A warm, simple treat that you can make at home in one pan.
INTRODUCTION
Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes are small, soft bites with a warm cinnamon sugar coat. They bake in a pan so they use less oil than fried doughnuts. This makes them a lighter option for a dessert or snack. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. For a cozy drink to pair with these doughnuts, try the cozy spice notes in a recipe like the cinnamon oatmilk frappuccino copycat recipe, which matches the cinnamon flavor well.
These baked doughnut holes use everyday pantry items. They come together fast and cool quickly. You can make a batch on a weekend and have warm snacks for a few days. They are not a diet food by default, but with small changes they can be a healthy version or a lighter option for your meal plan.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast, forgiving, and family-friendly. The dough is simple to mix and the bake time is short. This recipe works as a great choice for meal prep and is a smart pick when you want a treat that feels homemade. It can be adapted into a lighter option for people watching calories or carbs. If you want a warm drink to match, try a sweet coffee like the cinnamon dolce latte copycat for a cozy pairing.
This recipe is also easy to scale. Make more or less batter based on how many people you serve. When you choose whole grain flour or less sugar, you add fiber and lower the sugar per serving. That makes the doughnut holes more suitable for people focused on weight loss or a balanced snack.
HOW TO MAKE Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes
This method keeps the steps clear. You mix dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients, combine, and bake. The doughnut holes are rolled in cinnamon sugar while warm. They come out soft and tender with a crisp cinnamon coat.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Doughnut hole pan (or mini muffin pan)
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or small scoop to fill the pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sugar (for coating), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut hole pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each doughnut hole cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Roll each doughnut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
- Serve and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes
Serve these doughnut holes warm for the best texture. For a healthier serving idea, enjoy two or three doughnut holes with fresh fruit and plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds protein and keeps the snack balanced. If you want a lighter option, pair one doughnut hole with a cup of black coffee or tea and a small apple. This portion control helps if you are trying to eat less sugar or support good weight loss habits.
For a sweet coffee pairing that highlights the cinnamon, consider sipping something like a cinnamon dolce latte copycat alongside your bites. The drink’s flavor matches the sugar coating and makes a warm, complete snack.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes
Store cooled doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months. To thaw, move frozen doughnut holes to the fridge overnight or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. If you are watching sugar or managing diabetes, store portions in single-serve containers and eat fewer pieces at a time. This helps control blood sugar and keeps treats from becoming large meals. For more cozy flavor ideas, try including a sweet syrup like the cinnamon dolce syrup copycat with a small drizzle for special occasions.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Balanced side: plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries. This adds protein and fiber.
- Light side: sliced apples or pears for crunch and fiber.
- For a brunch set: add scrambled eggs and fresh spinach for a balanced meal with protein and greens.
- For a party: serve on a platter with small bowls of nut butter or light cream cheese for dipping.
One or two doughnut holes make a good snack. Three to four works for a treat. Use small plates to help with portion control.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Cut the batter sugar to 1/3 cup and add a mashed banana for moisture. This adds fiber and reduces added sugar for a more heart healthy bite.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Replace half of the flour with whey protein powder or use almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol to make a low carb version. Use Greek yogurt in place of part of the butter or milk for extra protein to build a high protein meal-style snack. Keep the bake time similar but check texture — almond flour dough tends to brown faster.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: If you do not have a doughnut pan, use a mini muffin pan in the oven. For an air fryer option, fill small silicone molds and cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness. The air fryer can create a slightly crisp outside while keeping the inside soft. This makes an easy, quick route when you want a batch fast.
FAQs
Q: Are these doughnut holes low calorie?
A: The recipe is moderate in calories per piece. You can make a lower calorie version by using less sugar, swapping some flour for whole grain, and reducing butter. Smaller servings also lower calories. These steps make them a lighter option that fits a low calorie plan.
Q: Can I make these diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use a sugar substitute for the batter and coating, and try almond flour or a blend of almond and coconut flours to lower carbs. Pair small portions with protein (like Greek yogurt) to reduce blood sugar spikes. Always check with a doctor for personal advice.
Q: How long do they stay fresh?
A: At room temperature in an airtight container they stay fresh for 2–3 days. In the fridge up to a week, and frozen up to 2 months. Warm them before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I make these high protein?
A: Yes. Add a scoop of unflavored whey protein to the dry mix and replace part of the flour with protein powder. Another option is to use Greek yogurt for part of the milk or butter to add natural protein. These changes make a higher protein snack that helps you feel full longer.
Q: Can I freeze them already coated in cinnamon sugar?
A: Yes, but they may lose some crispness. Freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a bag. Rewarm and briefly re-roll in cinnamon sugar if needed.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes
Make a double batch on a free day and store portions in airtight containers. For quick snacks, freeze single-serve bags of three or four doughnut holes. In the morning, move a bag to the fridge or reheat a few in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven for 5 minutes. This plan makes these doughnut holes great for meal prep and quick treats during busy days.
Use the high-protein or low-carb tweaks to make batches for a week of balanced snacks. Label your containers with dates to keep track. If you like to save time, prepare the cinnamon sugar mix ahead and store it in a small jar so you just roll warm doughnut holes before serving.
Cinnamon Baked Doughnut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut hole pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each doughnut hole cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Roll each doughnut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.