cinnamon sugar donut bites with glaze (sometimes called donut holes). Here’s a full homemade recipe that will give you soft, fluffy centers and that classic sugary coating with icing drizzle.
🍩 Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites
📝 Ingredients
For the dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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2 tbsp melted butter
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¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 2 tsp vinegar)
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For frying:
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Vegetable oil (about 2–3 cups, for frying)
Cinnamon sugar coating:
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
Vanilla glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In another bowl, mix melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
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Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
2️⃣ Heat the Oil
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Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Use a thermometer for best results.
3️⃣ Shape & Fry
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Scoop small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
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Carefully drop into hot oil.
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Fry 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
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Remove and drain on paper towels.
4️⃣ Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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While still warm, roll donut bites in cinnamon sugar mixture.
5️⃣ Make the Glaze
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over coated donut bites.
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Let glaze set for 5–10 minutes.
🔥 Optional Variations
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Add ¼ tsp nutmeg for classic bakery flavor
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Fill with Nutella or cream using a piping bag
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Skip glaze for traditional donut holes
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Air fryer version available if you’d like!
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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🧁 Baked (not fried) version
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🍎 Apple cider version
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🍞 Yeast-raised bakery-style version
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🌡️ Air fryer method
Just tell me which one you prefer 😊