Name: Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup canola oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 2/3 cup sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 38 reviews

If you have a soft spot for warm, spiced treats that melt in your mouth, the Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort snack. These bite-sized delights pack all the cozy flavors of fall into a perfectly fluffy, tender donut hole, coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet afternoon indulgence, these pumpkin donut holes are quick to whip up and bring endless smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients arranged closely on a dark wooden surface. At the center left is a glass bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree, with a smooth but slightly textured surface. To the right of it sits a brown egg with a matte shell. Below are small glass bowls — one with a mix of brown and white spices and the other filled with coarse brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Near the bottom left is a partially unwrapped stick of butter with a pale yellow color, and above it a small bowl of granulated white sugar with a fine texture. At the bottom right is a glass measuring cup filled with golden liquid oil. In the top right corner is a glass bowl filled with white flour, showing a powdery and uneven surface. A black metal mini muffin tray is placed at the top, over the table, with round empty cups. Next to the egg is a small bottle of green and white labeled vanilla extract. The surface beneath all items is a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create a delightful balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role—from the aromatic spices that bring warmth to the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and vibrant fall character.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender bite.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds essential spiced warmth and depth.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a hint of sweet, nutty aroma to the mix.
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Enhances the overall spice profile with subtle complexity.
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way in giving that signature fall spice note.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures lightness and a gentle rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates flavors.
3/4 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient; moist, flavorful, and beautifully orange.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and softness.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives a rich sweetness with molasses undertones.
1/3 cup canola oil: Keeps the donut holes moist and tender.
1 large egg: Provides structure and helps bind everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with mellow sweetness.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For dunking the baked donut holes to help the sugar coating stick.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Part of the cinnamon sugar coating for that irresistible spice kick.
2/3 cup sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create a sweet, crunchy crust.

How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a mini muffin pan or spritz it with nonstick spray to make sure your donut holes pop out easily once baked. This small step ensures that none of your delicious creations get stuck, preserving their shape and texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour with the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves—along with baking powder and salt. These dry ingredients blend together to form the fragrant, spiced base of your pumpkin donut holes, so take a moment to appreciate the wonderful aroma that starts filling your kitchen now.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or a glass measuring cup, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, canola oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and the characteristic pumpkin flavor. Whisking well ensures a smooth, even consistency that will help the donut holes bake evenly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula. Stir just until all the flour disappears—overmixing can create tough donut holes, so be delicate and stop as soon as it’s combined. The batter will be thick and luscious with tons of cozy fall flavor awaiting you.

Step 5: Fill the Mini Muffin Pan

Scoop your batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon helps keep the portions consistent, ensuring even baking. You’ll fill up about 24 donut holes here, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will be filled with the incredible scents of pumpkin and spices, giving you a joyful preview of your soon-to-be-loved treat.

Step 7: The Butter Dip and Sugar Coating

Once baked, let the donut holes cool for about 2 minutes so they’re easy to handle without falling apart. Dip each donut hole into the melted butter, coating them generously, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step creates the signature glistening, sweet crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Transfer the coated donut holes to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from getting soggy and lets the cinnamon sugar topping set into a delightful crust. Once cooled, your pumpkin donut holes are ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

The image shows a close-up of many small, round balls covered in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, giving them a textured, slightly rough surface with a sparkly finish. Each ball has a golden-brown color peeking through the sugar coating. They are piled together inside a rustic, deep, silver metal bowl with some sugar and cinnamon mix scattered on and around the balls, as well as lightly sprinkled outside the bowl on a white marbled surface. The overall setting gives a warm and cozy feeling with a focus on the sweet, sugary details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is perfection on its own, you can have a little fun with garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a drizzle of caramel or maple glaze brings even more richness if you’re feeling indulgent. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts sprinkled over the top add some crunch and nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin donut holes are a wonderful brunch companion or a sweet snack alongside warm drinks. Serve them with steaming cups of coffee, creamy lattes, or spiced chai tea to complement the pumpkin and spice flavors beautifully. For a festive spread, pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balance of indulgence and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving pumpkin donut holes during a party or holiday gathering? Arrange them in a tiered dessert stand or fill a pretty glass jar to let guests scoop out their own. You can also thread a few on decorative skewers for a playful treat display. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with festive ribbons makes for a charming gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store your pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 2 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these pumpkin donut holes later? Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen like this, they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

Reheat the donut holes gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back their fluffy texture and revives the spiced aroma, almost as if they were freshly baked moments ago.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe and is a convenient way to get that rich pumpkin flavor without extra prep.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

Don’t worry if your spice cabinet isn’t fully stocked. You can skip one or two spices or substitute with pumpkin pie spice blend to keep that warm, spiced flavor intact.

Can I make these vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap out the egg for a flax or chia egg and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Are pumpkin donut holes healthy?

While these pumpkin donut holes are a treat, they include pumpkin puree, which adds fiber and nutrients. Moderation is key, but they’re a cozy snack with some wholesome ingredients mixed in.

Can I bake these in a regular muffin pan?

You can bake the batter in a regular muffin pan, but keep in mind the baking time will increase and the size will be larger, so adjust accordingly. Mini donut holes bake quickly and provide the perfect bite size.

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe. These little gems capture the spirit of fall in every bite, from their tender, spiced interior to the sweet, buttery coating that keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try them—baking these donut holes is truly like wrapping yourself in a cozy, edible hug. Give this recipe a whirl, and enjoy the smiles they bring to your table!