Churro-Inspired Baked Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes
Mini baked doughnut holes coated in cinnamon sugar that deliver all the warm, spicy flavors of churros with a lighter texture. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 29 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup additional granulated sugar for coating
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin pan or line with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined without overmixing.
- Step 4: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Step 5: While the doughnut holes bake, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each warm doughnut hole with 4 tbsp melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Churro-Inspired Baked Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 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 Churro-Inspired Baked 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 Churro-Inspired Baked 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 Churro-Inspired Baked 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 Churro-Inspired Baked Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Holes?
Latin American 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.
