Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes: Bite-Sized Fall Treats with Warm Spice & Fluffy Texture

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of warm spices and fresh-baked treats filling your kitchen — and Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes deliver that cozy fall feeling in every bite. These tender, cake-like morsels are infused with real pumpkin puree and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then rolled in a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating for a sweet, crunchy exterior. Light, fluffy, and bursting with autumn flavor, they’re the perfect handheld treat for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving breakfasts, morning coffee pairings, or festive holiday gift baskets.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes from scratch — no deep frying required! This easy baked recipe uses a muffin tin for perfect rounds and delivers all the flavor of classic donuts with none of the mess. We’ll walk you through a detailed step-by-step recipe, expert tips for soft texture, variations for dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, and oil-free options), and even creative serving ideas. Packed with keywords like “cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes recipe,” “easy fall breakfast ideas,” “baked pumpkin donut bites,” and “spiced pumpkin treats,” this 1,800+ word article is designed to help you bake a seasonal favorite while boosting your content’s visibility on search engines.

---

Why Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Are the Ultimate Fall Snack

Pumpkin donut holes are more than just a dessert — they’re a portable, crowd-pleasing celebration of autumn. Here’s why they’ve become a seasonal staple:

✅ No Frying Needed – These are baked, not fried, making them healthier and easier to make at home.
✅ Perfect for Sharing – Serve in a bowl or paper bag at parties, brunches, or school events.
✅ Kid-Friendly & Fun – Bite-sized and adorable, they’re a hit with little goblins and grown-up fans alike.
✅ Festive & Gift-Worthy – Pack in mason jars with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from mix to munch.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween breakfast, prepping a Thanksgiving morning spread, or just craving a cozy treat with your morning coffee, these donut holes hit all the right notes.

---

The Science of the Perfect Donut Hole

What makes these donut holes so soft and flavorful?

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, tenderness, and natural sweetness without excess oil.
• Baking Powder & Soda: Create a light, cake-like crumb.
• Butter & Sugar Coating: Melts into the warm donut holes, creating a sticky, spiced crust.
• Fall Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the pumpkin flavor and add warmth.

The result? A tender interior with a crisp, sugary shell — just like a bakery-style pumpkin donut, but in bite-sized form.

---

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Makes: 24–30 donut holes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: ~30 minutes

---

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ cup (120g) canned pumpkin puree (100% pure)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a mini muffin tin or use a non-stick pan. For easy release, you can also use paper liners (though they may stick to the sugar coating later).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix — this keeps the donut holes tender.

Step 5: Fill the Pan Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full (a small cookie scoop works perfectly).

Step 6: Bake Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Let donut holes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove and place on a wire rack.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

• While still warm, dip each donut hole into melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• For extra crunch, roll twice — butter, sugar, butter, sugar.

Pro Tip: Work quickly while donut holes are warm — they absorb the butter and sugar best when hot.

---

Tips for Perfect Donut Holes

1. Don’t Overbake
   They should be soft and moist. Check at 12 minutes to avoid dryness.
2. Grease the Pan Well
   These sticky treats love to cling. Use non-stick spray or butter generously.
3. Use Real Pumpkin Puree
   Not pumpkin pie filling — it’s too sweet and spiced.
4. Roll While Warm
   Cool donut holes won’t absorb the butter coating as well.
5. Double the Coating
   For a bakery-style crunch, roll in cinnamon sugar twice.
6. Serve Immediately
   Best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated (see storage tips).

---

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Make these donut holes work for any diet:

1. Gluten-Free
Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). Add ½ tsp xanthan gum if not included.

2. Vegan Version

• Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• Replace butter with coconut oil
• Use plant-based milk and ensure sugar is vegan
• Choose coconut oil for coating

3. Oil-Free
Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (may alter texture slightly).

4. Lower Sugar Option
Reduce sugar in batter to ¼ cup. Use coconut sugar in coating and reduce to ½ cup.

5. Add-Ins
Stir in:

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds for crunch

---

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days (coating may soften).
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated donut holes for up to 3 months. Thaw, warm, then coat in butter and sugar.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore warmth and crispness.
• Microwave: 10–15 seconds (may soften coating).
• Air Fryer: 300°F for 3–4 minutes — crisps up perfectly!

---

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with coffee, chai, or apple cider.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange on a tray with pumpkin scones, muffins, and whipped cream.
• Halloween Treat Bag: Fill small bags for trick-or-treaters or party favors.
• Thanksgiving Morning Spread: A festive alternative to cinnamon rolls.
• Dip Them!: Offer warm donut holes with chocolate ganache, caramel, or cream cheese dip.

---

Why This Recipe is SEO-Optimized

This article is crafted to rank for seasonal and comfort food searches. It includes:

• Primary Keywords: “cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes,” “pumpkin donut holes recipe,” “baked pumpkin donut bites”
• Secondary Keywords: “easy fall breakfast,” “spiced pumpkin treats,” “no-fry donut holes,” “Thanksgiving morning recipes”
• Long-Tail Keywords: “how to make cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes,” “best baked pumpkin donut recipe,” “easy fall baking ideas”

These keywords are naturally integrated into headings, subheadings, and body text to improve search visibility while keeping the content engaging and helpful.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
A: No — it contains added sugar and spices. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree only.

Q: Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
A: Yes! Bake 18–22 minutes for full-sized donuts. Adjust coating amount.

Q: Why are my donut holes dry?
A: Overbaking or overmixing. Bake just until set and mix until just combined.

Q: Can I skip the sugar coating?
A: Yes — but you’ll miss the signature crunch! Dust with powdered sugar instead.

Q: Can I prep the batter ahead?
A: Yes! Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before spooning into pan.

---

Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Autumn Magic

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes are more than just a seasonal snack — they’re a bite-sized burst of fall joy. With their soft, spiced interior and crunchy, buttery coating, they capture the essence of pumpkin patches, cool mornings, and cozy sweaters in every mouthful.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this simple, no-fry recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Plus, with gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar options, everyone can enjoy a donut hole this season.

So preheat your oven, grab a mini muffin tin, and let the warm scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fill your home. One bite of these golden, sugary treats, and you’ll understand why they’re a must-bake every autumn.

Print