There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm, fresh donuts. These homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are incredibly easy to make right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect because it uses simple pantry staples and requires no yeast, which means no waiting for dough to rise! You can have light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet donut holes ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you prefer them classically fried, baked for a lighter touch, or crisped in an air fryer, this guide has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Donut Hole Recipe
This is the ultimate recipe for satisfying a sweet craving in minutes. It’s a go-to for lazy weekend mornings, after-school snacks, or a simple dessert.
- Incredibly Fast: With no yeast, the batter comes together in about 5 minutes. From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes until you’re popping a warm donut hole in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already: flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and butter. No fancy ingredients required.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: We’ll show you how to make classic fried donut holes, a slightly healthier baked version, and even an air fryer method.
- Perfectly Fluffy: Despite being so simple, these donut holes have a wonderfully light and cakey texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Donut Holes:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our donut holes.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, making the donut holes light and airy without yeast.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Spices: A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg in the batter adds warmth and depth.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- Melted Butter: Creates a tender, flavorful crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: The base of our sweet coating.
- Ground Cinnamon: For that classic, cozy flavor.
- Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the donuts.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes (Step-by-Step)
Making these delightful bites is a simple three-step process. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: the egg, milk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
This recipe gives you three fantastic options for cooking your Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. Choose the one that works best for you.
For Fried Donut Holes (Classic Method)
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to carefully drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain.
For Baked Donut Holes (Lighter Option)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
For Air Fryer Donut Holes (Quick & Easy)
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the donut holes are cooked, it’s time for the best part. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. In another small bowl, melt your butter. Dip each warm donut hole into the melted butter, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s generously coated. Serve immediately while they’re warm!
Tips for Perfect Donut Holes Every Time
Follow these simple tips to ensure your homemade donut holes are a roaring success.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For a tender, cakey donut, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough donuts.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: If you’re frying, using a thermometer is key. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Coat While Warm: The cinnamon sugar coating sticks best when the donut holes are still warm from the fryer, oven, or air fryer.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While classic cinnamon sugar is hard to beat, feel free to get creative! You can add a simple vanilla glaze, dip them in melted chocolate, or serve them alongside a rich and creamy bowl of soup for a sweet and savory meal. For another fantastic no-bake dessert, try our easy peanut butter and jelly pie. These donut holes also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Storing Leftover Donut Holes
These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), grease a mini muffin pan, and bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. They will be lighter and more cake-like.
Yes! While cinnamon sugar is classic, you could also toss them in powdered sugar or dip them in a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze after they have cooled slightly.
The key to preventing greasy donut holes is to maintain the correct oil temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the dough will absorb excess oil. Also, be sure to drain them on a wire rack after frying.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are best when fresh, but you can warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them before eating.
A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. We recommend vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. These oils won’t impart a strong flavor and can handle the heat required for frying.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved making these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, you might also enjoy our Soft Pumpkin Cookies or the ultimate Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. We hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite! If you make it, we’d love for you to leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest!
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes (Quick & Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cook the Donut Holes: Choose your method. Fried: Heat oil to 350°F and fry dough by the tablespoon for 2-3 minutes until golden. Baked: Bake in a greased mini muffin pan at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping once.
- Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. In another, melt the butter.
- Coat and Serve: While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one in the melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the donut holes in batches to prevent them from becoming soggy and to ensure they cook evenly.
Serve Warm: These donut holes are at their absolute best when served warm and fresh.
