These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, all ready in just 20 minutes! No yeast, no rising time—just a simple batter, a little oil, and a sweet, golden finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert that everyone will devour.
Why You’ll Love These Donut Holes
- Quick & Easy: Mix, fry, and toss—they’re ready in about 20 minutes.
- No Yeast Needed: Skip the rising and kneading; this is a baking powder-based batter.
- Sweet & Fluffy: Crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and coated in cinnamon sugar.
- Perfect Anytime: Breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack—they’re irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Donut Holes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Tip: Use fresh nutmeg for a more flavorful bite, and whole or 2% milk for a soft, moist center.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ½ cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
- Heat Oil: Pour 2–3 inches of oil into a large, deep skillet and heat to 360–375°F (use a clip-on thermometer).
- Make the Batter: Whisk milk, egg, sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—the batter will be sticky.
- Scoop Donut Holes: Use two spoons or a greased small cookie scoop to portion about 2 tsp of batter for each donut hole.
- Fry: Drop a few donut holes at a time into the hot oil. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, flipping as needed, until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Remove from oil and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm for best results.
Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
- Keep the oil temperature steady to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Don’t over-mix the batter—sticky is perfect!
- Work in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Try fillings like jam, lemon curd, or Nutella for a fun twist.
- Add citrus zest or extracts to the batter for a flavor boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat for 5–10 seconds to refresh.
Why They’re So Good
These donut holes are crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar finish that sticks perfectly when served fresh. They’re the ultimate homemade treat that’s quick, easy, and dangerously delicious!
Yield: 24 donut holes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes