Baked Coconut Donut Holes Recipe: A Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible Treat

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both light and full of flavor, baked coconut donut holes are just what you need. These bite-sized delights are soft, fluffy, and packed with coconut goodness—perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing that satisfying donut texture.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of creating these delicious coconut donut holes at home. From the recipe to extra tips, serving ideas, and even storage suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make this treat a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make these baked coconut donut holes that will surely become your new favorite snack!

Ingredients (Makes About 24 Donut Holes)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Coconut Donut Holes

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a mini muffin tin or donut hole pan with cooking spray or lightly butter it. This helps the donut holes pop out easily after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, shredded coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, helping your donut holes rise perfectly.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract (if using), and applesauce or melted butter. The wet ingredients help bind everything together and create that soft, fluffy texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donut holes dense.

5. Fill the Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each hole about ¾ full. This will allow the batter to rise without spilling over. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean.

6. Let Them Cool

Once baked, remove the donut holes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, you can prepare a sweet glaze or coconut coating if you like.

Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Coconut Donut Holes

• Coconut texture: For a more pronounced coconut flavor, use sweetened coconut flakes. If you prefer a lighter taste, unsweetened coconut works just fine.
• Batter consistency: The batter should be thick but not dry. If it seems too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the right consistency.
• Sweeteners: The honey or maple syrup is optional but can give your donut holes a more complex sweetness. You can skip this if you prefer a less sweet treat.
• Alternative oils: You can use melted coconut oil instead of butter or applesauce for an even more coconutty flavor.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Coating options: After baking, toss the donut holes in a mix of coconut flakes and powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and coconut milk for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
• Vary the flavors: For a different twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. It complements the coconut flavor perfectly.
• Chill the dough: If you’re in no rush, refrigerating the batter for 30 minutes before baking helps the donut holes maintain a slightly firmer texture.

How to Serve Baked Coconut Donut Holes

These donut holes are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. You can also serve them as part of a brunch spread or as a sweet treat for guests. For an extra special touch, serve them with a coconut-flavored dipping sauce or pair them with fresh fruit like berries or tropical fruits.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Muffin tin or donut hole pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spoon or ice cream scoop
• Toothpick (for checking doneness)
• Cooling rack

Time and Serving Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 donut hole
• Yield: About 24 donut holes

Storage Tips for Baked Coconut Donut Holes

• Room Temperature: Store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They taste best when fresh, but they’ll still be soft and delicious for a few days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the donut holes! Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving, or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Reheating: If you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer, reheat the donut holes in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their soft, warm texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 70mg

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Coconut Donut Holes

Conclusion:

These baked coconut donut holes are a perfect combination of soft, fluffy, and coconutty goodness. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a quick snack, or a sweet treat for guests, these donut holes will be a hit! Try them today, and enjoy the irresistible coconut flavor in every bite.