There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the warm embrace of pumpkin spice, and when it melts into bite-sized donut holes, magic happens. One chilly afternoon, craving a cozy treat that wasn’t just another slice of pumpkin pie, I whipped up these Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes. Soft, fluffy, and coated with a cinnamon-sugar kiss, they’re the perfect little indulgence that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just need a pick-me-up with your coffee, these donut holes bring all the comfort without the fuss. Trust me—once you try them, your snack game will never be the same!
Why choose Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes?
Irresistible Comfort: Soft, fluffy bites bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavor make every moment feel like fall. Quick and Easy: Whip these up in no time, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests. Versatile Treat: Serve warm, with coffee, or pack them for a delightful snack on the go. Crowd-Pleaser: Their bite-sized charm and cinnamon-sugar coating ensure everyone comes back for more. Nostalgic Twist: A fresh spin on classic pumpkin flavors that feels both familiar and exciting.
Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Ingredients
For the Donut Holes
- All-purpose flour – Provides a light, tender crumb that’s perfect for these pumpkin spice donut holes.
- Baking powder – Ensures they rise beautifully, giving you fluffy bite-sized treats.
- Ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives these donut holes their cozy fall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the pumpkin spice blend perfectly.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the spices.
- Pumpkin puree – Brings moisture, softness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor to every bite.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together for a tender, moist texture.
- Milk – Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor with a fragrant, sweet finish.
For the Coating
- Butter, melted – Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and adds a silky richness.
- Granulated sugar – Provides a sparkling sweet crunch under the spice coating.
- Ground cinnamon – Mixed with sugar to coat the donut holes, doubling down on that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
This Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes ingredient list is your go-to for a cozy, homemade fall treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F for at least 10 minutes, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution and golden-brown donut holes.
- Grease each cavity of a mini donut hole pan with nonstick spray or melted butter, tapping out excess to ensure the ends release smoothly after baking.
For the Donut Holes:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined, ensuring the spices are well-distributed for consistent pumpkin spice flavor.
- Mix sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and vanilla extract in another bowl until silky smooth, scraping down sides to incorporate every bit of that creamy goodness into your batter.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures with a gentle folding motion until just blended; overmixing can lead to tough donut holes, so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
- Fill each pan cavity about three-quarters full with batter, then bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and springy; cool two minutes before unmolding.
For the Coating:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until just liquid, keeping it warm so it easily coats the donut holes and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere perfectly.
- Toss warm donut holes in a bowl of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, shaking off excess for an even, sparkling coat that adds crunch and extra pumpkin spice goodness.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Feel free to make these delightful treats your own by exploring these fun variations and substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option that still tastes delicious.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free delight.
- Sweetener Swap: If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie treat.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a little kick that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
- Pumpkin Seed Crunch: Fold in a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds to the batter for added texture and a nutty, crunchy contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After coating the donut holes, drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Mini Muffins: Pour the batter into mini muffin tins instead of a donut hole pan for soft, fluffy pumpkin spice muffins that are just as delightful.
- Variety of Coatings: Experiment with different coatings by rolling the warm donut holes in powdered sugar or a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon for a unique sweetness.
Embrace the cozy vibes of fall in your kitchen, and let your creativity shine with these delicious variations!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Room Temperature: Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining their soft, fluffy texture without compromising flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container; this helps preserve their taste but may slightly toughen the texture.
Freezer: Freeze pumpkin spice donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore warmth and fluffiness.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are a fantastic treat to prepare ahead of time, saving you precious moments on busy mornings! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices, and salt) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The wet ingredients can also be whisked together and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just remember to let them come to room temperature before combining. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the baking and coating steps as directed, and enjoy these warm, delightful bites that taste just as delicious as if they were freshly made!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes?
Savor the warmth of this delightful treat with perfectly paired dishes that enhance your cozy fall mornings.
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Hot Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced notes of this drink harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin flavor, creating a warm, autumnal experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the chewy donut holes.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling this golden syrup over your donut holes brings in a rich sweetness that amplifies the pumpkin spice vibe.
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Chai Tea: The bold spices in chai complement the donut holes perfectly while offering a warming, aromatic balance to your snack.
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Frosty Milkshake: A vanilla milkshake creates an indulgent treat pairing, adding a creamy chill that makes each bite feel luxurious.
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Cranberry Sauce: Its tartness cuts through the sweetness of the donut holes, providing a refreshing burst of flavor that excites your taste buds.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: A smear of creamy frosting enhances each donut hole, offering a tangy contrast that takes your treat to another level.
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Sliced Fresh Pears: Their juiciness and subtle sweetness provide a fresh, crisp counterpart to the dense, spiced flavors of the donut holes.
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Espresso or Coffee: The rich bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the donut holes while enhancing their flavors, making it the perfect morning companion.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until ingredients combine to keep donut holes tender and fluffy, avoiding a dense or chewy texture.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose potency over time; fresh spices ensure your pumpkin spice donut holes burst with warm, vibrant flavor.
- Fill Pan Correctly: Fill each cavity about three-quarters full to prevent overflow or under-baked centers for perfectly shaped donut holes.
- Coat While Warm: Toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar when still warm so the butter and sugar stick evenly, creating that irresistible crunchy coating.
- Even Oven Heat: Preheat and position your pan in the center rack to avoid uneven baking or soggy bottoms, guaranteeing golden, delicious bites.
Best Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my pumpkin puree is good to use?
Look for pumpkin puree that is smooth with a bright orange color and no dark spots or excess liquid. Canned varieties are convenient and consistently creamy, but fresh pumpkin puree works beautifully too if cooked and pureed until silky.
Can I store Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes at room temperature?
Absolutely! Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh-tasting—perfect if you plan to enjoy them quickly.
What’s the best way to freeze Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes?
Freezing is a smart way to keep these cozy treats on hand! Start by arranging the cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked fluffiness.
Sometimes my donut holes come out dense—what am I doing wrong?
Don’t worry, this happens! The most common culprit is overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and can make them tough. Stir your wet and dry ingredients just until combined—no more than that! Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh so your donut holes rise perfectly light and fluffy.
Are these Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes safe for pets or those with allergies?
While these donut holes are a human treat, I wouldn’t recommend sharing them with pets due to spices, sugar, and potential allergens like eggs and dairy. For guests with allergies, you can experiment with dairy-free milk and egg substitutes, but be aware it may affect texture slightly. Always check for specific dietary needs before serving.
Best Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F for at least 10 minutes, positioning the rack in the center.
- Grease each cavity of a mini donut hole pan with nonstick spray or melted butter.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until combined.
- Mix sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures with a gentle folding motion until just blended; stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
- Fill each pan cavity about three-quarters full with batter, then bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool for two minutes before unmolding.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until just liquid.
- Toss warm donut holes in a bowl of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, shaking off excess.
