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As the first whispers of autumn brush through the leaves and pumpkin patches burst with their vibrant orange hue, there’s an undeniable craving for cozy treats that warm your soul. Enter my Quick & Easy Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes — an irresistible bite-sized delight that embodies all the heartwarming flavors of fall.

Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon mingling with the sweet tenderness of pumpkin spice as these little gems bake in your kitchen, transforming an ordinary day into something exceptional. Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely breakfast or preparing for a festive gathering, these donut holes are a perfect solution—quick to whip up and absolutely adored by everyone. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create something extraordinary together!

Why are Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes the best treat?

Warm, Inviting Aroma: The rich scent of pumpkin and spices fills your kitchen, making every moment spent baking feel like a cozy autumn afternoon.

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be indulging in these delicious donut holes in no time. Ideal for busy mornings!

Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Each bite promises a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making them a delightful experience for all.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These donut holes are perfect for sharing, whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy gathering with family.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, or even experiment with different spices for unique flavors.

Store and Enjoy: They stay fresh for days, making it easy to savor them all week long or to enjoy as a sweet treat with your morning coffee!

Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes Ingredients

For the Donut Holes
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with a gluten-free flour for a different diet.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; swap it with pumpkin pie spice for convenience.
• Ground nutmeg – Enhances the pumpkin flavor; freshly grated nutmeg works wonders for taste.
• Ground allspice – Contributes to the spice profile; can be replaced with extra cinnamon if desired.
• Ground cloves – Offers a deep flavor; use sparingly or swap with nutmeg if in a pinch.
• Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for ideal rise.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors; kosher salt can be a suitable alternative.
• Pumpkin puree – The star ingredient, adding moisture; always use 100% pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Milk – Adds moisture and richness; any non-dairy option can work great.
• Brown sugar – Sweetens and moistens; white sugar is a decent substitute though the flavor may vary.
• Canola oil – Keeps the donut holes tender; vegetable oil or melted coconut oil can replace it.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together; for a vegan version, try a flax egg or applesauce.
• Vanilla extract – Elevates sweetness and flavor; almond extract is a delightful alternative.
• Unsalted butter (for coating) – Adds richness and helps sugar adhere; use margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated sugar – Needed for the cinnamon sugar coating; coconut sugar is a less refined alternative.

Each ingredient in these Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes plays a crucial role in ensuring you enjoy perfectly fluffy bites that embody the essence of autumn!

How to Make Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for your delicious donut holes.
Prepare the pan: Lightly oil a mini muffin pan. This will help your donut holes easily release after baking, preventing any stickiness.
Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, baking powder, and salt. This blends the flavors and ensures an even rise.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, canola oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-blended, embracing the cozy autumn vibes!
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—it’s perfectly okay if the batter remains a little lumpy. Remember, overmixing can lead to dense donut holes.
Fill the pan: Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This allows room for rising without spilling over.
Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
Prepare cinnamon sugar: While the donut holes bake, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will coat your warm donut holes in sweet perfection!
Cool and coat: Once baked, let the donut holes cool in the pan for about 2 minutes before gently removing them. Dip each one in melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cool before serving: Transfer the coated donut holes to a wire rack to cool slightly before indulging. Their irresistible aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist a taste!

Optional: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a dreamy autumn experience.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine while customizing these delightful donut holes with your favorite flavors!

Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist that brings a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
Nutty Goodness: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, fluffy donut holes.
Healthier Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutritious boost while maintaining a tender bite.
Citrus Zest: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a refreshing zing that brightens the warm pumpkin spice flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Swap: For a greater spice impact, use a premade pumpkin spice blend instead of individual spices to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Chili Kick: If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños can be added for a surprising kick that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.
Coconut Delight: Replace canola oil with coconut oil and toss shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flavor that transports you to paradise.
Maple Bandwagon: Swap out the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then refrigerate the wet mixture for freshness. Additionally, you can bake the donut holes up to 3 days ahead of time—just allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their delightful quality, avoid coating them in butter and cinnamon sugar until just before serving. When ready to enjoy, reheat briefly in the microwave and finish with the sugar coating for that freshly made flavor!

How to Store and Freeze Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes

Room Temperature: Keep your donut holes in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. This helps retain their tender texture and flavorful taste.

Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to seal them well to avoid drying out.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze uncoated donut holes in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes for that freshly baked taste!

Expert Tips for Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes

Avoid Overmixing: Keep it tender: Gently stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donut holes instead of the fluffy texture you desire.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Check your baking powder: An expired baking powder can ruin the rise, resulting in flat donut holes. Always ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Pumpkin Puree Precaution: Drain excess moisture: If your pumpkin puree seems watery, draining it can help achieve a perfectly moist batter without excess wetness.
Temperature Check: Bake with accuracy: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F to ensure even baking of your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes.
Butter Coating Tip: Let them cool first: Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before dipping in butter for an even coating of the cinnamon sugar without making it soggy.
Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on baking: Donut holes can bake quickly. Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark to prevent overbaking and maintain that soft, delightful texture.

What to Serve with Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Indulge in a cozy meal experience that pairs beautifully with these autumn-inspired sweet treats.

Warm Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness of pumpkin donut holes, making them a delightful breakfast pair.
Chai Tea: The spiced aroma of chai tea enhances the pumpkin and cinnamon notes, creating a comforting and aromatic harmony.
Apple Cider: A classic fall beverage, warm apple cider with a hint of cinnamon is the perfect match for these sweet bites, echoing autumn flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Treat yourself by serving donut holes with a side of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess balances the warmth of each bite.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Enhance your donut holes by drizzling a touch of pure maple syrup over them for added sweetness and a rich, inviting flavor profile.
Candied Pecans: The crunchy texture of candied pecans adds a lovely contrast to the fluffy donut holes, while their sweetness pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the donut holes and highlighting fall flavors.
Custard Dipping Sauce: A smooth custard dip can elevate your experience, providing a luscious texture that brings extra richness to the warm donut holes.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a festive touch, enjoy these donut holes with a pumpkin spice latte, enveloping your taste buds in all things autumn.

Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Always opt for 100% pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture in your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of your donuts.

How should I store the donut holes?
You can store your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them tender and fresh. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the donut holes, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, sealing out as much air as possible. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for around 5 minutes.

What should I do if my donut holes turn out dense?
If your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes are dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter—remember, lumpy is fine! Additionally, check if your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can significantly affect the rise. If you follow these tips and still have issues, consider adding a bit more liquid or reducing the flour to ensure a lighter texture.

Are these donut holes suitable for people with allergies?
These Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes contain common allergens like eggs and wheat. For a safer option, you can prepare a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities. Always double-check your ingredient labels to accommodate specific dietary needs.

How can I make my donut holes more flavorful?
For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding ingredients such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even orange zest into the batter before baking. These variations not only enhance the taste of your Classic Pumpkin Donut Holes but also add delightful textures that everyone will love!