Super Bowl Dessert Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 donut holes
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Dessert Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes whenever I have friends over to watch the big game. The warm, fluffy texture combined with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating is impossible to resist. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for serving with coffee or hot chocolate. Plus, the joy on my friends' faces as they bite into these delightful treats makes all the effort worthwhile. Trust me, they’ll be a hit during your next game day gathering!

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:14:35.293Z

During one particularly memorable Super Bowl party, I decided to surprise my guests with these cinnamon sugar donut holes. They were so easy to make and disappeared in a flash! I experimented with the frying time until I found the perfect golden-brown color, and I was thrilled with the result.

One tip I learned is to let the donut holes cool for just a moment before tossing them in cinnamon sugar. This helps the sugar stick better, creating that perfect crunch and sweetness with each bite. Now they are a staple at all my game day festivities!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Warm and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Deliciously sweet with a hint of cinnamon spice
Perfect finger food for game day celebrations

Mastering the Dough

The key to achieving the perfect texture for your donut holes lies in the dough preparation. When combining your dry ingredients, ensure that they are well-mixed before adding the wet ingredients; this prevents clumps that could affect the rise. Mixing should be done just until the batter is smooth—over-mixing can lead to denser donut holes. Aim for a thick, but pourable consistency, which should slightly drop from a spatula.

Using room temperature ingredients, especially the milk and egg, can significantly enhance the rise and fluffy texture of your donut holes. Cold ingredients can disrupt the leavening process. If you forget to bring them to room temperature, you can warm the milk gently in the microwave and let the egg sit in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

Handling the Frying Process

Temperature control is critical when frying your donut holes. Heating the oil too quickly could result in the outsides browning before the insides are fully cooked, leading to raw doughy centers. Aim for a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C), which provides a nice golden-brown crust while ensuring that the inside cooks through. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; you may need to adjust the heat throughout the frying process.

When dropping the batter into the hot oil, be careful not to overcrowd the pan; this can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches, allowing space between each donut hole. If you notice any bubbling slowing down or the oil becoming excessively dark, it’s a sign that the temperature may have dropped or the oil is becoming overused.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these irresistible donut holes:

For the Donut Holes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your tasty donut holes:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter until well blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.

Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop, gently drop balls of batter into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cinnamon sugar donut holes to a serving platter and enjoy them warm!

These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider filling some of the donut holes with chocolate or berry jam for a surprise treat!

Storing and Serving

These donut holes are best enjoyed straight out of the oil, but if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, they might lose their fluffiness over time, so if you want to refresh them, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes can help restore some of their delightful, just-fried texture.

For serving, consider pairing these cinnamon sugar donut holes with a variety of dips, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a cream cheese frosting, for an indulgent treat. This adds more layers of flavor and makes for an interactive dessert experience, perfect for gatherings.

Customizing Your Delight

One of the great things about these donut holes is their versatility. You can easily customize the flavor by adding ingredients like vanilla extract or nutmeg to the batter. For a bit more crunch, roll them in chopped nuts or sprinkles after coating them in cinnamon sugar. This engages both the palate and the visual senses, making them appealing for any occasion.

If you're catering to different dietary preferences, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Make sure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, which can help recreate the desired texture that flour would normally provide.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use canola or peanut oil as alternatives to vegetable oil.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.

→ What can I serve with donut holes?

These donut holes pair perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of ice cream!