Baked Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Mini baked doughnut holes coated in cinnamon sugar, inspired by classic churros, offering a lighter twist on a beloved fried treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 24 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar 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 80 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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk milk
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan or line with silicone liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 5: Spoon batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes until doughnut holes are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 7: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
- Step 8: While still warm, roll each doughnut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Churro-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes 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-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
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-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
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-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes 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-Inspired Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
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.
