close up of cinnamon sugar donut hole on cutting board
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Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

This five-ingredient recipe combines the sweetness of granulated sugar with the warm spice of cinnamon to make the perfect golden brown Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. Enjoy this quick and easy sweet treat for breakfast or a mid-day snack!

cinnamon sugar donut holes on parchment paper with spoon

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm and soft donut? I’ll let you in on a secret – this easy cinnamon sugar donut recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and only uses a handful of ingredients. It’s one of my favorite recipes to enjoy at any time of the year!

Fried to perfection and topped with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, this super easy breakfast recipe is great for sleepovers or when you want to make a fun breakfast on Sunday morning. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

If you’re a donut lover like me, be sure to try out my Old Fashioned Donuts Recipe or my Coconut Lime Donuts Recipe.

close up of a fried cinnamon sugar donut hole

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

I don’t recommend using olive oil or coconut oil for this simple recipe. Plus, using two cups of olive oil to deep fry your cinnamon donuts would be super expensive. However, if you only have canola oil in your pantry, that is fine to use. You could also use peanut oil for this recipe. 

close up of a cinnamon sugar donut hole in small white plate

Are there any other variations of donut holes that I can make?

Of course! You can add things to this donut hole recipe or use the recipe for simple, plain homemade donuts and top them in chocolate or a delicious donut glaze. 

Powdered Donuts: There are plenty of variations to this recipe. You could roll them around in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon and granulated sugar. 

Chocolate Donuts: You can melt some chocolate and either drizzle some chocolate over your plain donut holes or roll them around in chocolate after they’re entirely cooked for a yummy chocolate donut. Be sure to put these on a cooling rack so the chocolate will set properly.

Glazed Donuts: To make a glaze, combine regular milk and powdered sugar; once it melts, you have the perfect donut glaze! Roll the holes around in the glaze for perfect glazed donut holes. 

Cinnamon Roll Donut Holes: This is one of the easiest variations! You will make your cinnamon sugar donut holes according to the recipe, then heat some cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and then drizzle over your donut holes.

Watch how to make biscuit donut holes

close up of fried cinnamon sugar donut hole on parchment paper and wooden cutting board

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What can I do with my leftover donut holes?

Storing: Your cinnamon sugar doughnuts can be stored in a paper bag or an airtight container on your counter at room temperature for up to three days. However, I don’t know how many leftovers you will have if any! Keep in mind the longer you wait to eat them, the more they’ll lose their crisp. 

Freezing: If you want to make a bunch of them freeze and keep them on hand, that is fine! The easiest way to freeze them is to toss them on a baking sheet and put them in a freezer until completely frozen, then put them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. They will last up to about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator and then pop them in the microwave for about ten to fifteen seconds to warm them up. You could also toss them in the air fryer for a little bit for a little more crispiness. 

close up of cinnamon sugar donut hole on cutting board

Best Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Ingredients: 

Vegetable Oil: I recommend using vegetable oil for this recipe. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for trying these delicious donuts. 

Refrigerated Biscuits: I prefer refrigerated canned biscuits for this recipe rather than making my donut batter. Not only is this easier, but it is faster and just as delicious. I like to use the Pillsbury ones, but feel free to use your favorite brand. 

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter keeps these donuts deliciously sweet without the overwhelming salty flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Ahhh, the first flavor component in this recipe. Sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. I don’t recommend using brown sugar for this recipe. 

Cinnamon: The strong and rich cinnamon flavor adds the perfect spice to this recipe. Feel free to add a dash or two more of cinnamon to the recipe for more flavor!

cinnamon sugar donut holes with frizzle over it

Tools Needed to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: 

Luckily, most of these tools you will already have at home. You may need to pick up more parchment paper or a candy thermometer. 

Measuring: measuring spoons, dry measuring cups, liquid measuring cup

Utensils: fork, slotted spoon, tongs, sharp knife (or kitchen scissors)

Other tools: pot/saucepan, candy thermometer, small bowl, parchment paper, paper towels

close up of cinnamon sugar donut hole with drizzle on it and spoon on side

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: 

Separate the portions of biscuit dough and cut them into quarters. 

Roll the quartered portions of dough into balls between your palms, taking care not to smash them. Set the dough balls aside on parchment or foil.

Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat until the temperature of the oil reaches 350 degrees F. Use a candy thermometer or frying thermometer to verify the right temperature. Carefully lower a few dough balls into the oil to fry.

Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the underside of the donut holes are golden browned and they start to turn over naturally. Use a fork or pair of tongs to help flip the donut holes over gently, and repeat cooking for 1-2 minutes on the opposite side until the dough is entirely golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove the first batch of donut holes from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Repeat frying 4-8 donut holes at a time until all donuts are entirely cooked. 

After the donut holes are all fried, melt the butter in a heat-safe medium bowl in the microwave. Create the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the dry ingredients in a separate bowl until fully combined. One by one, dip the donut holes into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat on all sides.

Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping or top with maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!

close up of fried cinnamon sugar donut hole on parchment paper and wooden cutting board

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Yield: 32 donut holes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 10 seconds
Total Time: 10 minutes 10 seconds

This five-ingredient recipe combines the sweetness of granulated sugar with the warm spice of cinnamon to make the perfect golden brown Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes. Enjoy this quick and easy sweet treat for breakfast or a mid-day snack!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 can of refrigerated biscuits
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Separate the portions of biscuit dough and cut them into quarters. 
  2. Roll the quartered portions of dough into balls between your palms, taking care not to smash them. Set the dough balls aside on parchment or foil.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Use a candy thermometer or frying thermometer to verify the temperature.
  4. Carefully lower a few dough balls into the oil to fry.. 
  5. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the underside of the donut holes are golden browned and they start to naturally turn over.
  6. Use a fork or pair of tongs to gently help flip the donut holes over, and repeat cooking 1-2 minutes on the opposite side, until the dough is completely golden brown all over. .
  7. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove the donut holes from the flying oil and place them on a paper towel lined plate.
  8. Repeat frying 4-8 donut holes at a time until all donuts are cooked. 
  9. After the donut holes are all fried, melt the butter in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave.
  10. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until fully combined.
  11. One by one, dip the donut holes into the butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat on all sides.

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