What is the trademarked name for Dunkin' Donuts' doughnut holes?

Dunkin’ Donuts’ trademarked name for its doughnut holes is “Munchkins.” The bite-sized treats were introduced as a branded menu item rather than being sold only under the generic description “doughnut holes.”

Dunkin’ added Munchkins in 1973, offering them in flavors based on its regular doughnuts. The small pieces were originally associated with the dough cut from the centers of ring doughnuts, though modern doughnut holes are often made as separate pieces of dough. They can be cake-style or yeast-raised and may be glazed, powdered, or filled.

The name is commonly linked to the miniature Munchkin characters in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Dunkin’ used the playful term to make the product appealing to children and families. The branding also helped distinguish the chain’s version from similar products sold by competitors.

Tim Hortons uses “Timbits” for its own doughnut holes, which is why the two names are sometimes confused. “Donut holes” remains the generic term, while Munchkins identifies Dunkin’s branded product.