Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: 5 Secrets to Pure Delight

Posted on January 20, 2026

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes*! These little bites of heaven are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon and sugar. I remember the first time I made them; my kids were bouncing around the kitchen, their eyes wide with excitement, and I could hardly keep up with their enthusiasm as the dough began to take shape!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes - detail 1

What I love most is how simple and quick they are to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create these fluffy, decadent treats that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because! There’s something so satisfying about watching them puff up in the hot oil, and the moment they come out, you toss them in that heavenly cinnamon sugar mixture—it’s pure magic! Trust me, these donut holes are not just a dessert; they’re a way to make any day special, and I can guarantee you’ll want to share them with everyone you know!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

To make these delightful *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes*, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to measure them out accurately for the best results!

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Oil, for frying (about 2 to 3 inches deep)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

Gather these ingredients and get ready to create something truly special! You won’t believe how simple it is to turn these pantry staples into a sweet, comforting treat that everyone will love.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making those delightful *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes*! It’s a straightforward process, and trust me, the smell of frying dough will have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can nail it every time!

Prepare the Dough

First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. It’s super important to mix these well so that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout your donut holes. Set that bowl aside.

Next, in a larger bowl, whisk together ½ cup of whole milk, 1 large egg, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until everything is combined and smooth. This wet mixture is where the magic happens! Now, gently add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture. Here’s a little tip: mix just until everything is combined. You don’t want to over-mix it—this will keep your donut holes light and fluffy!

Heat the Oil

While you’re prepping the dough, it’s time to heat up your oil. Pour enough oil into a large, deep skillet to make it about 2 to 3 inches deep. You want it to reach a temperature of 360°F to 375°F for perfect frying. Use a candy thermometer if you have one, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles right away, you’re good to go! Just be careful; hot oil can splatter, so make sure to keep a safe distance. Always remember to never leave the oil unattended while heating!

Fry the Donut Holes

Now for the exciting part! Scoop about 2 teaspoons of dough using two spoons or a small cookie scoop. Gently drop the dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan—fry about 5 to 7 donut holes at a time. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and puffed. You can flip them with a slotted spoon or tongs for even cooking. Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the temperature of the oil; if it gets too hot, you’ll end up with burnt donut holes!

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Once your donut holes are perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel for a moment. But don’t let them cool down too much! Toss them immediately in your cinnamon sugar mixture (that you prepared earlier with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon). This step is crucial because the warmth of the donut holes helps the sugar stick beautifully! Give them a good shake until they’re nicely coated, and then serve them hot. Enjoy the smiles as you hand out these little bites of joy!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes* turn out perfectly every single time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve gathered from my own baking adventures!

First off, make sure to use fresh baking powder—this is key for that lovely rise. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for ages, it might not be as effective. A simple way to check is to add a teaspoon to some hot water; if it bubbles up, you’re good to go!

When it comes to frying, patience is your best friend. Don’t rush the oil heating process. If it’s not hot enough, your donut holes will soak up too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer if possible, and keep an eye on the temperature while they’re frying. If it starts to dip, just give it a moment to heat back up.

Lastly, don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar coating! A generous toss right after frying is what gives these treats their irresistible flavor. And remember, you can always adjust the spice levels to your liking—maybe a pinch more cinnamon for a kick! This is your kitchen, so feel free to let your creativity shine!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes*, it’s always good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, but here are the typical values per donut hole:

  • Calories: 96
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 13mg
  • Sodium: 124mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Protein: 2g

These little bites of joy can fit nicely into your dessert plans without too much guilt, making them the perfect sweet treat for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

Absolutely, you can bake these *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes* if you prefer a lighter option! To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or a donut hole pan. Fill each cavity about halfway with the dough and bake for around 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. You won’t get the same crispy exterior as frying, but they’ll still be delightful and fluffy!

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes?

To keep your leftover *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes* fresh, store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. This helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps them from getting soggy. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. If you want to enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before diving in!

Can I use different flavors for the coating?

You bet! The beauty of these donut holes is how versatile they are. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a chocolate coating by melting chocolate chips and dipping the warm donut holes in it. You can also experiment with flavored sugars, like adding a hint of vanilla or even a dash of cocoa powder to your sugar. Want something zesty? Toss them in a lemon sugar mix! The options are endless, so let your creativity run wild!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delightful treats, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or a cozy breakfast.
  • Delicious Flavor: The warm cinnamon and sugar coating combined with the soft, fluffy interior create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
  • Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized donut holes are great for sharing with family and friends, whether at a party or just for fun. Everyone will love grabbing a handful!
  • Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or coatings to suit your taste, making these donut holes a versatile treat for any occasion.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids adore these sweet treats, and they’re fun to make together. It’s a great way to create sweet memories in the kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes*, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few delightful ideas to elevate your treat experience:

  • With Coffee: Pair these sweet donut holes with a hot cup of coffee or a latte. The rich flavors of the coffee beautifully complement the cinnamon sweetness!
  • For Breakfast: Serve them alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a fun breakfast spread. Kids will love the combo!
  • As a Dessert: Drizzle a warm chocolate sauce over the donut holes for an indulgent dessert. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
  • With Milk: A classic cold glass of milk is always a hit! The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the sugary donut holes.
  • At Parties: Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dips like chocolate, caramel, or even a fruit compote for guests to enjoy during celebrations.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these *Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes* are sure to be the star of the show! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: 5 Secrets to Pure Delight


  • Author: Belinda
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are delicious, bite-sized treats coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Oil, for frying
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk to combine the cinnamon sugar coating and set aside.
  3. Pour oil into a large, deep skillet for frying, about 2 to 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 360°F to 375°F.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar, and butter.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine thoroughly, but do not over-mix.
  6. Scoop about 2 teaspoons worth of dough using two spoons or a small cookie scoop.
  7. Drop the dough into the hot oil, cooking 5 to 7 donut holes at a time for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
  8. Remove cooked donuts from the oil and toss in cinnamon sugar immediately. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3 days.
  • For a fresh taste, microwave leftover donut holes for 10 seconds before eating.
  • For a traditional glaze, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup half and half, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
  • Dust donut holes in powdered sugar after cooling if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut hole
  • Calories: 96
  • 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

Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, Doughnuts, Dessert

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