If you’re looking for a fun and easy toddler-friendly breakfast or snack that feels like a treat but still packs in some nutrition, these Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Protein Donut Holes (or cinnamon roll bites) are it!
Packed with protein and lightly sweetened with no refined sugar, they come together in one bowl with ingredients you probably already have. These little bites have become a weekly staple in our house—and I have a feeling they’ll earn a permanent spot in yours, too.
Why You’ll Love These Donut Holes
- perfect for breakfast, snack time, or lunchboxes
- made with real, wholesome ingredients
- low added sugar (only added to the coating - feel free to omit!)
- protein-packed thanks to Greek yogurt and oats
- kid-friendly texture (soft, not dense!)
- freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
These are the perfect all-season snack, but they shine during back-to-school season when you're looking for easy lunchbox fillers or healthy grab-and-go breakfasts. They also double as a snack that you can enjoy with your coffee!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour (GF if needed)
- baking powder
- salt
- plain Greek yogurt (or plain dairy-free yogurt)
- egg (for coating)
- coating – cinnamon sugar
- yogurt mixture for drizzling
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with oil. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in Greek yogurt and mix until a dough forms. (it will be sticky—lightly flour your hands if needed and if it’s too sticky add more flour!)
- Step 2: Divide into two pieces and roll it out like a hotdog, then cut into about 1-inch long pieces. Or just pull out about 2 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball shape! Brush or dip each with the whisked egg (or melted butter for egg free).
- Step 3: Bake the cinnamon roll bites for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops feel set. Remove them from the oven and spray with olive/avocado/coconut oil, then toss in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Step 4: Let them cool slightly before serving warm! If using the yogurt drizzle, whisk together the greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla, then drizzle over the top of each bite or serve on the side for dipping.
Hint
For fluffier bites, let the dough rest for 5 minutes before shaping. This helps the baking powder activate, giving you a lighter texture! Make sure to use extra flour to help shape (yes, they will be a little messy).
Substitutions
- all-purpose flour → swap for gluten-free 1:1 flour or whole wheat flour or oat flour (texture may vary) *you can also use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder + salt
- Greek yogurt → use plain coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free version
- egg wash → omit or use a butter wash or olive/avocado oil spray for an egg-free version
Variations
You can totally get creative on how you want to flavor these! Or just keep them plain for a basic version.
- stuffed bagel bites – add a glob of cream cheese in the middle of each bite and roll into a ball form!
- cinnamon chocolate chip – add mini chocolate chips inside for a cinnamon + chocolate duo!
How To Serve
- pair with fruit + milk for a balanced snack
- serve with a smoothie or eggs + fruit for an easy toddler breakfast
- pack in a lunchbox as a fun treat
- serve with a side of greek yogurt or nut butter for dipping
- warm and serve as a “dessert” that still feels nourishing
Equipment
You’ll need a mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups/spoons, and spoon.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up!
Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven or air fryer (350°F for like 2-4 minutes) until warmed and soft.
Tiff's Tip
These bites freeze well—make a double batch and keep some stashed in the freezer for quick snacks, lunchbox treats, or a toddler-approved “dessert.” Just pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, pop in the air fryer, or let it thaw in the fridge overnight!
FAQ
Yes! Bake them in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Absolutely. Just use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt (ideally thick consistency)!
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through.
Totally! Just swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or GF oat flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still bake up soft and fluffy. If wanting to use almond flour then I would double the amount of flour to yogurt ratio, but I haven’t tested it yet!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Protein Donut Holes
Equipment
- parchment paper
- oven or air fryer
Ingredients
donut holes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour if needed *¼-½ cup extra for rolling out
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt can sub with dairy-free yogurt or blended cottage cheese
- 1 egg whisked for coating
cinnamon sugar coating
- 2 tablespoon coconut or brown sugar omit for no added sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
yogurt icing drizzle
- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt or more depending on how much you want
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup omit for no added sugar
- splash vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with oil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in Greek yogurt and mix until a dough forms. (it will be sticky—lightly flour your hands if needed and if it's too sticky add more flour!)
- Divide into two pieces and roll it out like a hotdog, then cut into about 1-inch long pieces. Or just pull out about 2 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball shape! Brush or dip each with the whisked egg (or melted butter for egg free).
- Bake the cinnamon roll bites for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops feel set. Remove them from the oven and spray with olive/avocado/coconut oil, then toss in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let them cool slightly before serving warm! If using the yogurt drizzle, whisk together the greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla, then drizzle over the top of each bite or serve on the side for dipping.
Kylie Baker says
Such a yummy recipe & very popular at our house! Took very little effort as well!
toddlerdietitiantiff says
yayy! so glad y'all loved them!