Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes – Fall’s Best Treats

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Pumpkin donut holes are the perfect treat for fall, bursting with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. Imagine biting into a fluffy, moist donut hole that’s coated in cinnamon sugar, leaving you wanting more with each delightful bite.

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These little bites of joy remind me of cozy autumn afternoons spent with family, sipping apple cider while the air is filled with the scent of pumpkin spice. Perfect for everything from Sunday brunch to Halloween parties, these treats will surely steal the show and warm your heart.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These pumpkin donut holes are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor impact
  • The delightful blend of spices creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
  • Their golden-brown exterior and soft center make them visually appealing and perfect for sharing
  • Ideal for breakfast or dessert, they’re versatile enough to enjoy all day long

Ingredients for Pumpkin Donut Holes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade for a rich flavor. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your donut holes; sifting helps create a light texture.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and adds a lovely crunch when coated afterwards.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for leavening the donut holes; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
  • Cinnamon: A key spice that gives these treats their warm, comforting flavor; feel free to add more if you’re a cinnamon lover.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and enhances the fall vibes—freshly grated nutmeg elevates this recipe even more.
  • Eggs: Two large eggs bind the mixture together and give structure to the donut holes.
  • Milk: Use whole milk or buttermilk for extra moisture and richness in every bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Pumpkin Donut Holes

How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes

Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter—this simple step keeps chaos at bay. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when you’re done mixing.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and inviting; think sunset orange as you stir.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures no lumps ruin your delightful texture; your batter should feel light yet substantial.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mix while stirring gently. You want to fold them together until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts! A few lumps are perfectly fine; they’ll bake out.

Shape Your Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands (flour them first!), form bite-sized balls from the dough. Place them on a lined baking sheet about an inch apart—you want room for them to puff up beautifully.

Bake Until Golden

Pop those little gems into your preheated oven! Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top—the aroma will have everyone coming to investigate!

Cool and Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, allow your donut holes to cool slightly before rolling them in cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the sugar stick better—a sweet finishing touch that captures that fall joy!

Now that you have made these delectable pumpkin donut holes from scratch, it’s time to indulge! Serve them warm with coffee or tea—trust me; they disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.” Enjoy creating memories around these delightful treats!

You Must Know

  • Pumpkin donut holes are not just a treat; they are a hug in dessert form
  • These delightful bites will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn afternoon, and they disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.” Perfect for snacking or impressing guests!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then combine wet ones. Once you’ve got that pumpkin magic going, bake them until golden brown while preparing a sweet glaze that will have them begging for more.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some of the spices for your favorites—cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, but why not toss in some ginger or even chocolate chips? Customize these pumpkin donut holes to fit your taste buds like a glove!

Storing & Reheating

To keep those donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, zap them in the microwave for about 10 seconds; they’ll be warm and ready for devouring!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve perfectly fluffy pumpkin donut holes, make sure not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture
  • And remember, let them cool completely before glazing to avoid a sticky mess

Every time I whip up these pumpkin donut holes, my friends claim they could eat an entire batch themselves—who am I to argue? It’s become our go-to treat for cozy nights in or impromptu coffee catch-ups!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for pumpkin donut holes?

To make delicious pumpkin donut holes, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. For flavor, use ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You’ll also need sugar, brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract. The star ingredient is pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and flavor. Finally, include eggs and melted butter to bind everything together. These ingredients combine to create a delightful treat perfect for fall.

How do you make pumpkin donut holes from scratch?

Making pumpkin donut holes from scratch is simple. Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Gradually combine the two mixtures until just blended; avoid overmixing. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the batter into hot oil or a mini donut maker. Fry or bake until golden brown, then roll them in cinnamon sugar while warm for added flavor. Enjoy these tasty treats fresh for the best experience.

Can I substitute ingredients for pumpkin donut holes?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients when making pumpkin donut holes. For instance, if you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. If you don’t have pumpkin puree, mashed bananas or applesauce can work as substitutes but will alter the flavor slightly. Always remember that substitutions may change texture and taste.

How should I store leftover pumpkin donut holes?

To keep your leftover pumpkin donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion for Pumpkin Donut Holes:

In summary, making pumpkin donut holes is an enjoyable process that results in delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Using simple ingredients like pumpkin puree and warm spices creates flavors that everyone loves during the fall season. Whether you choose to fry or bake these bites of joy, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy storing leftovers properly so you can savor these delicious snacks even longer!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Pumpkin Donut Holes


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

Description

Pumpkin donut holes are a delightful autumn treat that combines warm spices and sweet pumpkin flavor into bite-sized, fluffy morsels. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these treats evoke cozy vibes perfect for fall gatherings, Sunday brunches, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather your ingredients.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Shape the dough into balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands and place them an inch apart on a lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut hole (24g)
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

 

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