Churro-Inspired Baked Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar
Light and fluffy baked donut holes coated in a cinnamon sugar blend inspired by classic churros, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. This american-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 70 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
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk milk
- 1 large egg, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp, melted (for coating) unsalted butter
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (for coating) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 large melted egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the donut holes comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Step 7: While the donut holes bake, mix 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Step 8: When donut holes are done, remove from oven and immediately brush each with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Step 9: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Churro-Inspired Baked Donut 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 Churro-Inspired Baked Donut 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 Churro-Inspired Baked Donut 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 Churro-Inspired Baked Donut 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 Churro-Inspired Baked Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar?
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.
