Can I make these in a regular-sized muffin tin if I don't have a mini one?

Yes, you can! You'll need to increase the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick to ensure they're done in the center.

My glaze seems too thick. What should I do?

Add more milk, just a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon and drip off slowly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious.

How do I know when my donut holes are perfectly baked?

They should be lightly golden around the edges, spring back when gently pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as they'll continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven.

Baked Coconut Donut Holes Recipe

Name: Baked Coconut Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (not packed); 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly); 1 large egg (room temp); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp toasted coconut or flake coconut; 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; Additional coconut (toasted or shredded, for garnish)

These Baked Coconut Donut Holes are little bites of paradise that bring together the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut with the comforting goodness of homemade donuts. What makes these treats special is that they’re baked, not fried, making them lighter yet still incredibly satisfying. The double-dipped vanilla glaze creates a deliciously sweet coating that perfectly complements the coconut-infused donut. Best of all, they come together in under 20 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Deep Fryer Needed: These donut holes are baked in a mini muffin tin, giving you that donut satisfaction without the mess and calories of deep frying.
Quick and Simple: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and 7 minutes in the oven, you can satisfy your donut craving in less than 20 minutes total.
Perfect Texture: These have a wonderfully light, cake-like interior with a sweet, slightly crisp glaze on the outside.
Impressive but Easy: These little treats look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re so simple anyone can make them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our donut holes that gives them structure while keeping them tender.
Baking powder: Provides the lift that makes these donut holes light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture – make sure it’s melted but not hot when you add it.
Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donut batter without making it too heavy.
Milk: Creates a moist, tender crumb in your donut holes.
Toasted coconut: The star ingredient that gives these their distinctive tropical flavor.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of our smooth, sweet glaze.
Coconut for garnish: Adds visual appeal and an extra boost of coconut flavor.

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.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists:

Coconut Explosion: Replace the vanilla extract with coconut extract in both the batter and glaze for an intense coconut experience.
Chocolate Coconut: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donut holes.
Lime Coconut: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the batter and a splash of lime juice to the glaze for a tropical twist.
Almond Joy: Mix in some mini chocolate chips and top with toasted coconut and sliced almonds after glazing.

How to Make Baked Coconut Donut Holes

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a mini muffin tin with baking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted (but slightly cooled) butter with the vanilla extract and egg. Whisk until smooth. Add the sugar and milk, continuing to whisk until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and Add Coconut

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until no dry lumps remain – this is crucial, as overmixing will make your donut holes tough. Gently fold in the toasted coconut until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake

Fill each mini muffin cup about halfway. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 6-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn the donut holes out onto a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While your donut holes are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. The glaze should be thin enough to coat the donut holes but thick enough to stick.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Using two forks or your fingers, dip each donut hole into the glaze, making sure it’s fully coated. Place them back on the wire rack. Once you’ve glazed all of them, repeat the process for a second coating. While the final coat of glaze is still wet, sprinkle with additional coconut. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined – this ensures tender, light donut holes.
Use a piping bag: For cleaner filling of the mini muffin tins, put your batter in a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Toast your coconut: Spread coconut on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. This deepens the flavor dramatically.
Double dipping is essential: The second dip in the glaze creates that perfect bakery-style finish and adds the right amount of sweetness.

How to Serve

These versatile little treats can be enjoyed in several ways:

Breakfast Treat

Serve with fresh coffee or tea for a delightful morning pick-me-up that feels special without being too heavy.

Dessert Platter

Create a beautiful dessert platter with these donut holes alongside fresh fruit and perhaps a chocolate dipping sauce.

Party Fare

Place them on a tiered stand for baby showers, brunches, or afternoon teas – they’re perfect bite-sized party food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked coconut donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze will stay somewhat set but may become a bit softer over time.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen donut holes at room temperature for about an hour. For a fresh-baked taste, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

If freezing, it’s best to freeze them unglazed and add the glaze after thawing for the best texture and appearance.

FAQs

Can I make these in a regular-sized muffin tin if I don’t have a mini one?

Yes, you can! You’ll need to increase the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick to ensure they’re done in the center.
My glaze seems too thick. What should I do?

Add more milk, just a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon and drip off slowly.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when my donut holes are perfectly baked?

They should be lightly golden around the edges, spring back when gently pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as they’ll continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Coconut Donut Holes bring a touch of tropical delight to your table with minimal effort. Their quick preparation time makes them perfect for those moments when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender, coconut-infused cake with the sweet vanilla glaze creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, these little bites of joy are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!