Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these because they’re as simple as they are charming. They take only a few ingredients and a few minutes to assemble, yet they look festive and impressive. The combination of soft, sweet donut holes with a crunchy chocolate coating and salty pretzel stick makes them as delicious as they are cute. I also love that there’s no baking or special equipment involved—just a few bowls and a little creativity.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
20 glazed donut holes
¾ cup chocolate chips
10–20 pretzel sticks
¾ cup chocolate jimmies sprinkles

Directions

1. If my pretzel sticks are long, I snap them in half since I only need small pieces to make the acorn stems. Ten sticks usually make enough for twenty acorns.

2. I place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until they’re fully melted and smooth. If the chips were cold, it may take an extra round or two.

3. I pour the chocolate sprinkles into another small bowl and set them beside the melted chocolate to make the dipping process easy.

4. Holding a donut hole by the bottom, I dip the top into the melted chocolate—just enough to coat the upper third—then let any excess drip off.

5. I immediately dip the chocolate-covered end into the bowl of sprinkles so they stick and form the “acorn cap.”

6. I gently press a pretzel stick into the top of each donut hole to form the stem, taking care not to dislodge the sprinkles.

7. I place each finished acorn donut hole on a parchment-lined tray and repeat the process until all are done.

8. I let them rest for about 5 minutes so the chocolate sets. If I want to speed it up, I pop the tray into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 acorn donut holes and takes only 20 minutes total—15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to rest or chill.

Variations

I like to get creative with these acorn donut holes. Sometimes I use white chocolate and caramel sprinkles for a lighter look or add crushed nuts for texture. For a festive twist, I roll the chocolate tops in gold or bronze sprinkles for Thanksgiving. When I want something extra indulgent, I drizzle the finished acorns with melted caramel or butterscotch before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover acorn donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If I refrigerate them, I let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens slightly. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use powdered sugar donut holes instead of glazed?

Yes, but I prefer glazed because the smooth surface helps the chocolate stick better.

Can I use different sprinkles?

Absolutely! I love using chocolate jimmies, but chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or fall-colored sprinkles all work beautifully.

Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, candy melts are great since they harden quickly and come in fun colors.

How do I keep the pretzel sticks from breaking?

I gently twist them into the donut hole instead of pushing straight down—that helps prevent cracks.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! This is a perfect hands-on recipe for kids since it’s easy, fun, and mess-friendly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I make them a few hours before serving and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use cake pops instead of donut holes?

Yes, cake pops work perfectly if you want a richer, more decadent version.

Can I flavor the chocolate?

I sometimes add a few drops of peppermint or orange extract to the melted chocolate for a subtle flavor twist.

How can I make them look more realistic?

I use darker chocolate and smaller pretzel sticks for a more “natural” acorn look.

Do I need to chill them before serving?

It’s optional, but chilling helps the chocolate firm up and keeps everything neat when serving.

Conclusion

I love how these Acorn Donut Holes turn simple store-bought ingredients into a delightful fall treat that looks like it came straight from a bakery. They’re easy to assemble, fun to decorate, and always a hit at parties. Whether I’m making them with kids, preparing a Thanksgiving dessert table, or just craving something cute and sweet, these little donut acorns bring instant seasonal charm to any occasion.