The Best Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through these delectable baked pumpkin donut holes that dance with warmth and spice.

Cozy kitchens embrace the season’s most comforting treat, inviting everyone to savor each bite.

Nutmeg and cinnamon weave their magic into soft, pillowy spheres that melt on your tongue.

Perfectly golden and dusted with sugar, these little morsels promise pure happiness in every single round.

Baking becomes an art form when you transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Simple steps and minimal effort guarantee a delightful experience that connects you to fall’s most cherished flavors.

One taste, and you’ll be transported to a world of pure, nostalgic comfort.

Fall Favorite: Pumpkin Donut Holes

• Simple Baking Project for Anyone
• Perfect recipe for beginners wanting to explore baking without complex techniques, allowing easy success and confidence boost.
• Compact donut holes guarantee instant popularity with kids and adults, delivering sweet pumpkin warmth that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Packed with cozy autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these treats capture classic fall flavors in bite-sized portions that feel comforting and nostalgic.
• Baked instead of fried, using wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree, offering a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts while maintaining delicious taste.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pumpkin Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the donut holes.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the donut holes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donut holes.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that create a classic fall flavor profile and add depth to the pumpkin donut holes.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich color, and signature pumpkin flavor to the donut holes.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the donut holes.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the donut holes remain moist and tender.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy exterior that adds extra flavor and texture to the donut holes.

Instructions for Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350F and lightly grease a donut hole pan to prevent sticking.

This ensures your donut holes will come out perfectly.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Blend these ingredients until they’re evenly mixed and create a fragrant flour mixture.

Step 3: Craft the Wet Mixture

• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Milk

Mix these ingredients until they form a creamy, well-incorporated liquid.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir carefully until just combined.

Don’t worry about a few small lumps – they’ll add character to your donut holes.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Carefully spoon the batter into each cavity of the donut hole pan.

Fill each section about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the donut holes are ready.

Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Once the donut holes have cooled slightly, roll them gently in this sweet, spicy mixture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these warm, fragrant donut holes immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

They’re perfect with coffee, tea, or as a delightful treat any time of day.

Tips That Make Pumpkin Donuts Better

• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to maintain a tender, soft texture in your donut holes.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure the right moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
• Experiment with adding ground cloves or allspice for a more complex, warm autumn spice profile.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donut holes accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Keep donut holes fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Store and Reheat Baked Donut Holes Right

• Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture and keep them fresh.
• Wrap individual donut holes in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through.
• Remove from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then warm in microwave or oven as suggested in refrigerated reheating method.

Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Donut Holes

• Warm Chai Latte Pairing: Complement the spicy pumpkin donut holes with a creamy, fragrant chai latte that echoes the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a cozy autumn flavor harmony.
• Caramel Macchiato Companion: Drizzle a smooth caramel macchiato alongside these donut holes to add a sweet, rich contrast that highlights the subtle pumpkin warmth and enhances the dessert's comfort factor.
• Maple Pecan Coffee Match: Select a maple pecan coffee blend that amplifies the seasonal spices and provides a nutty undertone, perfectly balancing the donut holes' delicate sweetness and soft texture.
• Spiced Apple Cider Delight: Pour a warm, slightly spiced apple cider to create a quintessential fall beverage experience that complements the pumpkin's earthy tones and cinnamon sugar coating.

Fun Twists on Pumpkin Donut Hole Recipes

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donut Holes: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Pumpkin Donut Holes: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Nutty Pumpkin Donut Holes: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are pumpkin donut holes healthy?

They contain pumpkin, which offers vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, they’re still a sweet treat with sugar and oil, so enjoy in moderation.

• Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free and adjust liquid quantities as needed.

• What type of pumpkin puree works best?

Use plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will alter the recipe’s balance.

• Can I freeze these donut holes?

Absolutely! Place cooled donut holes in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Pumpkin Donut Holes deliver autumn’s warmest comfort in bite-sized perfection. Kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, these golden morsels celebrate seasonal flavors you’ll crave from first delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating the donut hole pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until uniformly blended.
3. Craft a silky wet mixture by vigorously combining pumpkin puree, both granulated and brown sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until achieving a smooth, cohesive texture.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry components, stirring minimally to prevent toughening the batter – some small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
5. Carefully transfer batter into donut hole cavities, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
6. Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and surfaces appear golden brown.
7. Allow donut holes to cool slightly, then generously roll each piece in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and texture, or store in sealed container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make these donut holes celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie, diabetes-friendly version.
• Use dairy-free milk and egg substitutes like flax eggs to create a vegan-friendly adaptation that maintains the soft, tender texture.
• Enhance nutrition by incorporating whole wheat flour or adding chopped nuts for extra protein and crunch in these bite-sized treats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 109 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg