Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes

Name: Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 donut holes
Ingredients: 1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

Delight in these moist and fluffy Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes, perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-20T12:25:50.603Z

These Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes are a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into your baking. With a hint of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness, they are perfect for any time of day.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
A delicious way to sneak in some veggies
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack

      

The Perfect Snack for Any Time

Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes are not just a delightful treat; they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you're in the mood for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a sweet snack to accompany your afternoon coffee, these donut holes fit the bill perfectly. Their moist and fluffy texture makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and they are sure to impress both family and friends alike.

What makes these donut holes even more special is their nutritious twist. By incorporating grated zucchini into the batter, you add a healthy dose of vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor. This clever way of sneaking in veggies can help appease picky eaters, making them an ideal option for families trying to encourage healthier eating habits.

Baking Tips for Success

When making these Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes, it's essential to ensure your grated zucchini is properly prepared. Squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter, as too much liquid can lead to soggy donut holes. A simple tip is to use a clean dish towel or paper towels to help with this process, ensuring your batter remains the perfect consistency.

Another critical aspect of baking these donut holes is not to overmix the batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated; this will help you achieve that light and fluffy texture you're aiming for. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes, so be gentle during this step!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, you can enjoy these delightful donut holes warm, but they can also be stored for later. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, though you may want to warm them up slightly before serving to restore that fresh-baked flavor.

These donut holes can be served plain or dressed up with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads or dessert tables, pairing wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or donut hole pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the grated zucchini, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fill the Pan

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the prepared muffin tin or donut hole pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donut holes are baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix.

Serve

Enjoy these delicious donut holes warm or at room temperature!

These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

Nutritional Benefits

Zucchini is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Incorporating it into your baked goods not only enhances the flavor but also boosts their nutritional profile. This means that you can enjoy these donut holes guilt-free, knowing they're contributing to your daily vegetable intake.

Additionally, using a mix of granulated and brown sugar not only adds depth to the sweetness but also gives a slight hint of caramel flavor, elevating the overall taste experience. This balanced approach to sweetness ensures that your donut holes are enjoyable without being overly sugary.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these donut holes to suit your taste! For a chocolate twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the batter. They melt slightly during baking, creating delectable pockets of chocolate throughout each bite. Alternatively, you can incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

If you want to experiment with spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile. Each of these variations can transform your Cinnamon Zucchini Donut Holes into a unique culinary experience that keeps your taste buds excited.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before using.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these vegan?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan version.

→ Do I have to coat them in cinnamon sugar?

No, you can enjoy them plain or with a glaze if you prefer.