Acorn Donut Holes

More fun fall favorites you may enjoy include chocolate acorns, pumpkin pie cheesecake, Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes, and Oreo apple balls.

No Bake Acorn Donut Holes Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Glazed donut holes: Soft base that stays tender under the coating. Store bought donut holes from your local grocery store work fine unless you prefer to make your own.
Milk chocolate chips: Melt for a smooth cap that sticks the sprinkles.
Pretzel sticks: Snap for stems and a crisp finish. Either use longer ones broken in half or short ones as they are.
Chocolate jimmies: These sprinkles add the nubbly acorn cap texture to the sweet treat. Jimmies come in various shades and any of those will be fine. (I used these!)

How to Make Super Easy Acorn Doughnut Holes

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prep stems: Snap long pretzel sticks in half if needed.
Melt chocolate: Microwave the chocolate chips in a small bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
Dip and drip: Dip the top of the donut hole in chocolate, scrape excess, then roll in chocolate sprinkles.
Add stems: Insert a pretzel piece in the coated end without scraping the cap.
Set: Repeat with the remaining ingredients and set each finished acorn donut hole on a parchment paper lined baking sheet until the chocolate firms up before enjoying this perfect treat.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free donut holes and confirm the sprinkles are gluten-free.
Dairy-free coating: Choose dairy-free chocolate, chocolate frosting or dark chocolate made without milk.
Sprinkles: Instead of chocolate brown sprinkles, you could use colorful fall themed sprinkles in brown, yellow and orange.
Nutty crunch: Roll the cap in finely chopped pecans instead of jimmy sprinkles. Or you could use crushed cookies or sanding sugar for a similar texture.
Flavor twist: Add a drop of vanilla or espresso to the melted chocolate.
Temper the chocolate chips: Add a little coconut oil to the chocolate chips to temper them (this makes the chocolate finish glossier but is optional).
Nutella version: This would be a great swap for the chocolate chips but keep in mind Nutella won’t set like melted chocolate does.

Serving Suggestions

With Thanksgiving brunch: Counter the savory flavors of bacon, eggs and breakfast potatoes with a few chocolate acorns. This fun recipe adds a delicious sweet component to your brunch spread.
For dessert: Enjoy them with ice cream or cinnamon roll apple pie, perhaps with a pistachio latte or marshmallow cocktail.
For a fall party: Serve these with a Thanksgiving charcuterie board or pecan butter board for festive grazing.
Gift for friends or family: Package this delicious snack in cellophane and tie with fall-colored ribbons as a cheery, seasonal gift.

How to Store

Store: These donut hole acorns don’t keep well, so I recommend you make acorn donut holes the day you’re planning to serve them and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.
Freeze: They’re not suitable for freezing.