🎃 Easy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe (Baked & Delicious)
When the leaves begin to fall or you’re just craving something cozy regardless of the season, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of warm, spiced pumpkin donut holes wafting through your kitchen. I first tasted these little bites of joy in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen in upstate New York. Every autumn and even on sunny summer afternoons, she’d whip up a batch — no frying, just baking — and let the aromas speak for themselves.
These pumpkin donut holes are soft, fluffy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for gatherings, breakfast treats, or even packing into lunchboxes. The best part? They’re super easy to make and bake in just about 10 minutes!
📝 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
- No frying necessary – baked, not fried!
- Quick & easy – ready in 30 minutes.
- Great for any season – cozy enough for winter, light enough for summer.
- Perfectly spiced – tastes like fall in every bite.
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
- Ideal for pumpkin lovers year-round.
🎯 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather for these irresistible pumpkin donut holes:
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
⏱️ Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
🥄 How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with paper cups.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Blend It All
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix — just until everything’s combined.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Coat the Donut Holes
While the pumpkin donut holes are slightly warm, brush them with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Enjoy these pumpkin donut holes with:
- Hot apple cider or chai tea in the fall
- Iced coffee or lemonade during summer
- Drizzled with maple glaze for a brunch treat
❄️ How to Store Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Room Temp: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Fridge: Lasts for up to a week.
- Freezer: Store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
💡 Variations & Tips
- Stuffed Pumpkin Donut Holes: Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling inside each batter scoop.
- Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter.
- Mini Donuts: Use a donut pan instead of a muffin tin for a different look.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with your favorite GF blend.
🍂 Pumpkin Donut Holes: Not Just for Fall
While traditionally tied to autumn, these pumpkin donut holes bring a taste of comfort that’s welcome year-round. In winter, they’re a cozy treat; in summer, they’re a light dessert that won’t weigh you down.
🇺🇸 Classic American Roots
Pumpkin dishes are iconic in American kitchens. These pumpkin donut holes offer a nostalgic, homemade twist on classic donuts — baked instead of fried, and filled with warm spices.
🛍️ Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
- Mini muffin pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisks
- Silicone brush
- Cooling rack
You can find these at Target, Amazon, or local home stores.
📌 Don’t Forget to Save This Recipe!
These pumpkin donut holes are easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for any season. Bookmark it or print it out for your next baking session!
Read more : https://chefnip.com/homemade-honey-barbecue-chicken-wings/
🧮 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
These baked pumpkin donut holes offer a lighter alternative to their fried counterparts, making them a better choice for mindful indulgence.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
🍵 What to Serve with Pumpkin Donut Holes
These delightful bites are great on their own but even better when served with:
- Warm drinks: Pumpkin spice latte, apple cider, or hot chocolate
- Fruit sides: Fresh apple slices or a berry compote
- Dips: Cream cheese glaze, vanilla yogurt dip, or maple butter
- Savory pairings: A slice of cheddar or salty bacon adds a unique contrast
For summer brunch, try serving them alongside iced chai or a tangy orange smoothie to keep it refreshing.
🎃 Seasonal Variations
Even though pumpkin is a staple of fall and winter, these pumpkin donut holes can be adapted for different times of the year:
- Spring Twist: Add lemon zest and swap the spice for a touch of vanilla and ginger
- Summer Edition: Serve with vanilla ice cream and top with toasted coconut
- Halloween Party Snack: Use food coloring in the sugar coating for spooky fun
- Holiday Treat: Drizzle with eggnog glaze and sprinkle with crushed peppermint
🧑🍳 Fun Fact: Pumpkin in American History
Pumpkins have been part of American cuisine since the early colonial days. Native Americans introduced settlers to pumpkin, often roasted or mashed. Over time, pumpkin evolved into sweet pies, spiced drinks, and baked goods like these pumpkin donut holes.
In fact, by the 1800s, pumpkin was a symbol of harvest celebrations. Today, it’s an icon of autumn, Thanksgiving, and comfort food culture — making these donut holes a flavorful tribute to tradition.
🤔 FAQs About Pumpkin Donut Holes
1. What are the 5 ingredients in pumpkin donut holes?
The 5 basic ingredients in pumpkin donut holes typically include:
- Pumpkin purée
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Pumpkin pie spice
Note: Variations may also include milk, eggs, and oil depending on the recipe.
2. Why did they start putting holes in donuts?
The hole was introduced to ensure the donut cooked evenly. Before holes, donuts were often raw in the center. The invention is often credited to Hanson Gregory, a sailor in the 1800s.
3. Do Krispy Kreme sell donut holes?
Yes, Krispy Kreme sells donut holes, often called “Krispy Kreme Doughnut Holes,” which are small bite-sized versions of their classic donuts.
4. Does Walmart have pumpkin donuts?
Yes, Walmart often carries pumpkin donuts, especially during the fall season. These may be found in the bakery section or under seasonal brands.
5. What’s the difference between donuts and donut holes?
Donuts are typically ring-shaped pastries, while donut holes are the small round dough bites usually made from the dough taken from the center of ring donuts (though many are simply shaped that way now). They’re essentially mini donuts.
6. What are the ingredients in Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice donuts?
While Krispy Kreme doesn’t publicly list the full recipe, their pumpkin spice donuts typically include:
- Pumpkin purée
- Spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove)
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Vegetable oils
- Leavening agents
- Glaze (sugar-based)
7. Why is it illegal to do donuts?
“Doing donuts” refers to spinning a car in tight circles. It’s illegal in many areas because it’s considered reckless driving, can damage public property, and poses safety risks.
8. What do you call a doughnut without a hole?
A doughnut without a hole is often called a filled donut or jelly donut, depending on the filling.
9. What do Americans call donut holes?
In the U.S., they’re commonly called “donut holes”, and sometimes marketed with fun names like “Munchkins” (Dunkin’) or simply “holes.”
📈 Why These Donut Holes Are Great for Your Blog or Business
If you’re a food blogger, bakery owner, or culinary content creator, this recipe for pumpkin donut holes offers:
- High search potential: Seasonal and evergreen appeal
- SEO opportunity: Easy to rank for long-tail keywords like “baked pumpkin donut holes” or “mini pumpkin donut bites”
- Visual engagement: These little donuts photograph beautifully for Pinterest or Instagram
- Customizability: Endless variations for different demographics (vegan, gluten-free, holiday themes)
🔄 Easy Scaling for Larger Crowds
If you’re baking for a group or hosting a fall party:
- Double the recipe: Use the same ratios, just increase ingredients proportionally.
- Bake in batches: Rotate your muffin tin if your oven heats unevenly.
- Serve on skewers: Stick three donut holes on a skewer and drizzle with glaze for a fun dessert kebab.
✨ Bonus: Maple Glaze Recipe
Take your pumpkin donut holes to the next level with this quick glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Dip the tops of cooled donut holes, let set for 10 minutes, and serve!
🔖 Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly nostalgic and satisfying about a warm, spiced donut hole — especially when it’s packed with real pumpkin and baked to golden perfection. These pumpkin donut holes are a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and the comfort of homemade baking. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party, offering them at a summer picnic, or treating yourself on a quiet Sunday morning, they’re bound to bring smiles all around.
Comments and Reviews