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 magical about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar filling the kitchen—and these baked treats capture that perfectly. This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is my go-to when I want a cozy, slightly indulgent snack that doesn’t have you standing over hot oil. They're soft, golden, and coated in that classic cinnamon sugar blend you’ll want to munch on for days.

A white plate with a decorative lace-like edge holds a pile of small, round doughnut holes covered evenly in a light brown sugar and cinnamon coating, giving them a grainy texture. One doughnut hole is placed on the white marbled surface in front of the plate, shown whole, while another nearby is broken in half, revealing a soft, fluffy, light beige interior. To the right on the surface, an old silver spoon rests filled with more cinnamon sugar mixture. In the background, partially blurred, there is a glass with a light brown drink and more doughnut holes scattered on the white marbled surface. 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

Honestly, these baked donut holes took me by surprise when I first tried the recipe. They're just the right balance of fluffy and lightly crisp, and baking them means less mess with oil but all the flavor you crave. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating is the kind of sweet comfort that feels like a hug on a plate.

Easy Baking: No frying needed—simply bake these donut holes for a fuss-free treat.
Flavor Packed: The mix of cinnamon and sugar dusting adds that nostalgic, irresistible sweetness.
Perfect for Breakfast or Snack: These little bites work great any time you want a cozy, homemade nibble.
Customizable: Add your favorite flavors or toppings to make them uniquely yours.

A white plate with a delicate lace-like rim holds a pyramid stack of eight round doughnut holes covered in a fine mix of cinnamon and sugar, giving them a light brown and slightly sparkly appearance with a textured surface. The plate sits on a folded blue and white striped cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are out-of-focus objects including a coffee drink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this recipe come together to create a tender dough with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The Greek yogurt adds softness without weighing down the batter, while the caramel macchiato iced coffee (or milk) gives it a subtle depth and moisture that’s very satisfying.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with baking powder powder, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt displayed as loose crystals on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with caramel-colored iced coffee, a small white bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl with golden melted butter, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a second small white bowl of granulated sugar, and a second small white bowl of ground cinnamon, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Provides structure but keeps the donut holes tender because it’s not too heavy.
Baking powder: The key to those delightful, light donut holes that puff up in the oven.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that classic spice that pairs beautifully with sugar for the coating and the batter.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
International Delight Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee (or milk): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone, and if you skip the coffee, milk works just as well.
Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the dough tender and slightly tangy for a nice flavor depth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the batter and the coating to give that perfect sugary crunch.
Large egg: Binds everything together and helps with the airy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it enriches the dough and makes sure the donut holes are soft.

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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 the things I love most about this Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I've played around with flavors and coatings to match whatever mood I'm in or the occasion. You should definitely feel free to experiment!

Variation: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice turns these donut holes into a cozy fall treat — perfect for weekend mornings by the fire.
Dietary Switch: I’ve tried using almond milk instead of iced coffee and swapped Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative with great success.
Sweet Twist: Sometimes I mix a little powdered sugar glaze for drizzling, adding an extra bit of indulgence without overwhelming the cinnamon sugar.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This helps to evenly distribute all the rising agents and spices — a little trick I learned to avoid clumps and ensure every bite has a consistent flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, then add the plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, melted butter, and caramel macchiato iced coffee (or milk). Mixing these well creates a smooth base that'll keep your dough soft and moist without being heavy.

Step 3: Bring It Together Without Overmixing

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently with a spatula just until everything comes together. Resist the urge to overmix here — a few small lumps are okay and will keep your donut holes tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Portion and Bake

Scoop the batter into a greased mini muffin or donut hole pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when pressed. Watch closely after the 8-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Magic

While the donut holes are baking, melt the remaining butter for the coating. Once the baked donut holes are out and slightly cooled but still warm, brush or gently toss them in the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving that classic finish.

Top Tip

Making these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes has been a small kitchen ritual of mine, and I’ve learned that small details can really elevate them. Here are a few tips to help you nail it every time.

Don’t Skip Cooling Slightly: Coating the donut holes while they’re just warm works best, but if they’re too hot they’ll get soggy.
Use a Mini Muffin Pan: I found this creates uniformly round, perfectly sized donut holes that are easier to handle than freeform baking.
Brush Butter, Don’t Drizzle: Brushing melted butter onto each donut hole ensures the coating is even and keeps them from getting too greasy.
Fresh Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Mix your cinnamon and sugar right before coating to keep the flavors bright and aromatic.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

baked cinnamon sugar donuts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple — a dusting of powdered sugar on top after the cinnamon sugar coating adds a lovely contrast. Sometimes, for a special touch, I sprinkle a few crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips around the plate when serving them to friends.

Side Dishes

These donut holes are lovely alongside a frothy latte or a chilled iced coffee — sort of mirroring the caramel macchiato flavor in the recipe. For a brunch spread, they’re delightful next to fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these donut holes on a tiered serving stand for a little get-together, alternating layers with fresh berries and small edible flowers for color and flair. Trust me, the cuteness and flavor were a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually put a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture so they don’t turn soggy too quickly.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze surprisingly well! After coating and cooling them completely, I place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers between. They can last up to a month frozen, ready for a quick thaw and reheat.

Reheating

To warm them back up, pop the frozen donut holes in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. This revives their soft texture and that lovely cinnamon sugar coating without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! The coffee adds a subtle caramel and mocha flavor, but plain milk works just as well and keeps the donut holes tender and moist.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt gives a nice tang and moistness, but you can substitute it with sour cream or even regular yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.

How do I know when the donut holes are done baking?

Bake until they are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. Typically, about 10 minutes, but start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day ahead, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently before serving to refresh their softness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These baked cinnamon sugar donut holes have become a favorite little treat whenever I need a quick sweet pick-me-up or a homemade breakfast that feels extra special. I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s simple, rewarding, and just the kind of cozy baking that makes your kitchen feel like home.