Name: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

There’s something downright magical about warm little bites dusted in cinnamon sugar, right? These cozy treats are exactly what you get with my Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe — soft, fluffy, and oh-so-easy, perfect for morning munchies or an anytime snack that feels like a hug.

A white plate with detailed lace-like edges holds a stack of round donut holes coated with cinnamon sugar, showing a light brown, slightly rough texture on each piece; one donut hole is in front of the plate, broken open to reveal a soft, fluffy inside with a pale golden color, while a silver spoon filled with cinnamon sugar sits beside the donuts on a white marbled surface, creating a cozy and sweet scene, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These baked donut holes aren’t just delicious—they’re easy and mess-free compared to frying, which honestly makes the process so much more approachable. I’m always thrilled when a sweet treat feels simple enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough to share with friends.

Easy Baking Method: No frying means less mess and way less stress in your kitchen.
Unique Flavor Boost: Using caramel macchiato iced coffee adds a subtle, delicious twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Soft, Fluffy Texture: These donut holes come out light, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon sugar.
Perfect Portion Size: Bite-sized treats make it easy to indulge without overdoing it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a part in making these donut holes light, flavorful, and oh-so-soft. I like to explain the role of a few ingredients especially—since sometimes shopping or substituting can throw off your perfect batch.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a neat pile of light brown ground cinnamon on a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl containing a pale caramel-colored iced coffee, a whole large egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding melted golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl with white granulated sugar, a tiny white bowl of fine baking powder, a small white bowl with fine white salt, and a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base of your batter, giving structure without overpowering texture.
Baking powder: Makes the donut holes rise just right, ensuring fluffiness.
Ground cinnamon: Brings the warm, cozy spice that’s the hallmark of this recipe.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds moisture with a subtle caramel coffee note—if you’re not a coffee fan, milk works just fine.
Plain Greek yogurt: Gives a tender crumb and keeps the donut holes moist without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and forms that addictive cinnamon sugar coating.
Egg: Binds everything together for a nice, cohesive texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled butter adds richness to the batter and serves as a base for the cinnamon sugar coating.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to sneak in some extra flavor or make it diet-friendly, there’s room to adjust it and still end up with a winning treat.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the caramel macchiato iced coffee for almond milk and add a bit of espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor—perfect if you want your donut holes with a bold café twist.
Dietary Tip: Try using a plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly; just be sure to use a flax or chia egg substitute to maintain structure.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a fragrant, seasonal spin during colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Batter Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin—this helps shape your donut holes perfectly. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—dry ingredients first so everything is nicely combined.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, blend the caramel macchiato iced coffee (or milk), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. It’s important the butter is cooled so it doesn't cook the egg. Once combined, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the donut holes tough, and we definitely want softness here.

Step 3: Baking and the Cinnamon Sugar Finish

Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin—fill about ¾ full. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. While they bake, melt the unsalted butter for coating and mix your cinnamon sugar in a small bowl.

As soon as the donut holes come out warm, brush them lightly with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar. This little step transforms them, giving that classic, nostalgic donut flavor without frying.

Top Tip

I’ve made these baked donut holes many times, and what really makes a difference is not overmixing the batter and applying the cinnamon sugar coating right out of the oven. You want that warm butter to help the sugar stick perfectly.

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently and only until the flour disappears to keep the donut holes tender and airy.
Butter Temperature: Melt and then cool your butter before mixing it in to prevent cooked eggs and curdling.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss the donut holes while warm with melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a perfectly sticky, flavorful crust.
Timing: Don’t wait too long to coat—once they cool, the sugar won’t stick as well.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with just the cinnamon sugar, but a quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted caramel can make these feel extra indulgent when you’re serving guests. Sometimes, a little sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch contrast to that soft interior.

Side Dishes

Pair these baked donut holes with a cup of your favorite morning brew—coffee, chai, or even a cold glass of milk works beautifully. They’re also wonderful alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes arrange the donut holes in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand, garnished with fresh berries and mint sprigs. For parties, a donut hole bar with different dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or cream cheese glaze always brings smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donut holes keep well at room temperature for about two days if stored in an airtight container. I’ve found that they stay soft and fresh without needing refrigeration right away, but if your kitchen is warm, the fridge is safer.

Freezing

Freezing these works great! I let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. After they’re firm, I transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They thaw quickly at room temperature or in a low oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes—it refreshes the cinnamon sugar shell and warms them through without drying out the inside. You can also microwave for 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the texture isn’t quite as good.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, and switch milk or coffee for your favorite plant-based milk. Just be mindful to use a suitable egg substitute if you want to keep it vegan.

How do I know when the donut holes are perfectly baked?

The baked donut holes are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark to avoid drying out.

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

You sure can! Make them a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is best, and you can reheat them just before serving.

What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick?

Brush the baked donut holes with melted butter while they’re still warm, then toss them immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm, slightly sticky butter helps the sugar cling perfectly for that delicious, crunchy coating.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these baked cinnamon sugar donut holes quickly became one of my favorite sweet treats to make, especially on busy mornings when you want something comforting but fuss-free. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy coffee break. Give this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe a try — it’s like sharing a little love in every bite!