There’s something about the aroma of warm spices in the kitchen that feels like a cozy sweater for the soul. These pumpkin donut holes are one of those recipes that immediately brings to mind crisp autumn air, colorful leaves, and the comforting glow of a candle-lit home. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger filling the air, paired with the sweet, earthy scent of pumpkin, is pure magic. Not only are these donut holes easy to make, but they’re also baked—not fried—which makes them a bit lighter than traditional donuts. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or a breakfast treat with coffee, they’re the perfect fall indulgence.
In many households, fall baking is more than just a way to satisfy a sweet tooth—it’s a cherished ritual. The flavors of pumpkin and spice are an autumn staple, and this recipe brings that seasonal comfort to life in a fun, bite-sized form. If you’ve ever loved visiting apple orchards or pumpkin patches as the leaves start to turn, these pumpkin donut holes are a wonderful way to bring that same feeling home. Serve them warm, perhaps dusted with a little extra cinnamon sugar, and they’ll disappear before you know it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall-Inspired Flavors: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, these donut holes capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up these treats in no time.
- Healthier Twist: These donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option for indulging without overdoing it.
- Kid-Friendly: Their fun, bite-sized shape makes them perfect for little hands, and kids love their soft, fluffy texture!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best, though you could also try using a whole-wheat blend for extra fiber.
- Pumpkin Puree – Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as it has added sugars and spices.
- Baking Powder – Essential for giving these donut holes a light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon – Adds that warm, classic fall flavor.
- Nutmeg and Ginger – Enhance the autumn spice flavor profile.
- Salt – A pinch helps balance the sweetness.
- Sugar – Just enough to sweeten; you could substitute coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
- Milk of Choice – Use any milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Coconut Oil – Helps keep the donut holes moist and adds a touch of richness.
How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin. This is key to ensure your donut holes don’t stick, so don’t skip this step! If you have a donut hole or cake pop pan, that works too, but a mini muffin tin does the trick just as well. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This dry mix will be the base for all those wonderful autumn flavors. Take a moment to enjoy the scent—these spices really set the stage for the cozy flavor of the donuts. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also makes the batter naturally moist. - Blend Wet & Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid over-mixing, as it can make the donuts dense. A few lumps are okay! The batter should be thick but pourable. - Fill the Muffin Tin
Use a spoon or small scoop to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. These donut holes will rise a bit, so leaving some space at the top ensures they bake up to the perfect bite-sized treat. - Bake
Pop the tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back lightly when pressed. Alternatively, you can insert a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. - Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture if you like. The warmth helps the sugar coating stick, giving each donut hole a lovely, sweet crust that complements the soft interior.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the muffin cups can cause the donut holes to spill over, losing their round shape. Fill each cup only about three-quarters for the best results.
- Use a Cooling Rack: Let the donut holes cool on a rack after baking to prevent them from getting soggy on the bottom.
- Pumpkin Spice Alternative: If you prefer, you can substitute pumpkin spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a slightly different spice blend.
- Double the Batch: These donut holes tend to disappear quickly, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a group or want leftovers.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 donut holes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American (Fall-Inspired)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information
These donut holes are a lighter treat, especially when compared to traditional fried donuts. Exact nutrition values will vary based on ingredient choices, but they’re generally low in fat and calories, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy guilt-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes! All-purpose flour works best for a fluffy texture, but whole-wheat flour can be used if you prefer a bit more fiber. Just note that it may make the donut holes slightly denser.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week, though they taste best fresh.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! A gluten-free all-purpose blend should work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, you can freeze these donut holes. Once they’re completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds when ready to enjoy.
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Conclusion
There you have it—a cozy, autumn-inspired recipe that’s perfect for the season. These pumpkin donut holes are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and are a wonderful way to celebrate fall’s flavors. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or just looking for a simple treat, these little donuts are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy them with a warm mug of cider or a pumpkin spice latte, and take a moment to savor the flavors of the season.
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Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
Description
There’s something about the aroma of warm spices in the kitchen that feels like a cozy sweater for the soul. These pumpkin donut holes are one of those recipes that immediately brings to mind crisp autumn air, colorful leaves, and the comforting glow of a candle-lit home. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger filling the air, paired with the sweet, earthy scent of pumpkin, is pure magic. Not only are these donut holes easy to make, but they’re also baked—not fried—which makes them a bit lighter than traditional donuts. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or a breakfast treat with coffee, they’re the perfect fall indulgence.
In many households, fall baking is more than just a way to satisfy a sweet tooth—it’s a cherished ritual. The flavors of pumpkin and spice are an autumn staple, and this recipe brings that seasonal comfort to life in a fun, bite-sized form. If you’ve ever loved visiting apple orchards or pumpkin patches as the leaves start to turn, these pumpkin donut holes are a wonderful way to bring that same feeling home. Serve them warm, perhaps dusted with a little extra cinnamon sugar, and they’ll disappear before you know it!
Ingredients
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best, though you could also try using a whole-wheat blend for extra fiber.
- Pumpkin Puree – Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as it has added sugars and spices.
- Baking Powder – Essential for giving these donut holes a light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon – Adds that warm, classic fall flavor.
- Nutmeg and Ginger – Enhance the autumn spice flavor profile.
- Salt – A pinch helps balance the sweetness.
- Sugar – Just enough to sweeten; you could substitute coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
- Milk of Choice – Use any milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Coconut Oil – Helps keep the donut holes moist and adds a touch of richness.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin. This is key to ensure your donut holes don’t stick, so don’t skip this step! If you have a donut hole or cake pop pan, that works too, but a mini muffin tin does the trick just as well. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This dry mix will be the base for all those wonderful autumn flavors. Take a moment to enjoy the scent—these spices really set the stage for the cozy flavor of the donuts. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also makes the batter naturally moist. - Blend Wet & Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid over-mixing, as it can make the donuts dense. A few lumps are okay! The batter should be thick but pourable. - Fill the Muffin Tin
Use a spoon or small scoop to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. These donut holes will rise a bit, so leaving some space at the top ensures they bake up to the perfect bite-sized treat. - Bake
Pop the tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back lightly when pressed. Alternatively, you can insert a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. - Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture if you like. The warmth helps the sugar coating stick, giving each donut hole a lovely, sweet crust that complements the soft interior.