your butter isn’t too hot — otherwise, it might cook the eggs.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay — that’s what keeps the donut holes tender rather than dense.

Step 4: Bake the Donut Holes

Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin tin or donut hole pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, brush each donut hole lightly with melted butter and toss in a cinnamon sugar mixture. This step creates that perfect crispy, sweet crust that makes you want more.

Top Tip

Over the years baking this recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure your Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes come out just right every time.

Don’t overmix: Stirring too much after combining wet and dry ingredients can make donut holes tough, so mix just until combined.
Butter temperature: Let melted butter cool to warm—not hot—to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
Cinnamon sugar coating: Coat the donut holes immediately after baking, while still warm, so the sugar sticks beautifully.
Batch size: Use a mini muffin tin for uniform donut holes; if you don’t have one, small cookie scoops work great to portion batter evenly.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

cinnamon sugar donut holes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often dust these donut holes with a tiny bit of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk when serving for a bit of extra indulgence. Fresh berries on the side add a bright contrast I love.

Side Dishes

They go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot tea for breakfast, or alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch. On lazy weekend mornings, I pair them with scrambled eggs to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I like arranging donut holes in a tiered dessert stand, each layer sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and some fresh mint leaves. It looks festive and invites everyone to grab a sweet bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a humid climate, the fridge is better to keep them from getting sticky.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze extras by placing cooled donut holes on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to two months.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover donut holes, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of iced coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! The iced coffee adds a subtle caramel and coffee flavor, but regular milk works fine and keeps the donut holes moist and tender.

How do I prevent donut holes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease your mini muffin tin or donut hole pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. I also recommend using silicone pans if possible, which release donut holes easily.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. The baking powder will help keep them light and fluffy.

What’s the best way to store leftover baked cinnamon sugar donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to keep them fresh a bit longer. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats for busy mornings or casual get-togethers. They’re comforting, easy to make, and keep well, which means you can enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own — I think you’ll love the sweet cinnamon hugs in every bite just as much as I do.