These Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Protein Donut Holes are a delightful, health-conscious twist on traditional donut holes that don’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Combining the protein-packed goodness of Greek yogurt with warm cinnamon spice, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and satisfy sweet cravings without the guilt that comes with conventional donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein while remaining soft and tender, making them a perfect post-workout or breakfast treat
• Easy to customize with gluten-free or dairy-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions
• Quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfectly portioned for controlled snacking and ideal for meal prep
• Less sugar than traditional donut holes thanks to monk fruit sweetener, but with all the satisfaction

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Organic flour creates the perfect texture, but you can easily substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour or oat flour for dietary needs
• Baking Powder: Provides the necessary lift to create light, fluffy donut holes rather than dense ones
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds that classic warm spice flavor – use Ceylon cinnamon for a more delicate flavor profile if you prefer
• Sea Salt: Fine sea salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness – don’t skip this essential ingredient
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural zero-calorie sweetener that provides sweetness without the blood sugar spike of regular sugar
• Protein Powder: Unflavored or vanilla protein powder boosts the nutritional profile – whey, plant-based, or collagen proteins all work well
• Greek Yogurt: Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt adds moisture, protein, and a slight tanginess – thick dairy-free yogurt works as a substitute
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the cinnamon
• Butter: Grass-fed butter adds richness and helps with browning – coconut oil makes an excellent dairy-free alternative

Variations

Chocolate Protein Donut Holes

Replace the vanilla protein powder with chocolate protein powder and add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also fold in some mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence while keeping the cinnamon for a chocolate-cinnamon combination.

Fruity Donut Holes

Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist, or fold in dried blueberries, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of fruit flavor. These additions work wonderfully with the cinnamon base.

Savory Protein Bites

Transform these into savory bites by omitting the sweetener and cinnamon, adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, and incorporating grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option). Perfect for a protein-packed appetizer or snack.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Gather all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth process.

Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients including flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, monk fruit, protein powder, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The dough will initially seem dry, but continue kneading with your hands until it comes together into a cohesive mixture. The warmth of your hands helps activate the ingredients.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few more times to ensure smoothness. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll each piece between your palms to form round donut holes. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Lightly brush the tops of the donut holes with melted butter before baking. This creates a gorgeous golden appearance. Bake for 10 minutes until just set – be careful not to overbake or they’ll become dry. While baking, prepare the cinnamon-monk fruit coating by mixing the two ingredients in a small bowl. After baking, brush the warm donut holes with the remaining melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon mixture until fully coated.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• The dough may seem crumbly at first, but trust the process and continue kneading—the yogurt will eventually hydrate all the dry ingredients
• For extra tender donut holes, avoid overworking the dough once it comes together
• If your protein powder is sweetened, you may want to reduce the amount of monk fruit sweetener
• Make sure your Greek yogurt is thick—if it seems watery, strain it through a cheesecloth first
• Allow the donut holes to cool for 5 minutes before coating them—they’ll be easier to handle but still warm enough for the coating to stick well
• For a more decadent version, you can double-dip in the butter and cinnamon coating

How to Serve

These protein donut holes are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a protein coffee, matcha latte, or almond milk for a balanced snack or breakfast. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits. For an extra special treat, serve them with a side of Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey or maple syrup for dipping.

Make Ahead

These donut holes are perfect for meal prep and can be prepared in advance. Store the baked and coated donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncoated donut holes for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then warm slightly in the microwave or oven before coating with the butter and cinnamon mixture for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I make these completely dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt, and use coconut oil instead of butter. Make sure your protein powder is also dairy-free if that’s a concern.

What if I don’t have monk fruit sweetener?

You can substitute monk fruit with other sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or even regular sugar or coconut sugar if you don’t mind the additional calories. Just note that the flavor profile might change slightly.

How do I know when the donut holes are done baking?

The donut holes are done when they’re slightly firm to the touch and lightly golden on the bottom. Be careful not to overbake as protein-enhanced baked goods can dry out quickly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these without protein powder?

Yes, you can omit the protein powder and add an additional 1/4 cup of flour to maintain the correct dough consistency. The nutrition profile will change, but they’ll still be delicious Greek yogurt donut holes.

Conclusion

These Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Protein Donut Holes offer the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. They’re a versatile treat that can be adapted to fit your dietary needs and preferences while still providing that comforting, cinnamon-spiced goodness we all crave. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed post-workout snack, a healthier breakfast option, or just a better-for-you treat, these donut holes deliver. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, there’s no reason not to give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite guilt-free indulgence!

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