Name: Deliciously Soft Pumpkin Donut Holes That Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Self Rising Flour; 1 cup Pumpkin Pie Mix; 1/2 cup Sugar (Optional, can substitute with coconut sugar); 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar (Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon); 1 cup Frosting or Glaze (Optional, made from powdered sugar and milk)

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As I sat sipping my morning coffee, the nostalgic scent of autumn wafted through my kitchen, beckoning me to create something cozy and inviting. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of fluffy baked pumpkin donut holes. Not only are these delightful bites quick to prepare, but they’re also a guilt-free treat with vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free options that everyone can enjoy. With only two main ingredients, they seamlessly blend into any fall gathering or weekend brunch. Plus, they provide a wonderful way to indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon and pumpkin spice without derailing your healthy eating goals. Curious how to make these irresistible pumpkin donut holes that your family will adore? Let’s dive in!

Why Pumpkin Donut Holes Are a Must-Try?

Delightful Flavors: These pumpkin donut holes burst with warm cinnamon and pumpkin spice, perfect for cozy autumn mornings.

Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy a guilt-free treat since they’re naturally vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free.

Quick & Easy: With just two main ingredients, they’re easy to whip up—perfect for busy days.

Versatile Toppings: You can customize them with various toppings like cinnamon sugar or a simple glaze, making them suitable for any occasion.

Perfect for Sharing: These fluffy bites are a hit at gatherings, offering everyone a taste of fall without the guilt.

Elevate your breakfast game with these delicious treats, and check out my Baked Maple Donut for more cozy inspirations!

Pumpkin Donut Holes Ingredients

For the Batter

Self Rising Flour – This gives your pumpkin donut holes the perfect structure for that fluffy texture. You can easily make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
Pumpkin Pie Mix – This provides the rich pumpkin flavor and necessary sweetness; if you can’t find it, pure pumpkin puree with added sugar and spices will work great.
Sugar (Optional) – A little sweetness enhances the flavor for a classic donut taste; swap in coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative for a healthier option.

For the Coating

Cinnamon Sugar – This adds a delightful touch of sweetness and spice; simply mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon for a cozy topping.
Frosting or Glaze – For a sweeter treat, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and your choice of milk over the warm donut holes.

These pumpkin donut holes are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This initial step ensures your pumpkin donut holes bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and pumpkin pie mix, stirring gently until they are fully incorporated. Aim for a cohesive mixture that is neither too sticky nor too dry; if necessary, adjust with additional flour or pumpkin puree. This balance is key to achieving the delightful consistency of your pumpkin donut holes.

Step 3: Form the Dough
Once your mixture is well combined, gather the dough into a large ball. Divide it into smaller portions and roll each piece into balls or traditional donut shapes, making them about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This step adds a personal touch to your pumpkin donut holes, ensuring they’re just the right size for snacking.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the formed donut holes onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s ample space between each one for expansion while baking. This prevents them from merging together and ensures they develop that lovely fluffy exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the pumpkin donut holes for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up and feel firm to the touch when they’re ready. The enticing aroma of warm spices will fill your kitchen, signaling that your treat is almost done!

Step 6: Coat for Extra Flavor
Once your pumpkin donut holes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. While they’re still warm, toss them in a cinnamon sugar mixture or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This final touch enhances their flavor, making them even more irresistible.

Pumpkin Donut Holes Variations & Substitutions

Customize your pumpkin donut holes with these delightful twists that will excite your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a delicious, safe version for gluten sensitivities.
Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of sugar for a natural sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or ground ginger for an extra kick, elevating the warmth of the cinnamon and pumpkin spice.
Coconut Flour: For a low-carb option, substitute some of the flour with coconut flour. It’s lighter and adds a tropical twist—just reduce the quantity.
Mini Muffins: Prefer muffins over donut holes? Simply pour the batter into muffin tins and adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes until fluffy.
Chocolate Drizzle: Top your donut holes with melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish. This rich addition creates a perfect blend of pumpkin spice and chocolate.
Fruity Flavor: Mix in finely chopped apples or pears to the batter before baking for a seasonal fruit twist that brings a juicy bite to each donut hole.

For even more seasonal inspiration, check out my Baked Maple Donut recipes that are just as cozy and delightful!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Donut Holes

Room Temperature: Store your pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious for quick snacks.

Fridge: If you need a bit more shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your pumpkin donut holes, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This restores their fluffy texture beautifully!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Donut Holes

Measure Accurately: Ensure that you’re measuring the self-rising flour correctly to avoid overly dense donut holes—too much flour can hinder the desired fluffiness.
Perfect Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more self-rising flour until workable. Conversely, add pumpkin puree if too dry to maintain perfect pumpkin donut holes.
Spice It Up: While the pumpkin pie mix provides flavor, don’t hesitate to customize with extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more robust taste.
Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Your donut holes should be firm and lightly golden when ready, avoiding drying them out.
Warm Coating: For the best cinnamon sugar crust, coat your donut holes while they’re still warm from the oven to ensure a perfect adherence and more flavor infusion.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Donut Holes

There’s nothing quite like savoring pumpkin donut holes alongside complementary dishes that enhance their cozy, sweet flavors.

Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A classic fall drink that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and cinnamon notes, warming you from the inside out.
Maple Glazed Coffee: The rich, sweet flavor of coffee with a hint of maple enhances the donut holes, making every bite feel like a special treat.
Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced donut holes, balancing sweetness with natural tartness.

Indulge in a delightful tasting journey by serving these marvelous pumpkin donut holes with the cozy ambiance of a gathering! Perfect for a brunch table, they invite guests to relax and savor the moment together.

Candied Pecans: Crunchy and nutty, they provide the perfect texture to match the soft donut holes, with a sweetness that enhances the pumpkin flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Pairing with creamy yogurt topped with granola not only balances flavors but also adds protein and fiber for a wholesome breakfast.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season with a comforting latte, where the warm spices echo the deliciousness of the donut holes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Make Ahead Options

These fluffy baked pumpkin donut holes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply mixing the self-rising flour and pumpkin pie mix, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness while saving you time on busy mornings. Additionally, you can form the dough into balls or shapes and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just pop the donut holes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes. With this make-ahead strategy, you can enjoy delightful pumpkin donut holes that taste just as delicious as if you made them fresh!

Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best pumpkin pie mix or pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! For the pumpkin pie mix, look for one that contains a blend of spices—like cinnamon and nutmeg—for that classic flavor. If using pumpkin puree, choose pure, canned pumpkin without additives. A good sign of quality is its vibrant orange color; skip any with dark spots or a watery texture.

How should I store leftover pumpkin donut holes?
For the best flavor, store your pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they still haven’t disappeared after that, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps keep them soft and tasty!

Can I freeze pumpkin donut holes?
Definitely! To freeze, first arrange the pumpkin donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid—about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that fluffy texture!

What can I do if my donut holes turn out too dense?
If your donut holes are dense, it could be due to too much flour or insufficient rising agents. To troubleshoot, make sure you’re using the right amount of self-rising flour and avoid packing it into the measuring cup. If your dough feels sticky, gradually add more flour while mixing, a little at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

Are pumpkin donut holes suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! You can easily make these pumpkin donut holes gluten-free by substituting the self-rising flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure. This way, you can enjoy delicious pumpkin donut holes without the worry.

Can pets eat pumpkin donut holes?
While pumpkin itself can be great for dogs in moderation, the other ingredients like sugar and certain spices are not suitable for pets. It’s always best to share plain, cooked pumpkin with them instead of these sweet treats!