Name: Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can buttermilk Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough (8 biscuits); Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough for 1-inch depth in pot); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup heavy whipping cream

If you love easy sweet treats that come together in a flash, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe. Imagine pillowy biscuit dough, fried until golden and rolled in cinnamon sugar, paired with a decadent chocolate dipping sauce—pure bliss!

A pile of round, golden brown doughnut holes covered in a layer of sugar and cinnamon sits on a white plate, stacked in a loose pyramid shape. A few doughnut holes are spread out on a white marbled surface in front of the plate. The doughnut holes have a rough sugar texture that sparkles slightly in the light, with some cinnamon dust scattered on the surface nearby. The background includes a soft teal fabric partially visible on the left. The scene is bright and warm, with soft natural light highlighting the sugar-coated doughnut holes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made donut holes a handful of ways, but using biscuit dough? It’s a total game-changer—quick, foolproof, and impossibly tasty every time.

Speedy & Simple: You’ll have these sweet bites ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
No Fancy Ingredients: Just a can of biscuit dough and a few pantry staples—you probably already have everything.
Perfectly Crispy & Soft: Deep-frying gives a golden crust with a soft, fluffy inside that melts in your mouth.
Decadent Dipping Sauce: The warm semi-sweet chocolate sauce takes these from tasty to downright addictive.

Ingredients & Why They Work

As much as I love kitchen experiments, this recipe is about simplicity that delivers on flavor. Here’s why I picked each ingredient—and a tip or two to help you shop smart.

Flat lay of fresh uncracked brown eggs, a few small balls of pale biscuit dough, a small mound of granulated sugar next to a small pile of ground cinnamon, a handful of glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth heavy whipping cream, and a small white ceramic bowl containing clear golden vegetable oil, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Buttermilk biscuit dough: Using flaky biscuit dough is a shortcut to tender, fluffy donut holes without any fuss from scratch.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, ensuring crispy donuts without burning.
Granulated sugar: This mixes perfectly with cinnamon to give each donut hole that classic sweet crunch.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that makes these donut holes irresistible.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts smoothly into a luscious dipping sauce that balances the cinnamon sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a rich, creamy chocolate sauce that’s silky and indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the flavors or adapt it for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to make this treat truly your own.

Variation: For a little twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar coating. It adds a cozy fall vibe that’s absolutely irresistible—I’ve done this every autumn and it never fails to impress guests!
Gluten-Free Option: If you need gluten-free, you can experiment with gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own from scratch. Just keep an eye on frying times as the texture might vary slightly.
Seasonal Flair: During the holidays, toss your donut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar. It keeps things festive and fun!
Lighter Dipping Sauce: If you prefer a lighter chocolate dipping sauce, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half. It’s still luscious but cuts down on richness—perfect for those who want a less indulgent dip.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with a layer of fine brown sugar and cinnamon mix. On top of this layer, there are three small, round golden-brown fried dough balls, two of which are almost covered in the sugar-cinnamon mix. A silver fork rests on the bowl's edge with its tines touching one dough ball. To the right of the bowl, there is a pile of similar fried dough balls on a white paper towel. The bowl and dough balls are placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred light background behind them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape Your Donut Holes

Start by opening up that can of buttermilk biscuit dough. Each biscuit gets cut into four equal pieces—don’t worry about being perfect, just try to keep the pieces fairly even. Then, gently roll each piece between your hands until you’ve got smooth little balls. This step is so satisfying! Try to make them as uniform as you can, so they'll cook evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Oil Just Right

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil to about 1 inch deep, and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermometer really helps here to keep the temperature steady—too hot and the holes burn on the outside but stay raw inside, too cool and they soak up oil and get greasy.

Step 3: Fry the Donut Holes

Carefully place a few dough balls into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pot or they’ll stick together and cook unevenly. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a gorgeous golden brown all over. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. Repeat in batches until all the dough is fried.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Goodness

While the donut holes are still warm, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate or shallow bowl. Roll each warm ball around until it’s evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, and you’ll love that sweet, fragrant coating.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Dipping Sauce

For the finishing touch, melt together 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 30 to 45-second bursts, stirring well each time until the sauce is smooth, shiny, and creamy. This luscious sauce is the perfect partner for your cinnamon sugar donut holes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your warm cinnamon sugar biscuit donut holes alongside the chocolate dipping sauce for a quick, irresistible treat. These are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, they disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of frying and rolling—little tricks that make your Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe shine every time.

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to keep your oil steady at 350°F ensures the donut holes fry evenly and perfectly golden without soaking up too much oil.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry in small batches so each donut hole has room to cook properly; crowding causes the temperature to drop and results in soggy, greasy bites.
Roll the Dough Smoothly: Taking a moment to shape each biscuit piece into a nice, tight ball really helps achieve that beautiful, round donut hole shape.
Coat While Warm: Roll your donut holes in the cinnamon sugar right after frying while they’re still warm—this helps the sugar stick better and gives just the right sweet crunch.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe

A white rectangular plate with a gentle raised pattern holds a group of round doughnut holes. Each doughnut hole is covered in a light brown cinnamon sugar coating, giving a slightly grainy texture. The doughnut holes are arranged in a small pile, showing their rounded shape and sugared surface clearly. The scene is set on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for that extra sparkle. For a festive twist, dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint on the side can brighten up the plate too!

Side Dishes

Serve these donut holes alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delightful snack. They also pair wonderfully with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad, making them great for brunch or an indulgent dessert after dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon sugar biscuit donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Place a paper towel inside the container to help absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? After frying and coating, let the donut holes cool completely. Then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your donut holes warm again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the oven will help maintain their crisp, fried texture. Serve again with fresh cinnamon sugar and warm chocolate sauce for that fresh-made feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for buttermilk Pillsbury Grands, any flaky biscuit dough will work just fine. It’s all about getting that tender, flaky texture that fries up beautifully.

What if I don’t have a thermometer to check oil temperature?

If you don’t have a thermometer, try dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles vigorously and rises to the surface within seconds, your oil is hot enough. Keep a close eye to avoid overheating.

Can I make the chocolate dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chocolate sauce ahead and gently rewarm it before serving. Just microwave it in short bursts and stir until smooth and warm.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?

Rolling the donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture right after frying, while still warm and slightly oily, helps the coating stick better. Avoid coating them when they’re fully cooled.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about homemade fried treats, especially when they come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have on hand. This Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donut Holes Recipe is proof that simple can be downright delicious. Whether it's a cozy weekend breakfast or an anytime sweet snack, these little bites bring joy with every warm, cinnamon-sugary bite dipped in rich chocolate. Happy frying—and happy eating!