Introduction to Pumpkin Donut Holes
When the leaves start falling and the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing feels more comforting than pumpkin-spiced treats. While pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie may be the classics, pumpkin donut holes bring something playful and bite-sized to the table.
These little delights pack all the flavor of traditional donuts but in a convenient, poppable size. Made with pumpkin purée and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they’re the perfect marriage of cozy fall flavors and fun snacking. Best of all, they can be baked or fried depending on your preference, and they’re often rolled in cinnamon sugar or dipped in glaze for extra sweetness.
Whether you serve them at a fall brunch, pack them in lunchboxes, or make them for a Halloween party, pumpkin donut holes are always a hit. They’re quick, easy, and filled with the essence of fall in every fluffy bite.
Why Pumpkin Donut Holes Are a Must-Try Treat
Pumpkin donut holes aren’t just another pumpkin-flavored dessert—they’ve become a seasonal staple for good reason.
1. Bite-Sized Convenience
Unlike full-sized donuts, these are small, snackable, and perfect for sharing.
2. Bursting with Fall Flavor
Pumpkin purée adds natural sweetness and moisture, while pumpkin pie spice gives them that warm, cozy taste.
3. Versatility in Preparation
You can bake them for a lighter option or fry them for that classic donut texture.
4. Endless Topping Options
From cinnamon-sugar coatings to maple glaze or even cream cheese frosting, there’s no wrong way to dress them up.
5. Crowd-Friendly Appeal
They’re ideal for parties, brunches, bake sales, or as a festive gift.
Simply put, pumpkin donut holes combine comfort, convenience, and indulgence all in one bite.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Donut Holes
Donuts may be a treat, but pumpkin brings a surprising amount of nutrition to the mix.
Nutritional Perks of Pumpkin:
- Vitamin A → Boosts immunity and supports vision.
- Antioxidants → Beta-carotene helps fight cell damage.
- Fiber → Aids digestion and adds satiety.
- Low in Calories → Adds bulk and flavor without heaviness.
Spice Benefits:
- Cinnamon → May help regulate blood sugar.
- Nutmeg & Cloves → Rich in antioxidants.
- Ginger → Promotes digestion and immunity.
So, while pumpkin donut holes are indulgent, they’re also slightly more wholesome compared to other fried sweets.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Donut Holes
The magic of pumpkin donut holes lies in their balance of moist, spiced dough and sweet coatings. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Donut Batter:
- Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) → Adds moisture, color, and flavor.
- All-purpose flour → Provides structure.
- Baking powder & baking soda → Help the donut holes rise.
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar → Sweetness and depth.
- Egg → Binds ingredients together.
- Milk or buttermilk → For a tender crumb.
- Butter or oil → Adds richness and keeps them moist.
- Pumpkin pie spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) → The fall flavor hero.
- Vanilla extract → Rounds out the taste.
- Salt → Balances sweetness.
For the Coatings & Glazes:
- Cinnamon sugar → Classic finish with warmth and crunch.
- Maple glaze → Adds earthy sweetness.
- Cream cheese glaze → A tangy-sweet topping.
- Chocolate drizzle → A decadent twist.
With these ingredients, you can create endless variations of pumpkin donut holes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes
Pumpkin donut holes may sound fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Here’s a foolproof method:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven or Oil
- For baked donut holes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- For fried donut holes: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter (or oil)
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Do not overmix to keep the donuts fluffy.
Step 5: Bake or Fry
- Baked version: Scoop batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Fried version: Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
Step 6: Coat or Glaze
- For cinnamon sugar: Roll warm donuts in melted butter, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
- For glazes: Dip cooled donuts into maple glaze, cream cheese glaze, or chocolate drizzle.
The result? Irresistible, fluffy, bite-sized pumpkin donut holes that taste like autumn in every bite.