Homemade Donut Bites

Got a sweet craving that just won’t quit, but zero patience for long kitchen marathons? You’re not alone! Let me introduce you to your new go-to treat: Donut Bites—the magical little dessert that checks all the boxes.

They’re quick (just 20 minutes from start to finish!), incredibly easy to whip up, and best of all? These Donut Bites taste just like your favorite donuts—only smaller, cuter, and way more fun to eat. Whether you toss them in the air fryer for a lighter option or go full-on classic with the deep-fry method, these sweet, golden nuggets are always a hit.

Perfect for brunch spreads, cozy movie nights, or a last-minute sugar fix, Donut Bites are your shortcut to happiness—one poppable bite at a time. Trust me, once you try them, these Donut Bites won’t be a once-in-a-while treat… they’ll be a habit.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Donut Bites

Let’s be honest—there’s something undeniably comforting about warm, freshly made donuts. They carry this nostalgic, cozy energy that instantly turns an ordinary moment into something a little more special. And when you take all that joy and shrink it into mini, poppable pieces, you get a treat that feels both playful and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet start to your morning, a quiet afternoon indulgence, or a late-night kitchen craving, these golden bites manage to hit the spot every time.

What makes them truly irresistible is their simplicity. The prep is straightforward, the cooking time is quick, and the results? Always worth it. You can fry them up the classic way or opt for a lighter version in the air fryer—either method gives you something delicious with far less effort than you'd expect. The toppings are where things get fun: coat them in cinnamon sugar for that nostalgic bakery feel, dust them with powdered sugar for something light, or dip them in chocolate glaze when you're feeling fancy.

They’re the kind of treat that adapts to your mood and your pantry. Want to make a sampler plate with different flavors? Go for it. Want to keep things classic and simple? That works, too. These little creations prove that sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for a special breakfast, or just spoiling yourself, Donut Bites offer the perfect balance of ease and indulgence.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
• Equipment
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips for Donut Bites
• The Secret Ingredient Behind the Fluffiest Donut Bites
• FAQ
• Bite Into Joy: Why Homemade Donut Bites Always Win
• Related
• Pairing
• Homemade Donut Bites

Ingredients

For the Donut Bites Dough:

• All-purpose flour (makes the dough stretchy and soft)
• Granulated sugar (for sweetness in the dough)
• Baking powder (helps create that fluffy texture)
• Salt (balances the sweetness)
• Milk (provides moisture)
• Unsalted butter, melted (adds richness)
• Large egg (helps bind everything together)
• Vanilla extract (for that classic donut flavor)
• Vegetable oil for frying (if using traditional method)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes for Donut Bites

• Flour Alternatives:
  Want to make your Donut Bites gluten-free? Easy fix—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It keeps the texture soft and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.
• Dairy-Free Options:
  No dairy? No problem. Swap out the regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. All of them work beautifully and give a subtle twist to your Donut Bites flavor.
• Low-Carb Version:
  If you're going the low-carb route, here's how to tweak the base: use almond flour (2 cups) and a bit of coconut flour (2 tablespoons) instead of all-purpose flour. Also, trade the sugar for your favorite keto-friendly sweetener. Voilà—low-carb Donut Bites that still hit the spot!
• Egg Substitute:
  Fresh out of eggs? No stress. Combine 3 tablespoons of applesauce with ¼ teaspoon of baking powder for a reliable substitute that keeps your Donut Bites moist and fluffy.

Instructions

Prepare the Donut Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer donut bites.

Shape the Donut Bites

1. Lightly flour your work surface and hands.
2. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat or roll it to about ½-inch thickness.
3. Using a small round cookie cutter (about 1-inch diameter) or the rim of a shot glass, cut out small circles from the dough.
4. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut additional donut bites until all dough is used.

Cook the Donut Bites

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the donut bites in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Don't overcrowd – work in batches if needed.
4. Spray the tops of the donut bites lightly with cooking spray.
5. Air fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
6. Carefully remove the donut bites and place them on a cooling rack.

Traditional Frying Method

1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Carefully drop 4-5 donut bites into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pot.
3. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, then flip and fry for another minute until golden brown on all sides.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried donut bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Add the Coating

1. While the donut bites are still warm (but not hot), coat them in your preferred topping.
2. For cinnamon sugar: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl, then roll each donut bite in the mixture until fully coated.
3. For glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the tops of the donut bites in the glaze or drizzle it over them.

Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Donut Bites

• Temperature Matters
  Room temperature is your friend! Let your refrigerated ingredients warm up a bit before mixing—this helps your Donut Bites turn out extra fluffy and tender.
• Don’t Overmix
  When it comes to mixing, less is more. Stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough by developing too much gluten, and no one wants chewy Donut Bites.
• Oil Temperature is Key
  Frying? Keep that oil steady at 350°F. If it’s too hot, you’ll end up with crispy outsides and raw insides. Too cool? Your Donut Bites might soak up oil like a sponge. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
• Pre-Cut Shortcuts
  Short on time (or patience)? Grab a can of store-bought biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters, roll them into balls, and you’re already halfway to fresh, hot Donut Bites—no dough-making drama required.
• Don’t Skip the Rest
  That 10-minute rest before cutting the dough? Totally worth it. It lets the dough relax and makes a noticeable difference in the final texture. Think of it as your Donut Bites getting a little beauty sleep.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Donut Bites

• Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Lemon Poppy Seed

• Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.

Apple Cinnamon

• Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apples.
• Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Spice

• Replace ¼ cup of milk with ¼ cup of pumpkin purée.
• Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

Dietary Adaptations

Keto Donut Bites

• Use 1¾ cups almond flour and ¼ cup coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
• Add an extra egg for binding.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk.

Vegan Donut Bites

• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water; let sit for 5 minutes).
• Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.

Equipment

• Cooling Rack: Places your freshly cooked donut bites on a cooling rack instead of a plate to prevent them from getting soggy on the bottom.
• Air Fryer: A 5-6 quart air fryer works perfectly for making these in batches. The basket style allows for better air circulation.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: If using the traditional frying method, a candy/deep fry thermometer is essential for monitoring oil temperature.
• Small Round Cutter: A 1-inch round cookie cutter creates the perfect bite-sized pieces, but a shot glass or small jar lid works in a pinch.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips for Donut Bites

Counter Storage

• Best enjoyed fresh.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and help maintain texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving to bring back softness.

Freezing Instructions

• To reheat, microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
• Let the donut bites cool completely after cooking.
• Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Bite Into Joy: Why Homemade Donut Bites Always Win

Here’s the thing—homemade Donut Bites just hit different. There’s a warmth, a texture, and a made-with-love quality that the store-bought versions simply can’t compete with. Whether you’re rolling them in cinnamon sugar, dunking them in glaze, or popping them straight from the air fryer, the joy is in every bite. And trust me, the smell alone is enough to pull the whole family into the kitchen.

One of my favorite things about making Donut Bites is how customizable they are. Want something light and crisp? Add a touch of Greek yogurt. Craving variety? Make a double batch and coat half in powdered sugar, the other half in chocolate. They’re perfect for weekend breakfasts, after-school treats, or even serving up as a dessert for guests—people can’t get enough of them.

If you're already loving this recipe, I’ve got two more snackable favorites that are just as irresistible: try the Crispy Angel Food Churro Bites for a melt-in-your-mouth twist on a classic, or go savory with the comforting, golden crunch of the Arancini Recipe—Italian rice balls filled with meat and cheesy goodness.

So tell me—how do you love your Donut Bites? Plain and simple, or dressed up with sauces and sprinkles? Share your favorite twist in the comments below. And hey, don’t forget to save this recipe… because once that craving comes back (and it will), you’ll want this one ready to go.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Donut Bites recipe: