Name: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp cinnamon; 0.75 cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; oil (for frying); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, helps coating)

There are few things more comforting than a warm, sugary donut — especially when it’s small enough to pop right into your mouth. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes are the ultimate treat: crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and coated in a sparkling layer of cinnamon sugar that melts as soon as you take a bite. Whether you’re making a special breakfast, a cozy weekend treat, or a simple dessert, these donut holes deliver bakery-style indulgence in under 20 minutes.

What makes donut holes so irresistible is their simplicity. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and endlessly customizable. You can fry them or air fry them, glaze them or coat them, fill them or keep them classic. This recipe gives you the perfect starter version — fluffy, golden donut holes tossed generously in warm cinnamon sugar. They taste like a cross between classic fair donuts and sugary churros, but entirely homemade.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn how to fry perfect donut holes, how to coat them without melting the sugar, how to store them, how to customize flavors, and how to avoid common pitfalls like greasy or dense donuts. Whether you’re a beginner or a donut lover looking to perfect your technique, these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes will become your go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

1. Ready in Less Than 20 Minutes

No yeast, no rising time, no waiting. Mix the dough, fry, coat, and enjoy.

2. Made With Simple Pantry Staples

Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen — flour, milk, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and butter.

3. Light, Fluffy Texture

The donut holes puff beautifully when fried, creating that classic airy inside.

4. Perfect for Parties or Breakfast

Serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk — or make them for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or sleepovers.

5. Endless Variation Options

Coat in powdered sugar, dip in glaze, roll in pumpkin spice — or even fill them with cream or jelly.

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¾ cup milk
2 tbsp melted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter (optional, helps sugar stick)

Instructions

Make Cinnamon Sugar:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
Prepare Donut Batter:
In one bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.
Heat Oil:
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Form Donut Holes:
Scoop dough into small balls using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop.
Fry:
Drop 5–6 donut holes at a time into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes, turning until golden.
Drain:
Remove and place on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Coat:
While warm, roll in cinnamon sugar OR brush with butter first for extra coating power.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately while warm and fluffy.