Fall is upon us, and that means one thing – pumpkin everything! There’s something about the warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and the cozy feeling of fall treats that just can’t be beaten. If you’re looking for a simple yet mouthwatering snack to enjoy with your favorite fall beverage, look no further than pumpkin donut holes. These bite-sized goodies are not only easy to make, but they also pack the perfect blend of pumpkin and spice.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making pumpkin donut holes at home. We’ll go over the ingredients, step-by-step directions, tips to make them perfect every time, nutritional information, and frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!
What Are Pumpkin Donut Holes?
Pumpkin donut holes are miniature, round donuts infused with pumpkin puree and warm fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture, making each bite burst with flavor. Whether you use an air fryer or oven, these sweet treats are quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients, you can have fresh, homemade pumpkin donut holes in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the air fryer or oven, we’ve got you covered with both methods.
- Perfect Fall Snack: These donut holes are ideal for fall gatherings, breakfast, or as a cozy treat alongside your morning coffee.
- Healthy Pumpkin Boost: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making these treats slightly healthier than traditional donuts.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Donut Holes
To make these pumpkin donut holes, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and vanilla extract is what gives these donut holes their iconic fall flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Pumpkin Donut Holes
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Let’s break it down into a few simple steps:
Prepare the Dough
Before you begin, preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can make the donut holes dense instead of light and airy.
Air Fryer Method
Using an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to achieve crispy, golden-brown pumpkin donut holes without all the oil.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form tablespoon-sized balls of dough.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the donut holes for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool: Once done, allow them to cool slightly before coating.
Oven Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven method works perfectly fine and delivers equally delicious results.
- Line Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Bake: Place the balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donut holes cool slightly before moving on to the coating.
Coating the Donut Holes
Now for the best part! The cinnamon-sugar coating adds that final touch of sweetness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.
- Coat the Donuts: Dip each cooled donut hole into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes and Tips for the Best Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the donut holes dense. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to get the right consistency and flavor.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer or oven. Keep an eye on the donut holes to prevent overcooking.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Although these pumpkin donut holes are a sweet indulgence, they come with a few health benefits thanks to the pumpkin. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, and contains antioxidants that may help boost your immune system.
Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 3000 IU
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.6mg
FAQs About Pumpkin Donut Holes
Yes, you can! After they cool, place the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Store leftover pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
Definitely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.
Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can also try a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a heartier donut hole.
To make pumpkin donut holes gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Pumpkin season is here, and these pumpkin donut holes are just the thing to get you in the fall spirit. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a fall gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and experience the cozy flavors of fall with every bite!
More Relevant Recipes
- Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
- Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies
Pumpkin Donut Holes
These pumpkin donut holes are bite-sized, fluffy delights packed with warm fall spices and coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, they can be made easily in an air fryer or oven.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
First things first, preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The blend of these warm spices is what gives your pumpkin donut holes that signature autumnal flavor.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Gradually, incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, or your donut holes may become dense instead of light and fluffy!
Air Fryer Method:
If you’re using an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. Air frying these donut holes makes them light and perfectly crispy on the outside. Here’s what you do:
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
- Arrange the dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Oven Method:
If you prefer the traditional route, baking these pumpkin donut holes in the oven is equally satisfying:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Coating:
Now for the fun part – the coating! In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another small bowl, melt the butter. Once your donut holes have cooled slightly, dip each one into the melted butter, followed by a generous roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The result? A perfectly sweet and spiced coating that’s simply irresistible.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: To keep the pumpkin donut holes light and fluffy, mix the dough until just combined.
- Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Storage: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
- Customization: Want to add a little extra pizzazz? Try adding a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top or tossing in some mini chocolate chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 120kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg