Name: Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can buttermilk Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough (8 biscuits); Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough for 1-inch depth in pot); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, fluffy treat that melts in your mouth, and that’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe. Made from simple biscuit dough, these golden little bites are fried to perfection, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and paired with a luscious chocolate dipping sauce — the ultimate sweet snack you can whip up in just 10 minutes.

The image shows a white plate piled with many round doughnut balls coated evenly in cinnamon sugar. The doughnut balls have a golden-brown color with a slightly rough texture from the sugar coating. Some doughnut balls are scattered on the white marbled surface near the plate, with a few pieces of sugar and cinnamon around them. The scene also includes part of a blue cloth to the left side. The lighting highlights the warm tones and texture of the doughnut balls, giving them a fresh and inviting look. 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 Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these biscuit dough donut holes — they disappeared almost before I could finish frying the last batch! It’s just so satisfying to have a quick, cozy treat that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Speedy & Simple: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Deliciously Crispy & Soft: Crispy golden outside with that soft, pillowy biscuit dough inside.
Perfect Flavor Combo: Sweet cinnamon sugar coating meets rich chocolate dipping sauce — pure magic.
Great for Sharing: Makes 8 servings, ideal for snacks, parties, or dessert cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to creating your own cinnamon sugar donut holes, choosing quality staples makes all the difference. The best part? You likely have most of these in your pantry already — and the biscuit dough keeps this recipe super simple.

Flat lay of fresh unbaked biscuit dough rounds arranged neatly, a small mound of granulated sugar next to a shallow white ceramic bowl filled with ground cinnamon, a handful of smooth semi-sweet chocolate chips scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of heavy whipping cream, a few whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all 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

Buttermilk biscuit dough: I love using Pillsbury Grands because the dough is soft, flaky, and perfect for frying into donut holes that stay tender.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying as it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point for crisp, golden results.
Granulated sugar: A classic sweetener that binds perfectly with cinnamon to coat the donut holes evenly.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with sugar for a timeless flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt smoothly and give the dipping sauce a rich, balanced chocolate taste.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the chocolate sauce silky and luscious with just the right texture for dipping.

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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

The Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is delightfully simple, but that doesn't mean you can't get creative! Whether you want to switch up the coatings or tweak the dipping sauce, there are plenty of ways to make this treat uniquely yours.

Variation: For a twist, I like swapping the cinnamon sugar coating with powdered sugar for a lighter sweetness. It’s less intense but still wonderfully satisfying.
Seasonal Touch: During fall, adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix adds a cozy seasonal vibe that everyone loves.
Dietary Swap: To keep it dairy-free, substitute the heavy whipping cream in the chocolate sauce with canned coconut milk — it creates a silky texture and a subtle coconut hint.
Flavor Play: Instead of classic semi-sweet chocolate, try white chocolate chips with a dash of orange zest in the sauce for a bright, citrusy contrast.

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

The image shows small round dough balls, some placed in a white bowl filled with a thick layer of brown sugar and cinnamon powder, covering the bottom evenly. Three dough balls are partly coated with the brown powder, and one dough ball sits on top of the powder, with a silver fork leaning inside the bowl toward the balls. To the right, there is a white paper towel on a wooden board holding many more dough balls, all golden brown and slightly shiny. The background features a white marbled texture surface and a white tiled wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Roll the Dough into Perfect Bite-Sized Balls

Start by opening the can of buttermilk biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into four equal pieces. Take each piece and gently roll it between your palms until you have a smooth, round ball. These little donut holes should be evenly sized so they cook consistently. I find rolling them tightly helps prevent any splitting while frying.

Step 2: Heat the Oil to the Ideal Frying Temperature

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer here is key — too hot and the donut holes will brown too quickly on the outside and not cook through; too cool and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy. This balance makes all the difference!

Step 3: Fry Until Golden, Then Drain

Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden brown over about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil and cool just enough to handle.

Step 4: Coat with the Classic Cinnamon Sugar Blend

Mix together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donut holes are still slightly warm (but not hot), roll them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly and gives every bite that signature sweet-spicy crunch.

Step 5: Whip Up the Decadent Chocolate Dipping Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with ½ cup heavy whipping cream. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds until the chocolate melts and the mixture is gooey. Stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the perfect indulgent pairing for your warm cinnamon sugar biscuit donut holes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Arrange your freshly coated donut holes on a platter with the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy them right away while everything is warm and fresh. You’ll love how these quick bites satisfy your sweet tooth in just about 10 minutes total!

Top Tip

Getting your Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes just right is all about a few simple tricks. These tips will make sure your treat is perfectly golden, flavorful, and melts in your mouth every time.

Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Using a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F is key—too hot and the donut holes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool and they’ll soak up oil and turn greasy.
Roll Dough Balls Tightly: I found that rolling the biscuit pieces tightly into smooth balls stops them from falling apart during frying, giving you that perfect shape and texture.
Cool Slightly Before Coating: Letting the donut holes cool just enough so they’re still warm but not piping hot helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully without melting away.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even browning—this little step saved me from unevenly cooked donut holes more than once!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

This image shows a white rectangular plate with a pattern filled with many small round balls of food. Each ball is coated with a mix of fine sugar and cinnamon powder giving them a dusty, grainy brown color with light speckles. The balls are closely placed, forming a small pile that covers most of the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and soft natural light highlights the texture of the cinnamon sugar coating on each ball. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Think beyond just cinnamon sugar! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate dipping sauce for a lovely contrast. For a festive touch, grated orange zest mixed into the cinnamon sugar can brighten these up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence or alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. If you’re serving brunch, why not add a side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs? The sweet-and-savory combo is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving their chewy interior and crispy exterior.

Freezing

You can freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your donut holes in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them soggy. Warm the chocolate dipping sauce gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir well before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular biscuit dough instead of buttermilk?

Yes! While buttermilk biscuit dough gives a nice tender texture and flavor, regular biscuit dough will also work. Just keep an eye on the frying time as the dough’s moisture content can vary.

Is there an alternative to deep frying?

If you prefer to skip the frying, you can bake the dough balls at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t be quite as crispy but still taste delicious coated in cinnamon sugar.

How can I make the chocolate dipping sauce thicker?

Reducing the amount of heavy cream or melting the chocolate more slowly helps create a thicker sauce. You can also stir in a bit more melted chocolate to reach your desired consistency.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to your cinnamon sugar mix can add a lovely depth and warmth to the coating.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe brings a little extra sweetness and joy to your kitchen. They’re quick to whip up, utterly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. So warm up that oil, get ready to roll dough balls, and enjoy this comforting treat that always hits the spot!