Name: Pumpkin Donut Holes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (for coating)

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The aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Donut Holes wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a brisk autumn morning. Picture this: soft, fluffy bites coated in cinnamon sugar, melting in your mouth with the perfect hint of pumpkin spice. easy homemade blueberry pop tarts It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up with a good book and a cozy blanket, all while indulging in these tiny nuggets of joy.

I still remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful morsels. My kitchen turned into a flour storm, and my dog, Bella, looked at me as if I had lost my mind. But when I finally pulled those golden-brown donuts from the oven, her tail wagged with approval. Perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings, these Pumpkin Donut Holes promise to elevate any occasion into something memorable. For more inspiration, check out this moist pumpkin bread recipe recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Donut Holes are incredibly easy to whip up in no time at all
They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible
Their charming appearance will surely impress everyone at your next gathering
Best of all, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert!

Sharing these donut holes with friends felt like presenting them with little gifts of happiness; everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that perfect fluffy texture, sift it to avoid clumps and ensure your donut holes rise beautifully.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree for genuine flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while providing the right texture; consider using brown sugar for deeper flavor.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for lightness; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for pumpkin treats; its warm aroma is simply irresistible and brings out the best flavors.
Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the warm spices’ profile; fresh nutmeg is always worth it if you can get it.
Eggs: Vital for binding the ingredients together; use large eggs at room temperature for even mixing.
Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk works best but feel free to use your preferred non-dairy alternative.
Butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and moisture; let it cool slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling your donut holes after baking for that signature sweet coating.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking disasters later on.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until well combined. Your kitchen should start smelling cozy already—if not, maybe add more cinnamon!

Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree, melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth and creamy. delicious pumpkin cream cheese frosting You should have a lovely orange mixture that looks like fall itself just decided to jump into your bowl.

Combine mixtures: Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy donut holes here! A few flour streaks are completely okay—trust me on this one.

Fill muffin tin: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each mini muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. Don’t worry about making them perfect—quirky shapes add character!

Bake away: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back when lightly touched and smell heavenly—resist eating them straight away!

Coat in cinnamon sugar: Once baked and slightly cooled (about 5 minutes), roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. The sugar should cling nicely if you do this while they’re still warm—pure magic!

Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking! Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for that cozy vibe we all crave during fall. rich chocolate chickpea truffles.

Now you’re armed with everything you need to create these delightful Pumpkin Donut Holes! What’s even better? You don’t need an occasion to enjoy them—they’re perfect anytime you want a taste of fall!

Content

Tip 1: Use fresh pumpkin for the best flavor and texture in your Pumpkin Donut Holes. Canned pumpkin can work, but fresh puree brings a delightful sweetness that makes all the difference. I learned this when my neighbor gifted me homegrown pumpkins, turning my donuts from good to wow!

Tip 2: Don’t skip letting the dough chill before frying. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and results in a better texture. The first time I skipped this step, my donut holes turned into pancake blobs, and let’s just say nobody wanted those!

Tip 3: Roll your donut holes in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. This gives them an irresistible sweetness that perfectly complements the spicy pumpkin flavor. I once forgot this step and ended up with sad little plain balls—never again!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked Pumpkin Donut Holes, start by preparing your dough and letting it chill for at least 30 minutes. While it’s chilling, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to elevate your Pumpkin Donut Holes. You could also swap out some of the flour for whole wheat flour for added texture and health benefits. Get creative with toppings like maple glaze or chopped nuts!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Pumpkin Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to revive their fluffy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, your donut holes will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of fluffy
Always fry them in small batches for even cooking and perfect results every time!

Cooking these Pumpkin Donut Holes always reminds me of cozy autumn days spent at home with family, sipping cider while enjoying these delightful treats straight from the fryer. crispy apple cider gingersnap cookies. For more inspiration, check out this chewy Oreo cookies recipe.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Yes, you can use canned pumpkin, but fresh pumpkin puree adds a richer flavor and better texture. If using canned, ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives for optimal taste.

How do I know when my oil is ready for frying?

You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if it sizzles immediately and rises to the top, you’re good to go! Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.

What can I do with leftover Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Leftover Pumpkin Donut Holes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are delightful when reheated briefly in the microwave or enjoyed as-is!