Name: Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes for Cozy Fall Mornings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Pumpkin Puree; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar; 2 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger; 2 large Eggs; 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter; 1/2 cup Milk; 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (Blend of sugar and cinnamon)

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As crisp leaves begin to blanket the ground and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, there’s nothing quite like savoring the season with a batch of Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes. These tender, fluffy bites are not only a healthier alternative to their fried friends but also come together in a flash, making them perfect for a cozy morning treat or a sweet afternoon snack. Each donut hole is infused with warm spices and rolled in a delightful cinnamon sugar coating that transforms any moment into a little celebration of fall. Trust me, your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible scent that beckons family and friends alike. Ready to fill your home with warmth and flavor? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to satisfy your pumpkin cravings!

Why Make Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Deliciously festive: These pumpkin donut holes capture the essence of fall, delighting your taste buds with rich flavors and spices.
Healthier twist: Baked rather than fried, they provide a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy anytime.
Quick and easy: Whip them up in no time; perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings.
Versatile pairing: They’re fantastic with coffee or tea, making them an ideal companion to warm beverages, or why not include them in an autumn-themed dessert platter?
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet cinnamon sugar coating, making these donuts a hit for gatherings or cozy family moments.

You’ll want to check out our Cheesy Baked Ziti for another dish that brings warmth to your home!

Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes Ingredients

Get ready to create a delightful autumn treat!

For the Donut Holes

Pumpkin Puree – provides moisture and rich pumpkin flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – forms the base structure of the donut holes.
Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness balanced by spices.
Brown Sugar – enhances flavor with caramel notes.
Baking Powder – acts as the leavening agent for rise.
Baking Soda – works with baking powder to ensure proper leavening.
Salt – enhances the overall flavor of the donut holes.
Ground Cinnamon – contributes classic pumpkin spice flavor.
Ground Nutmeg – adds depth and warmth to the spice profile.
Ground Ginger – provides a hint of zest and warmth.
Eggs – essential for structure and moisture, helping achieve a light texture.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – offers richness and preserves moisture.
Milk – helps combine ingredients and adds additional moisture.

For the Coating

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – a blend of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet finishing touch, making these donut holes truly Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes.

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking and fill your home with those cozy fall vibes!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a moment to lightly grease your donut hole pan with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures easy release after baking and sets the stage for your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes to shine.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. This blend, around 3-5 minutes of whisking, helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, which is essential for achieving that perfectly fluffy texture in your donut holes. Set this bowl aside and admire the autumn aroma!

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil or melted butter, and milk. Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, mix everything until it’s nice and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. The creamy consistency signals that your wet mixture is ready to make these Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes delightful.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gently pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the mixtures together until just combined, about 10-15 strokes. Be careful not to overmix! You want the batter to be slightly lumpy to ensure that each bite of your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes is soft and tender.

Step 5: Fill the Pan
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut hole pan about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the donut holes to rise without overflowing. As you work, take a moment to appreciate how the rich orange color of the batter looks—such a festive sight for fall!

Step 6: Bake the Donut Holes
Carefully place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden, hinting at the delicious flavors nestled within. Your kitchen will start to fill with the inviting scent of fall!

Step 7: Cool and Coat
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donut holes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, roll each donut hole in a cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them thoroughly for that perfect sweet finish. This sweet touch elevates your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes to a whole new level of fall goodness!

What to Serve with Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes

Pairing your homemade treats with delightful sides and beverages elevates the whole experience. Picture a cozy gathering with warm flavors that match the season.

Warm Apple Cider: This comforting drink harmonizes with the pumpkin flavors, making each sip a cozy complement to the sweet bites.
Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich, velvety chocolate adds contrast to the spiced donut holes, perfect for a deliciously indulgent afternoon treat.
Spiced Chai Tea: A fragrant blend of spices in this tea beautifully resonates with the pumpkin and warmth of cinnamon, enhancing the fall ambiance.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and a touch of autumn that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture create a delightful balance against the fluffy, spiced donut holes.
Cranberry Scones: The tartness of cranberries complements the sweetness of the donut holes, making for an inviting brunch spread.
Vanilla Yogurt Dip: A creamy, tangy dip enhances the flavors and adds a fresh element, making the dessert feel lighter.
Gingerbread Cake: The rich, spiced layers echo the flavors in the donut holes, creating a warm dessert duo that’s perfect for gatherings.

Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize your donut holes with these delightful variations!

Add Chocolate Chips:
Toss in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist that will satisfy chocolate lovers.
Chopped Nuts:
Mix in walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the fluffy donut holes.
Gluten-Free:
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making this treat accessible for everyone.
Maple Glaze:
Drizzle with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a fall-inspired finish.
Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle heat that surprises the taste buds.
Apple Cider Donuts:
Replace some of the pumpkin puree with apple cider for a deliciously tangy variation that captures fall flavors.
Cinnamon Swirl:
Create a cinnamon sugar swirl by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter and swirling it into the batter before baking.

Remember, these Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes are so versatile that you can even enjoy them with warm beverages from cozy mornings or as a part of a delightful autumn dessert platter alongside your favorite treats. For another comforting dish, why not check out our Cheesy Broccoli Bake too?

Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes

Pumpkin Quality: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure the right flavor and consistency in your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to keep the batter lumpy; this prevents dense, tough donut holes.
Flour Measurement: Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure flour, preventing too much flour which can lead to drier results.
Don’t Overbake: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the baking time ends to avoid dry donut holes; they should be soft and springy.
Cooling Tip: Allow donut holes to cool for a few minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar, so the coating adheres better without melting.

Storage Tips for Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes

Room Temperature: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week; just warm them slightly before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze these delectable donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings!

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their delightful texture before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and milk) can also be prepped and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. To maintain the quality of your baked donut holes, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the donut holes in the oven briefly before rolling them in cinnamon sugar for that freshly baked taste! This way, you’ll have warm, sweet treats ready in no time, making busy mornings a little sweeter.

Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and consistency in your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and sweetness of your donuts.

How should I store the donut holes?
You can store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If you want them to last a bit longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 1 week. Just remember to warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before enjoying so they return to that delightful texture!

Can I freeze the donut holes?
Yes, freezing is a great option! To freeze your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes, first, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

What should I do if my donut holes are too dense?
If your donut holes turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, remember to fold gently until just combined—lumps are okay! For flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much into your measuring cup, which can lead to dryness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you have dietary restrictions, you can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour to make these Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes healthier. Additionally, consider using coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar to accommodate different dietary preferences. Always check for allergies, especially with spices and additives!