Try these easy baked donut holes for a quick sweet treat.
introduction
These cinnamon sugar baked donut holes are soft, small, and sweet. They bake in a mini muffin pan and get a butter and cinnamon-sugar coating. They taste like warm bakery bites and take little time.
why make this recipe
- They are quick and simple to make.
- You do not need deep frying.
- Kids and guests like the small, bite-size pieces.
- You can make them ahead and reheat fast.
how to make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Follow the steps below to mix, bake, and coat the donut holes. Work gently when you mix so the donuts stay light. Use a mini muffin pan for the right size.
Ingredients :
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk (any kind (I used 2%))
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste ((or vanilla extract))
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attached until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in egg, milk, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and incorporate until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as that will result in a denser donut.
- Spoon mixture in a large ziplock bag and cut the tip of the bottom corner. Pipe filling into each muffin cavity, filling 3/4 full. Alternatively, you can spoon batter into each muffin cavity, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once donut holes are completely cooled, make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour melted butter into a small bowl and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the white sugar and cinnamon. Working one at a time, take each donut hole, dip completely into melted butter, and then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring that the entire donut hole is coated. Repeat until all donut holes are coated in mixture.
how to serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Place on a plate or basket. They go well with coffee, milk, or tea. Offer napkins—these are sweet and a little messy.
how to store Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp or warm slightly before serving.
- You can freeze plain donut holes (before coating) on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, then coat.
tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
- Don’t over-mix the batter. Mix until just combined.
- Fill the mini muffin cups 3/4 full for the best shape.
- Let donut holes cool fully before coating so the sugar does not melt away.
- Use a piping bag or ziplock to fill the pan cleanly.
- If you like more cinnamon, add a little extra to the coating mix.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for warm spice.
- Use vanilla or maple glaze instead of the butter-sugar coating.
- Roll in powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
- Try using flavored yogurt (like vanilla) for a small taste change.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without yogurt?
A: Yes. Replace the ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt with ¼ cup sour cream or extra milk.
Q: Can I bake larger donuts instead?
A: Yes. Use a regular muffin pan and bake longer, about 14-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: Can I skip the butter coating?
A: Yes. You can toss the cooled donut holes in the cinnamon sugar dry mix, but the butter helps the sugar stick well.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free yogurt or extra milk to replace the dairy items.
Q: How do I rewarm leftovers?
A: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave a few seconds until warm.
Conclusion
For a similar baked version and more photos, see Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes – Live Well Bake Often. If you want a snickerdoodle-style idea, check out Baked Snickerdoodle Donut Holes | running with spoons.
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in egg, milk, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and incorporate until just combined.
- Spoon mixture into a large ziplock bag and cut the tip of the bottom corner. Pipe filling into each muffin cavity, filling 3/4 full.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once donut holes are completely cooled, pour melted butter into a small bowl and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the white sugar and cinnamon.
- Take each donut hole, dip completely into melted butter, and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring that the entire donut hole is coated.