Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
These warm donut bites were the highlight of our fight night, crispy edges, soft fluffy centres, rolled in cinnamon sugar and finished with a snowfall of powdered sugar. A squeeze of lemon on the side makes them unbelievably bright and balanced.
Perfect for snacking, sharing… or eating straight off the tray 😌✨
Recipe (Small Batch)
Dry Ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½–1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for the batter)
Wet Ingredients
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1–2 tsp melted butter or neutral oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
Coating
• ½ cup sugar + 1–2 tsp cinnamon
• Powdered sugar to finish
• Lemon wedges (optional but amazing)
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How to Make Them
1. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
2. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients.
3. Combine both — the batter should be thick.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (medium heat).
5. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the oil.
6. Fry until deep golden and crispy.
7. While hot, roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
8. Dust with powdered sugar + add lemon on the side.
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✨ Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
• Let the batter rest 5 minutes for fluffier centres.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot — they puff up!
• Add lemon zest to the sugar if you want a brightness
Save for later | Share with a friend who loves cozy desserts 🍩✨
Making homemade cinnamon sugar donut holes is a delightful experience that combines simple ingredients with a bit of frying technique to achieve that perfect texture. Beyond the basic recipe, I find that letting the batter rest for about 5 minutes before frying not only helps to activate the baking powder but also results in lighter, fluffier centers. Additionally, maintaining the oil temperature at around 350°F is crucial; if it’s too hot, the exterior browns too quickly and the inside remains doughy, while too low heat causes the donuts to absorb more oil and become greasy. Rolling the hot donut holes immediately in a cinnamon-sugar mixture ensures the coating adheres well, creating a perfect sweet and spicy crust. For an extra touch of brightness, I love serving them with lemon wedges — a squirt of lemon juice complements the cinnamon sugar by cutting through the sweetness and adding a refreshing balance. If you want to elevate them further, try mixing a bit of lemon zest into the cinnamon sugar — this adds a fragrant citrus note that makes every bite pop. These donut holes are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a cozy snack at home, bring them to parties for sharing, or even serve them as a unique dessert with a dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel. When frying, remember not to overcrowd the pan; giving each donut hole enough space allows them to puff up beautifully and cook evenly. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines crunchy and soft textures with warm cinnamon flavors and a hint of lemon brightness, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.