Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar
Light and airy baked doughnut holes coated in warm cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of classic churros but easier and healthier. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 24 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined without overmixing.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 7: While warm, immediately toss the baked doughnut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon) until fully coated.
- Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful cinnamon-sugar treat with less oil than traditional frying.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Churro Doughnut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar?
Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
