The sweet, warm scent of cinnamon sugar swirling through my kitchen always makes for the perfect cozy treat. These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes are my go-to when I crave something homemade but quick enough to whip up on a whim. What I love most is how effortlessly they combine that crisp exterior dusted in cinnamon sugar with a soft, tender inside. Whether you’re fighting off the mid-afternoon slump or entertaining friends who can’t resist a bite-sized dessert, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite. Best part? They’re simple to make without the fuss of a deep fryer—just a handy skillet and a few pantry staples stand between you and these addictive little pockets of joy.
Why love Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Crisp & Cozy: The perfect crunch meets soft, pillowy centers dusted in warm cinnamon sugar. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients and no deep fryer hassle. Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or entertaining hungry guests. Crowd-Pleaser: Bite-sized delights that everyone can’t stop munching. Homemade Comfort: Fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and comforts without the fuss.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Ingredients
For the Doughnut Holes
- All-purpose flour – the base that creates the light, tender dough you’ll love.
- Granulated sugar – adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance cinnamon’s warmth.
- Baking powder – ensures your doughnut holes rise to fluffy, pillowy perfection.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors beautifully in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon – the star spice that infuses these doughnut holes with cozy warmth.
- Whole milk – keeps the dough rich and moist for that tender inside texture.
- Egg – binds everything together and adds richness for soft doughnut holes.
- Unsalted butter – melted to add silkiness and a subtle buttery depth.
For the Coating
- Granulated sugar – the crunchy, sweet layer that clings to the doughnut holes.
- Ground cinnamon – mixed with sugar to create that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating the recipe is known for.
With these simple ingredients, your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes will come together fast, filling your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma everyone loves!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
- Preheat oil: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (or shimmering). This forms the perfect frying temperature.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until the dry mix is uniform with no lumps and a warm, inviting spice aroma.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. The mixture should be silky and well blended, ready to bring tender richness to your dough.
- Form dough: Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. A soft, slightly sticky dough will form—avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and airy.
- Scoop dough: Use a teaspoon (or melon baller) to portion dough into 1-inch balls. Keep them small for even cooking and that perfect ratio of crisp exterior to tender interior.
- Fry doughnut holes: Carefully lower 6–8 dough balls into hot oil, frying for about 2–3 minutes per side. Flip when golden brown to ensure even, crispy shells with soft centers.
- Drain and rest: Transfer cooked doughnut holes to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for a minute until cool enough to handle before coating.
For the Coating:
- Prepare coating: In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly blended for that classic, crunchy cinnamon sugar layer.
- Toss to coat: Warm doughnut holes briefly with clean hands then drop into the cinnamon sugar, tossing gently until every surface wears that sweet, sparkly coat.
Optional: Warm briefly in the microwave for 5 seconds prior to serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
- Oil temperature matters: Keep the oil around 350°F to ensure doughnut holes cook evenly with a crispy outside and soft inside without burning.
- Don’t overmix dough: Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing makes doughnuts dense instead of tender and fluffy.
- Portion consistently: Use a teaspoon or small scoop to create even-sized dough balls for uniform cooking and that perfect bite-sized texture.
- Drain well and coat warm: Let doughnut holes rest briefly after frying; coating them while slightly warm helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- Keep cinnamon sugar fresh: Mix coating just before use so it stays vibrant and crunchy, enhancing the signature flavor of your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Variations
Feel free to explore and personalize your Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes with these delightful twists that invite creativity and flavor!
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Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for an irresistible twist that adds a rich, sweet surprise inside each bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture that gives your doughnut holes a delightful crunch.
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Apple Spice: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely diced apples and an extra pinch of cinnamon for a fruity addition, enhancing the cozy vibe while adding moisture.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a simple maple syrup glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup instead of cinnamon sugar for a sweet, unique finish that pairs perfectly with the warm doughnuts.
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Pumpkin Spice: Swap 1/4 cup of flour for 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired treat that’s heavenly and aromatic.
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Vegan Delight: Substitute dairy with almond milk and replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to whip up a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness, creating a uniquely zesty flavor profile.
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Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing brightness that cuts through the sweetness, adding a vibrant twist to the classic flavor profile.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
The delightful sweetness of these doughnut holes pairs perfectly with a variety of comforting options, making for a cozy and inviting meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sugary doughnuts, enhancing their rich flavor.
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Creamy Yogurt Dip: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip to complement the sweetness, offering a creamy texture that balances the cinnamon sugar beautifully. A dollop of honey can elevate this pairing further!
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Steamy Coffee: A rich, dark brew brings out the spices, balancing the sweetness while giving you that perfect morning boost.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your doughnut holes transforms them into an indulgent dessert, perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream serves as a dreamy accompaniment, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture that everyone will love.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoying your doughnut holes with a warm cup of spiced apple cider brings a cozy autumn vibe to any occasion, inviting nostalgic feelings with every sip.
The variety in textures and flavors will turn your delicious doughnut holes into a highlight of the meal, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Room Temperature: Store leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you prefer an extended shelf life, keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days—just be mindful that they may lose some crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze doughnut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Reheating: For warmed, fluffy goodness, reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Ensure they are warm before enjoying your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining them just before cooking. Store the dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. If you want to take it a step further, you can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to fry, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Finish by frying as instructed for those deliciously cozy doughnut holes that taste just as delightful as when they were made fresh!
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes Recipe FAQs
How do I know if the cinnamon and sugar mixture is just right for coating?
The cinnamon sugar should be well balanced—just enough cinnamon to give a warm, cozy flavor without overpowering the sweetness. I recommend mixing about 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, then tasting a pinch. Adjust if you prefer it sweeter or spicier!
Can I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes at room temperature?
Absolutely! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and tender. If you notice they’re losing their crispness, a quick reheat in the microwave or oven refreshes them nicely.
What is the best way to freeze these doughnut holes to maintain freshness?
Freezing works wonderfully! To freeze, first lay the fried doughnut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them into a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
My doughnut holes turned out dense instead of fluffy—what went wrong?
This usually happens if you overmixed the dough. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir only until just combined. Overmixing activates gluten too much, leading to a tough, compact texture. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents won’t produce the necessary rise.
Are Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes safe for pets or people with allergies?
These treats are definitely made for human enjoyment! They contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs, so they’re not safe for pets or anyone with those allergies. If you’re baking for guests with allergies, you might want to try an allergy-friendly doughnut hole recipe or consult a vet for pet-safe treat alternatives!
Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes You Can Make Fast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (or shimmering).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until the dry mix is uniform with no lumps.
- In another bowl, beat milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined.
- Use a teaspoon (or melon baller) to portion dough into 1-inch balls.
- Carefully lower 6–8 dough balls into hot oil, frying for about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked doughnut holes to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly blended.
- Warm doughnut holes briefly with clean hands then drop into the cinnamon sugar, tossing gently until every surface wears that sweet coat.
