If you’re craving a soft, fluffy bite of nostalgia, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. With their irresistible golden crust and cozy spiced coating, these little treats deliver melt-in-your-mouth delight with every bite. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up and guaranteed to disappear faster than you’d think!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, Cozy Flavor: The classic spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg is pure comfort in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: You only need 20 minutes—no yeast, no complicated steps, just instant donut happiness!
- Bite-Sized Fun: Perfect for snacking, sharing at brunch, or even a fun baking project with kids.
- Ultimate Freshness: Each donut hole is rolled in cinnamon sugar straight from the fryer for unbeatable texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes is in their short and sweet ingredient list—each pantry staple serves a purpose, from rich whole milk for fluffiness to a dash of nutmeg for that toasty, bakery-style magic. You probably have everything you need already!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of a tender, pillowy crumb—sift it for extra fluff.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! It sharpens flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Nutmeg: The secret to that classic donut-shop depth—freshly grated if you have it.
- Cinnamon: Key for warmth and that signature aromatic spice, both in the dough and the coating.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter for a soft, airy texture—no yeast required!
- Whole milk: Adds richness and ensures a moist, tender donut.
- Large egg: Provides structure and helps the donut holes puff up as they fry.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the batter and the finishing touch on these treats.
- Melted butter: A dash in the dough gives every bite a lovely, buttery flavor.
- Oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for crisp, golden edges.
- Cinnamon sugar coating (granulated sugar + cinnamon): The finishing sprinkle that makes them so irresistible!
Variations
One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes is how easy they are to switch up! Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions, a craving for extra decadence, or just want to get creative, there’s a tweak for everyone.
- Classic Glazed: Dip freshly fried donut holes in a simple vanilla glaze for a sweet, glossy finish reminiscent of classic donut shops.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Skip the cinnamon and roll your cooled donut holes in powdered sugar for a different take on their sweetness.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle with melted chocolate or offer a chocolate dipping sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Dairy-Free: Swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter if you’re catering to non-dairy diets—it works like a charm.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together your flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening, ensuring every donut hole turns out perfectly flavored and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating. Set it aside so it’s ready for the moment your donut holes come out piping hot—they’ll need their sugar shower right away for max stick!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot until it’s about 2–3 inches deep. Use a thermometer to heat the oil to 360–375°F. Keeping a steady temperature is the secret to a crisp exterior and soft, cooked-through donut holes—too cold, they soak up oil; too hot, they burn before they’re done.
Step 4: Make the Donut Batter
While the oil heats up, whisk your milk, egg, granulated sugar, and melted butter together in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dry ingredients in and gently stir until just combined—don’t over-mix or your donut holes might turn dense instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape and Fry the Donut Holes
This batter is sticky (that’s a good sign!), so use two spoons or a greased small cookie scoop to form heaping teaspoon-sized balls. Drop 5–7 at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, flipping until golden brown and puffy.
Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar and Enjoy
Right when you fish the donut holes from the oil, roll them straight into your cinnamon sugar coating. The heat helps the sugar stick and create that signature, sparkly crust. Serve them fresh for an unbeatable treat!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Keeping Oil Temperature Steady: Use a clip-on thermometer and adjust your heat as needed—consistent oil means evenly puffed, golden donut holes.
- Perfect Rounds Every Time: Spray your cookie scoop with nonstick spray for easy release and perfectly shaped, bakery-worthy donut holes.
- Batch Frying for Best Results: Only fry a handful at a time so the oil doesn’t cool off and each donut hole gets room to bob, cook, and brown up gorgeously.
- Instant Sugar Stickiness: Toss fresh-from-the-oil donut holes in cinnamon sugar immediately—the residual warmth guarantees a lasting, sparkly coat.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Garnishes
While they’re perfectly delicious as is, you can dress up Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes with a little drizzle of melted chocolate, cream cheese glaze, or even a dusting of extra cinnamon. If you’re feeling extra festive, try a sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugars right before serving!
Side Dishes
Pair these pillowy treats with a creamy hot chocolate, a strong cup of coffee, or a chai latte to round out the cozy factor. They’re also perfect alongside a yogurt parfait for a special brunch spread—don’t be surprised if they get snatched up first!
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some playful spirit by stacking Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes into a “tower” and dusting with powdered sugar for dramatic flair. For a party, serve in mini cupcake liners or pile into little paper cones. Or, set out small bowls of dipping sauces like raspberry jam or dulce de leche so everyone can customize their own bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your donut holes soft and fresh, let them cool completely and line an airtight container with a paper towel before storing, which absorbs any extra moisture or oil. They’ll stay lovely at room temperature for up to 3 days—just avoid the fridge, as refrigeration can dry them out and make them stale.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes! Arrange fully cooled donut holes on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
Nothing beats a warm donut hole! Microwave a few donut holes for about 10 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. If freezing, reheat directly from frozen and toss in a fresh batch of cinnamon sugar just before serving if you want to renew that sparkle.
FAQs
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Can I bake Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes instead of frying?
While the texture won’t be quite as pillowy as frying, you can bake them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar for a lighter, still-delicious version!
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Since this recipe relies on baking powder for leavening, it’s best to fry the dough soon after mixing for the fluffiest results. However, you can pre-measure the dry and wet ingredients separately, then quickly combine just before frying.
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What kind of oil is best for frying donut holes?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point—vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work well. Make sure your oil is fresh to avoid any lingering flavors, and always keep it between 360–375°F for perfect, crisp outsides.
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Why did my donut holes turn out dense or oily?
Dense donut holes are usually a result of over-mixing the batter or letting the oil temperature drop too low during frying. For oily results, make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan and that the oil remains hot enough—this forms a quick crust and keeps excess oil out!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes a try—there’s just something so delightful about the way they bring everyone to the kitchen, eager and smiling. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast, a bake sale, or a cozy homemade treat for yourself, these little bites promise comfort and joy in every sprinkle. Enjoy!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mix, they are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon sugar coating. Set both aside.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a skillet to 360-375°F.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk milk, egg, sugar, and butter. Add dry ingredients, mix gently.
- Fry: Drop dough into hot oil using spoons or a scoop. Cook in batches for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Coat and Serve: Toss fried donut holes in cinnamon sugar immediately. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container with a paper towel for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh taste.
- Traditional Glaze: Make a sweet glaze with powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla.
- Powdered Sugar Option: Dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 96 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
