Donut hole
Small round donuts, popular in Canada and the United States.
A donut hole, sometimes spelled doughnut hole, is a small, round piece of fried dough. They may be served plain or with a coating like glaze, and are a common dessert in the United States and Canada. Their name comes from the idea that such a ball could fill the center hole of a ring-shaped donut.
The history of both donut holes and ring donuts has several claimed origins. The ring-shaped donut is often credited to Captain Hanson Gregory, who said he invented it in 1847 by cutting the center out of his mother’s donuts. Earlier recipes sometimes called for donuts shaped like a jumble, a circular cookie with a hole. Another suggested reason for the hole is that donuts cook faster that way.
In 1973, Dunkin’ added “Munchkins” to their menu, selling them in the same flavors as their donuts and originally using dough cut from the centers of ring donuts. The name reportedly came from the small “Munchkin” characters in the 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz*. The chain had tried marketing them as “donut holes” before, but that approach didn’t succeed with younger customers. By 2021, Dunkin’ and most other donut producers make donut holes separately from full-size donuts. In 1976, the Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons introduced their own version, called “Timbits.”
Like regular donuts, donut holes come in many varieties. The dough can be either cake style, which uses a leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder, or yeast style, which uses yeast.
Quick Facts
- Course
- Dessert
- Associated Cuisine
- American cuisine, Canadian cuisine
- Served
- Room temperature
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The concept of forming donuts with a hole in the center is commonly attributed to Captain Hanson Gregory, who claimed to have invented the first ring donut after cutting the center of his mother's donuts out in 1847. Many early recipes called for the donut to be formed in the shape of a jumble, a circular cookie with a hole in the center. It has also been suggested that this was invented because donuts cook more quickly when they have a hole in the center.
In 1973, Dunkin' added 'Munchkins' to their menu, selling them in the various flavors of their donuts as a way to use up the dough cuttings taken from the center of their ring donut. The name reportedly stems from the miniature 'Munchkin' characters from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The chain had previously unsuccessfully attempted to market them as 'donut holes' before changing their strategy to appeal to younger consumers. However, as of 2021, the company produces donut holes separately from full size donuts. In 1976, Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons introduced donut holes called 'Timbits' to their menu.
Reader's Guide
Donut holes represent a significant innovation in the fried dough industry, transforming what was once a byproduct of ring donut production into a standalone popular dessert. Their introduction by major chains like Dunkin' (as Munchkins in 1973) and Tim Hortons (as Timbits in 1976) helped establish them as a staple in both American and Canadian snack culture. The name itself reflects a playful culinary logic—the idea that the hole in a ring donut could be filled by an appropriately sized ball. Over time, production methods shifted: by 2021, most donut producers, including Dunkin', make donut holes separately rather than from center cuttings. The treat's versatility is evident in its range of styles—cake or yeast—and toppings, from plain to glazed. Donut holes remain a convenient, bite-sized alternative to full donuts, appealing to consumers seeking smaller portions or variety packs.
Did You Know?
- The name 'donut hole' comes from the idea that the hole in a ring donut could be filled in by an appropriately sized ball.
- Dunkin' first marketed them as 'donut holes' unsuccessfully before renaming them 'Munchkins' in 1973.
More in Canadian cuisine 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced