Fall is here, and it’s time to savor every delicious moment! If you love pumpkin spice, you'll adore these fluffy, sweet Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes. This tasty treat is perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. In this guide, I’ll share my simple recipe, plus tips for perfecting your donut holes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful fall snack! Let’s dive into the spice-filled fun!

Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
To make these tasty pumpkin spice donut holes, gather the following:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted butter (for coating)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
You can swap some ingredients if needed:
- All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
- Pumpkin puree: Replace with applesauce for a lighter flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Try coconut sugar or honey as alternatives.
- Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options.
- Egg: A flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) works as a binder.
Nutritional Information for Each Ingredient
Understanding what’s in your donut holes is key:
- All-purpose flour: Provides carbs and some protein.
- Pumpkin puree: Offers fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness but has no nutrients.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of flavor.
- Milk: Contributes calcium and protein.
- Egg: Adds protein and helps bind the mix.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These help the donut holes rise.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Brings warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar coating stick.
- Cinnamon sugar: Provides a sweet and spicy finish.
These ingredients come together to create a warm, cozy treat that celebrates fall.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You will need flour, pumpkin puree, sugars, milk, an egg, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, melted butter, and more sugar with cinnamon for coating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Detailed Baking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk them well. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. A few lumps are fine; don’t overmix. Next, fill each muffin cup ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Cooling and Coating Steps
Once baked, let the donut holes cool for about five minutes in the tin. Then, move them to a wire rack. While they cool, make the cinnamon sugar mix. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. When the donut holes are warm, dip each one in melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well. Enjoy your tasty Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes warm!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting Your Donut Holes
To make the best pumpkin spice donut holes, follow these tips:
- Use fresh pumpkin puree. Fresh puree gives a richer taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy donut holes.
- Grease the tin well. This helps the donut holes come out easily.
- Check the temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F for even baking.
- Use a toothpick test. Insert a toothpick to check if they are done. It should come out clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure success:
- Too much flour. Measuring too much can make them dense. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup.
- Skipping the cooling step. Letting them cool for a few minutes helps them firm up before coating.
- Not coating while warm. Coating them right after baking helps the sugar stick better.
- Baking too long. If they are overbaked, they will be dry. Watch them closely in the last minutes.
Enhancements for Extra Flavor
Here are some ideas to boost the flavor:
- Add nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and flavor.
- Try different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the pumpkin spice flavor.
- Glaze option. Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Stuff them. Fill with cream cheese or chocolate for a surprise inside.
Variations
Different Flavor Combinations
You can change the flavors of your donut holes easily. For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the batter. Just use 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to replace some flour. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
If you want a fruity touch, add mashed bananas or applesauce. This will give your donut holes a moist texture. You can also try different spices. Swap pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon or nutmeg. Each spice adds a unique taste.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
To make these donut holes gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a good mix of starches and proteins. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
For a vegan version, switch milk with almond or oat milk. Choose a plant-based butter for coating. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
Seasonal Additions and Garnishes
Add seasonal flavors to your donut holes for more fun. Try mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. You can also sprinkle in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy bite.
For garnishing, drizzle maple syrup or caramel on top. This makes them look fancy and taste even better. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These little changes will make your pumpkin spice donut holes stand out.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Donut Holes
To keep your pumpkin spice donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and tasty. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Just remember, they might lose some of their fluffiness.
How to Reheat for Optimal Taste
When you’re ready to enjoy these donut holes again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about five to seven minutes. This method helps restore their warm, soft texture. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them for about 10-15 seconds at a time. Be careful not to overheat, or they might get tough.
Freezing Tips for Future Enjoyment
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the donut holes to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime!
FAQs
What are pumpkin spice donut holes?
Pumpkin spice donut holes are bite-sized treats made with pumpkin puree and warm spices. They have a soft, cake-like texture and are rolled in cinnamon sugar. These mini donuts capture the flavors of fall in every bite.
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these donut holes ahead of time. Bake them and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
How do I know when my donut holes are done baking?
You can tell your donut holes are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should also be golden brown on top. If they look slightly puffed and spring back when touched, they are ready.
Where can I buy pumpkin spice donut holes?
You can find pumpkin spice donut holes at many bakeries and coffee shops in the fall. Some grocery stores may also sell them in the bakery section. If you want a fresh batch, making them at home is always a great option!
We explored the ingredients, baking steps, and variations for pumpkin spice donut holes. You learned how to create these tasty treats with helpful tips and storage tricks. Remember, ingredient swaps and flavor combinations can make your baking fun and unique. Use these insights to impress family and friends. Keep experimenting and enjoy every bite of your delightful donut holes. Happy baking!

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