Autumn always brings back memories of cozy kitchens filled with the warm aroma of pumpkin and spices. I still remember the first time I made pumpkin donut holes with my niece, stirring the batter and sneaking a taste of cinnamon sugar before they even hit the oven. These little bites are perfect for sharing or indulging in a sweet snack on a crisp fall afternoon. The magic of pumpkin donut holes lies in their soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy that classic donut flavor baked versions come out tender and perfectly coated with cinnamon sugar. Using simple pantry staples like pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour, you can create something that tastes festive and comforting without any fuss. For a fun twist, I sometimes incorporate pumpkin spice gooey cake flavors or pair them with a cup of spiced latte to elevate snack time pumpkin-spice-gooey-cake.
These bites are also incredibly versatile. You can make them ahead for holiday brunch, freeze them for later, or even turn them into a sweet breakfast treat alongside a pumpkin cinnamon roll muffin pumpkin-cinnamon-roll-muffins. Every bite brings out that perfect balance of pumpkin sweetness and spice, making them irresistible for both kids and adults. By keeping the batter simple and following a few key steps, you’ll have fluffy, flavorful donut holes that capture all the essence of fall in every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Preparation for Pumpkin Donut Holes
The secret to perfect pumpkin donut holes starts with the right ingredients. Using simple, fresh pantry staples ensures that each bite is soft, tender, and packed with autumn flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. These spices give the donut holes that signature warmth we all love in pumpkin treats. For a twist, you can also use a pumpkin spice blend to make preparation even faster.
Wet Ingredients: pumpkin puree (never pumpkin pie filling), brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combining these creates a moist, tender dough that will rise beautifully in the oven. I sometimes experiment with a bit of sourdough discard to add a subtle tang and extra fluffiness sourdough-discard-pizza-dough.
Coating: melted butter and a simple cinnamon-sugar mix. This step transforms soft baked dough into a sweet, indulgent bite. For extra flavor, you can toss the donut holes in a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of glaze inspired by pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins.
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine both until just mixed don’t overmix to keep them soft.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups about 2/3 full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, dip in melted butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Following these steps ensures your pumpkin donut holes are perfectly soft inside and sweetly spiced outside, ready for any cozy fall gathering.
Pumpkin Donut Holes: Bite-Sized Fall Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 donut holes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy baked Pumpkin Donut Holes coated in cinnamon sugar. A cozy fall treat made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare mini muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended.
- Spoon batter into mini muffin cups about 2/3 full.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly. Dip each donut hole in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
For a fun twist, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or roll in powdered sugar. Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Baking Tips & Variations for Pumpkin Donut Holes
Once you’ve mastered the basic pumpkin donut holes recipe, a few simple baking tips can elevate your results. First, don’t overmix your batter. Stir until ingredients are just combined overmixing can make the donut holes dense rather than fluffy. Using fresh spices also makes a noticeable difference; cinnamon and nutmeg lose their punch over time, so measure carefully for the best aroma.
For those who prefer a lighter texture, consider replacing a small portion of all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, which pairs beautifully with pumpkin. You can also experiment with air fryer baking, which produces perfectly golden donut holes in just minutes while keeping the center moist air-fryer-recipes.
Creative Variations
Pumpkin donut holes are incredibly versatile. Try rolling some in powdered sugar for a soft, sweet coating, or drizzle them with a simple cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence. For a richer flavor, sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar coating. Chocolate lovers can even dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle a chocolate glaze on top.
You can also incorporate complementary flavors from your other favorite pumpkin treats. For example, adding a hint of cream cheese filling inspired by pumpkin-cinnamon-roll-muffins brings a surprise creamy center that guests will love. Another fun variation is spicing the coating with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of ginger to create a more intense fall flavor.
With these tips and variations, your pumpkin donut holes become more than a simple snack they’re an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen while keeping them soft, fluffy, and full of autumn warmth.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips for Pumpkin Donut Holes
One of the best things about pumpkin donut holes is how versatile they are when it comes to serving. Freshly baked, they’re perfect for breakfast alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai latte. You can also serve them as a festive treat for fall gatherings, brunches, or even after-school snacks for the kids. For a more indulgent presentation, layer them on a plate and drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze or chocolate topping. Pairing them with pumpkin-bread adds a cozy, seasonal touch to your dessert table.
For an extra fun twist, consider creating a donut hole bar with different coatings: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or even crushed nuts. Guests can mix and match flavors, making the experience interactive and playful. This works especially well with other fall-themed recipes like pumpkin-snickerdoodles for variety and extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your donut holes stay soft and flavorful. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the donut holes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave, then roll in cinnamon sugar before serving to restore that fresh-baked taste.
If you’ve coated your donut holes with glaze, store them separately from uncoated ones to prevent them from becoming soggy. This approach helps maintain the perfect texture every time. With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy pumpkin donut holes any time of the year without losing that tender, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are pumpkin donut holes made of?
Pumpkin donut holes are made with simple ingredients: pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re soft, fluffy, and baked to perfection, then coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar for that irresistible autumn flavor.
Can I bake pumpkin donut holes instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier and simpler alternative to frying. Using a mini muffin tin, bake the batter at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes. They’ll come out soft, tender, and perfectly spiced without the need for deep frying.
How do I store pumpkin donut holes to keep them fresh?
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat before serving and toss in cinnamon sugar for freshness.
Can pumpkin donut holes be frozen?
Yes! Freeze them after baking on a flat sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat briefly in the oven or microwave, then roll in cinnamon sugar to restore flavor.
Conclusion
Pumpkin donut holes are a simple yet irresistible way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Whether you bake them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, they deliver a tender, spiced bite every time. With these easy steps, creative variations, and storage tips, you can enjoy these treats anytime, making them a seasonal favorite for family, friends, or yourself. Try pairing them with other autumn delights like pumpkin bread or pumpkin snickerdoodles for a complete fall-inspired spread. Follow us on Facebook for fresh new recipes, cooking tips, and food inspiration every week!