There’s something about the crisp autumn air that makes me crave pumpkin donut holes. Picture this: tiny, fluffy morsels of heaven, rolling in a coat of cinnamon sugar, bursting with seasonal flavors. make your own pumpkin pie spice It’s an experience that wraps around you like your favorite sweater on a chilly day. Not to mention the aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s basically a warm hug.
These delightful treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, lazy Sunday brunches, or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. I remember the first time I made them; my friends went wild over these little bites of joy. You can practically feel the anticipation building as they come out of the oven, golden and inviting, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin donut holes are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their warm spices create a cozy flavor profile that screams autumn
- Visually stunning with their golden brown exterior and dusting of sugar, they’re sure to impress any guest
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert; they fit any occasion seamlessly
I remember serving these pumpkin donut holes at a Halloween party last year; everyone was raving about them and begging for the recipe. pumpkin icebox cake recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned puree for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste; both work wonders.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for texture; ensure it’s properly measured to avoid dense donut holes.
- Baking Powder: This will give our donuts that delightful rise; fresh baking powder guarantees fluffiness.
- Cinnamon: Warm and fragrant; it adds that cozy fall flavor we all love.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a subtle warmth and complexity to each bite.
- Sugar: We’ll use this for sweetness and coating; granulated sugar works best when rolled on warm donut holes.
- Eggs: These provide moisture and structure; make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to use your favorite plant-based alternative.
- Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and keeps our donut holes moist; don’t skimp on this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Create the Wet Ingredients Mixture: In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth. The mixture should smell like fall—trust me on this one!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Avoid over-mixing to keep those donut holes light and fluffy.
Fill the Muffin Tin with Batter: Spoon the batter into each muffin cup until about three-quarters full. Don’t worry if they look messy; they’ll puff up beautifully in the oven!
Bake Them Up!: Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Toss in Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While still warm from the oven, roll each donut hole in a cinnamon-sugar mix. This is where your kitchen turns into a magical bakery filled with irresistible scents.
Get ready to enjoy these adorable pumpkin donut holes that will have everyone coming back for seconds! creamy pumpkin pasta dish.
Now you have all the steps needed to create these delightful treats right at home! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Pumpkin donut holes are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with a soft, fluffy texture
- You can easily adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste
- The aroma of these freshly baked goodies will fill your home with cozy vibes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients first, then combine them with wet ingredients for even distribution. Once your batter is ready, preheat the oil. Fry in batches for golden perfection, and don’t forget to drain them on paper towels.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices like nutmeg or cinnamon based on personal preference. You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. chocolate chip pumpkin blondies Glaze options like maple syrup or powdered sugar icing bring an extra layer of sweetness. For more inspiration, check out this butterscotch chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for five minutes to regain their fluffy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly fluffy pumpkin donut holes, make sure not to overmix the batter; it should be just combined
- Use a candy thermometer when frying to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for crispy exteriors and soft interiors
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it prevents sogginess from excess oil
Sometimes I think back to that fall day when my friends couldn’t stop raving about these donut holes after our pumpkin patch adventure. Their smiles made all my effort worth it!
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for pumpkin donut holes?
For more inspiration, check out this honey balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe.
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and saves you time in preparation.
What’s the secret to keeping pumpkin donut holes moist?
Adding yogurt or sour cream can enhance moisture while keeping them light and fluffy.
How do I know when my donut holes are done frying?
They should turn golden brown and float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly cooked!
Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 donut holes 1x
Description
Pumpkin donut holes are the perfect autumn treat, encapsulating the cozy flavors of fall in every fluffy bite. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, these irresistible morsels are ideal for gatherings, brunches, or a sweet pick-me-up. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can fill your home with their delightful aroma and wow your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup milk (whole or plant-based)
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin until three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- While warm, roll each donut hole in cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole (25g)
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.