Homemade Donut Holes with Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce

My husband and I recently began supplying fresh baked goods to an adorable little coffee shop in our small town and we’ve been all about fall recipes and flavors lately. They’re serving several kinds of hot cider, pumpkin spice latte and other coffee drinks and we’re serving up fresh baked pumpkin muffins and these amazing Homemade Donut Holes. They’re baked and not fried and they are oh so delicious. Plus, these cinnamon sugar donut holes are easy to make and amazing with the cream cheese doughnut dip! This is the perfect donut hole maker recipe but it can also be baked in the oven.

Easy Donut Hole Recipe For Cake Pop Maker

No deep fryer needed. You can will need a donut hole maker OR a cake pop maker or a donut hole baking pan. A doughnut hole maker and a cake pop maker are very similar appliances and can usually be used interchangeably. They both use a heated, nonstick mold to cook batter quickly and produce small round treats.

I used a cake pop maker for baking this cinnamon sugar donut hole maker recipe. The great thing about cake pop donut holes is they are baked and healthier for you. Here is my affiliate link for my cake pop donut hole maker on Amazon. Plus, cooking and cleaning are so much easier than when frying. No hot oil. No waiting for dough to rise. This is the best donut hole recipe!

If you don’ have a cake pop maker you can bake these in a donut hole pan in the oven at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.

Homemade Doughnut Hole Taste Profile:

• Warm & Comforting – The combination of vanilla, sour cream, and cinnamon creates a cozy, bakery-like flavor.
• Slight Tanginess – The sour cream provides a slight tang, which balances the sweetness.
• Caramelized Crunch – The cinnamon sugar coating gives a slight crunch and extra sweetness in every bite.

Simple Ingredients:

For the donut batter:

• 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

How to Make Donut Holes (Baked Not Fried):

Here are the step by step instructions. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have delicious, soft donut holes.

Combine all the donut batter ingredients in a medium mixing bowl being careful not to over mix the batter.

If you’re using a cake pop maker, preheat the machine. If baking in a donut hol pan, in the oven preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Fill a piping bag or a bottle with the donut batter. This is my preferred method. Some people like to use a small cookie scoop but I think the piping bag gives me perfect control.

Carefully fill the wells of the cake pop maker or pan with donut hole batter, making sure not to overfill.  They should be filled just below the well to get a nice round shape. The one on the right in this photo is TOO full and it oozed all over.

Cook in the cake pop maker for approximately 4-5 minutes or until a pick inserted comes out clean.  If baking in the oven, increase bake time to 10 minutes or until the pick comes out clean. They should be lightly golden brown.

Remove the donut holes from the oven or cake pop maker. Set aside on a cooling rack or a baking sheet covered in paper towels to cool a bit.

Mix the cinnamon and 1/2 cup of sugar together.

In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.  Quickly dip the donut holes in the melted butter.

Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat and set aside.

Serve right away. A paper bag can be fun for presentation of individual servings. Or store in an air tight container until ready to serve.

 

Cream Cheese Donut Dipping Sauce Recipe

I like to serve these homemade donut holes with a Cream Cheese Frosting Dipping Sauce. It’s a cinch to make and a great addition to the cinnamon sugar coating.

Donut Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature is best to get a smooth dip
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 -2 cups powdered sugar, aka confectioners’ sugar (the amount depends on how thick you want the dip to be)

Cream Cheese Doughnut Dip Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together using a hand mixer, stand mixer or food processor until the cream cheese doughnut dip is smooth. Serve dip in a small bowl.

Printable Donut Hole Maker Recipe Card

Daily values information in recipe card is a general guide.

Conclusion

Easy Peasy! I hope you enjoy this delicious homemade donut holes recipe! Whether it is National Donut Day (first Friday in June) or you just have donut cravings, this recipe is sure to make you happy!

This donut hole recipe is a perfect balance of flavor and texture, thanks to the richness of sour cream, which keeps them moist and tender, and the warm sweetness of vanilla that enhances their aroma. The donut holes have just the right amount of sweetness, allowing the cinnamon sugar coating to add the perfect finishing touch without being overpowering. Baked in a donut hole maker rather than fried, they offer a lighter alternative while still delivering a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy center. Quick and easy to prepare, they cook evenly in minutes, making them a convenient treat for any occasion. Plus, the gentle tanginess from the sour cream brings depth to the flavor, complementing the caramelized crunch of the cinnamon sugar coating.

I hope you enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes Recipe. Do you think you will try these easy donut holes with the cream cheese dipping sauce? If you have any feedback or want to share your photos, tag us @familyfocusblog and/or #familyfocusblog!

Related Recipes:

Cinnamon Sugar Gluten Free Donut Recipe

Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Homemade Orange Creamsicle Recipe