Easy-to-make Acorn Donut Holes look just like acorns! Dipping the top of the donut in melted chocolate and topping with a pretzel stick makes it a fun project for little ones.
These donut holes make such a fun fall treat. Make the most of this season by baking this Pumpkin Cake, making this Apple Crumble, and trying these “famous” Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Check off baking from your Fall Bucket List!
How to make Acorn Donut Holes
- There are so many ways to make Acorn Donut Holes and how you dip and top these depends on your preferences. Dip the donut hole in Nutella® or melted chocolate. Even chocolate frosting would work!
- Fill a small bowl with melted chocolate or warmed Nutella and dip the top of the donut holes until sufficiently coated. Immediately coat that topping in sprinkles or other toppings if you wish.
- Press in half of a pretzel stick at the top.
- Set on a tray lined with parchment paper to harden before serving.
(Donut holes are pictured next to Thanksgiving Cookies, Thanksgiving Treats and Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies)
Quick tips
- Get good-quality donut holes — Use either homemade ones or buy good fresh ones. (Google ‘good donut holes near me’ to find a donut shop that’s close!)
- Use good-quality chocolate or real Nutella to dip the donut holes in.
- Serve promptly. Donuts are best the same day they’re made, so serve Acorn Donut Holes as soon as the chocolate/Nutella has hardened.
Quick Tip
When you buy (or make) donut holes, be sure to get the plain glazed type. Holes coated in powdered sugar or covered with sprinkles won’t look like an acorn.
Acorn donut Hole toppings
After adding the melted chocolate or warmed Nutella, there are several ways you can top the chocolate section of the “acorn.”
- First, leaving the top plain is delicious!
- Alternatively, add brown jimmie sprinkles or a fall assortment of sprinkles.
- Add crushed peanuts or crushed pistachios.
- Add mini chocolate chips.
- Crush leftover pretzels and add the pretzel bits.
- Add toffee bits.
Other fall treats
- Apple Fritter Bread with a glaze
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake with the best streusel
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake with salted caramel
- Pumpkin Bread reader favorite recipe!
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins bakery-style muffins
Acorn Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 1ย dozen glazed donut holes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup melted chocolate or Nutella (Note 1)
- 6ย pretzel sticks, broken in half
- Topping ideas: chocolate jimmies sprinkles, assorted leaf/fall-themed sprinkles, crushed pretzels, crushed nuts, toffee bits, or miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
- PREP: Pour any prepared toppings (chocolate jimmies sprinkles, assorted leaf/fall-themed sprinkles, crushed pretzels, crushed nuts, toffee bits, or miniature chocolate chips) into small individual bowls. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. Halve the pretzel sticks by breaking in the middle.
- CHOCOLATE/NUTELLA: In a small bowl, add coconut oil to melted chocolate and whisk to combine. Place Nutella in a bowl and warm through in the microwave for 20-40 seconds (check and stir often).
- ASSEMBLE: Hold the donut hole and dip the top third in the melted chocolate or Nutella. Shake off any excess and then immediately dip into prepared toppings. Insert a broken pretzel stick into the center of the chocolate-dipped side of the donut hole.
- DRY: Let donut holes sit for about 10-20 minutes on the prepared baking sheet to fully set up and harden.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.