Warm, soft donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar are quick to bake and taste like a small treat.
These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes are simple and fast to make. They bake in a mini muffin pan and finish with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating. If you like cinnamon treats, you may also enjoy this cinnamon sugar donut bread.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is quick, uses common pantry ingredients, and makes many bite-size treats. They are baked, not fried, so they are easier and cleaner to make. They work for breakfasts, snacks, or parties.
How to make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Ingredients :
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk (any kind (I used 2%))
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste ((or vanilla extract))
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attached until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in egg, milk, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and incorporate until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as that will result in a denser donut.
- Spoon mixture in a large ziplock bag and cut the tip of the bottom corner. Pipe filling into each muffin cavity, filling 3/4 full. Alternatively, you can spoon batter into each muffin cavity, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once donut holes are completely cooled, make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour melted butter into a small bowl and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the white sugar and cinnamon. Working one at a time, take each donut hole, dip completely into melted butter, and then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring that the entire donut hole is coated. Repeat until all donut holes are coated in mixture.
How to serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Put them on a plate or in a basket for guests. They go well with coffee, tea, or milk.
How to store Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Keep donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven if desired.
Tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
- Do not over-mix the batter. Mix until just combined.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill the pan neatly.
- Cool completely before coating so the sugar sticks well.
- If you want extra butter flavor, brush with a little more melted butter before rolling in sugar.
Variation (if any)
- Add a little nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm spice twist.
- Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly tangier bite.
- Make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and drizzle instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk, and replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt.
Q: Can I make full-size donuts instead?
A: You can, but bake time will be longer. Use a standard donut pan and check doneness with a toothpick.
Q: Can I skip the melted butter step and just roll in cinnamon sugar?
A: The melted butter helps the sugar stick. If you skip it, the coating will not stick as well.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Small mini chips would work. Fold them in gently so the batter stays light.
Conclusion
If you want another similar baked cinnamon treat, check this recipe from Live Well Bake Often for baked cinnamon sugar donut holes. For a different take on cinnamon bread-style sweets, see the version at Craving Home Cooked for cinnamon sugar donut holes.