No-Bake Acorn Donut Holes

The first day of fall always gets me craving something sweet, and these no-bake acorn donut holes hit the spot every time! They’re simple, adorable, and made with just a handful of ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

I originally found this idea on Pinterest while searching for a fun fall treat for kids to surprise my family. The second I saw those little acorn-shaped donut holes, I knew I had to try them. They turned out even cuter (and tastier!) than I expected — now they’re a must-make in our house every autumn.

You don’t need to be a pro baker for this one. If you can melt chocolate and break pretzels in half, you can make these. Seriously! It’s the kind of fun kitchen project that kids love, and it even doubles as a pretty centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients for No-Bake Acorn Donut Holes

• 6 oz Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers
• 6 pretzel sticks, broken in half
• 12 donut holes (Optional: refrigerated biscuit dough (if making from scratch)
• 2 tablespoons fall sprinkles

📝 Tip: Old-fashioned cake donut holes hold their shape best when dipped — yeast donuts can get too soft once coated in chocolate.

Tools & Prep Tips

• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
• Parchment-lined baking tray
• Fork or toothpick for dipping
• Small bowls for toppings
• Cooling rack or fridge space for setting

Optional extras

• White or orange candy melts for color variations
• Crushed cookies or toasted coconut for texture
• Mini marshmallows for a playful topping

📝 Tip: Break your pretzel sticks before starting — once the chocolate sets, you’ll want to work fast!

How to Make Acorn Donut Holes

Step 1. Melt the chocolate: Place 6 oz of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on defrost mode for two minutes, then stir. Return to the microwave for one more minute on defrost, and stir again until smooth and completely melted.

Step 2. Dip the donut holes: Hold each donut hole and dip halfway into the melted chocolate. Place them on a sheet of parchment paper to set.

Step 3. Add the sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle with fall sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet so they stick beautifully. Let the chocolate dry until firm to the touch.

Step 4. Add the pretzel stems: Insert half of a pretzel stick into the top of each donut hole to create the acorn stem.

Step 5. Serve and enjoy: Arrange on a platter and serve for a fun, easy fall treat that everyone loves!

DIY Donut Holes from Scratch (Baked or Fried)

If you’d rather start from scratch, use refrigerated biscuit dough and follow one of these quick methods:

Fried Donut Holes

• Heat oil to 350 °F (175 °C).
• Cut biscuits into quarters, roll into balls.
• Fry 2–3 minutes, turning until golden brown.
• Drain and cool 10 minutes before dipping and decorating.

Baked Donut Holes

• Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
• Roll dough into balls; bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool, then dip, sprinkle, and stem as above.

From-scratch version takes 20–25 minutes total.

Variations

• Color swaps: Use white chocolate or orange melts for festive autumn colors.
• Flavor twist: Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle a bit of caramel on top.
• Healthier option: Use baked mini muffins or low-sugar donut holes.
• Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free donut holes and pretzel sticks.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut-based donut holes.
• Party idea: Serve on a wooden tray lined with fall leaves — it’s Pinterest-perfect!

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container once chocolate is set — keeps pretzels crisp and chocolate shiny.
• Avoid the fridge unless your kitchen is very warm; cold air causes chocolate bloom and soggy pretzels.
• Freeze plain donut holes only (undecorated) up to 1 month; thaw 30–45 min before dipping and decorating.
• Make up to 1 day ahead; add pretzel stems the morning of serving for best crunch.
• If chocolate won’t set, chill tray 5–10 min, then return to room temp.
• Transport tip: pack in shallow containers, single layer or parchment-separated, to protect the stems.

And there you have it — the cutest fall treat you’ll ever make! These no-bake acorn donut holes look bakery-fancy, taste amazing, and come together in minutes. Whether you make them for a Thanksgiving dessert table, a classroom party, or just for fun with the grandkids, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tell me. And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it again next fall.

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Updated for Fall 2025 — new step photos and variations added!