Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. These bites bake best when evenly sized, so a mini muffin pan works perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and set aside. This ensures even distribution and a soft texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the bites light and tender.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for about 5 minutes—warm enough to hold the coating, but not too hot.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Step 7: Prepare the Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, melt the butter.
Step 8: Coat the Bites
Brush each warm bite with melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
This step transforms simple vanilla bites into festive holiday treats with that classic cinnamon-sugar sparkle.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Bites
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Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
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Don’t overbake—they should be soft, not dry
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Roll while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks properly
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter
Variations to Try
Vanilla Glaze Version
Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Stuffed Christmas Bites
Add a small cube of chocolate or caramel inside each bite before baking for a surprise center.
Fried Cinnamon Sugar Bites
Instead of baking, fry spoonfuls of batter in hot oil until golden, then coat in cinnamon sugar for a donut-hole style treat.
Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives with excellent results.
Serving Ideas
These Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites are incredibly versatile:
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Serve warm with hot cocoa or coffee
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Add them to holiday dessert boards
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Package them in festive boxes for homemade gifts
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Serve alongside ice cream or whipped cream
They’re also perfect for brunch spreads and after-dinner desserts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze uncoated bites for up to 2 months
To reheat, warm briefly in the oven and re-roll in cinnamon sugar if needed.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Christmas
Holiday baking should feel joyful, not stressful. These Christmas bites check every box:
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Quick to make
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Affordable ingredients
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Easy for beginners
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Loved by kids and adults alike
They capture the essence of the season—warmth, sweetness, and togetherness—in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day ahead and coat them just before serving.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Absolutely. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this recipe scales beautifully for parties and large gatherings.
Final Thoughts
These Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites are more than just a dessert—they’re a holiday experience. From the comforting vanilla aroma to the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, every bite feels like Christmas joy wrapped in sweetness.
Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition, requested year after year by family and friends.
✨ Soft. Sweet. Festive. Unforgettable. ✨
