Pumpkin Donut Holes

 

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm autumn spices, these pumpkin donut holes are like little bites of heaven. With the perfect balance of sweetness and pumpkin spice, one bite and you'll be completely hooked!

I especially love making these during the crisp fall months, but they're so delicious that we enjoy them all year round—right alongside our lemon donut holes and strawberry donut holes. They're the kind of treat that makes your whole house smell like cozy sweater weather, no matter the season.

Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Donut Holes

Quick and Easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven.

Budget Friendly – Making them at home costs less than store-bought, and you know exactly what goes into them.

Makes the House Smell Amazing – The aroma of pumpkin and warm spices fills every corner of your home.

Perfectly Portioned – Bite-sized goodness that's impossible to resist.

Great for Sharing – Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a cozy treat with coffee.

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes

Vegetable oil As needed for pan Can substitute melted butter

Pumpkin purée 1 cup Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling

Granulated sugar ¾ cup For the batter

All-purpose flour 1½ cups

Baking powder 1½ teaspoons

Baking soda ½ teaspoon

Salt ½ teaspoon

Pumpkin pie spice 2 teaspoons For the batter

For the Coating

Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons Melted

Granulated sugar ¼ cup For rolling

Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon For rolling

Equipment Needed

Donut hole pan or mini muffin tin

Small cookie scoop

Zip-loc bag or shallow bowl for coating

Baking spray or oil for greasing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini donut hole pan or mini muffin tin thoroughly with baking spray or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a Zip-loc bag or shallow bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Shake or stir to mix well. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Pan

Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut hole pan about ¾ full with batter.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the donut holes are puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing.

Step 6: Coat the Donut Holes

Dip each warm donut hole into the melted butter, ensuring it's fully coated. Then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, shaking off any excess. Place on a wire rack to set.

Chef's Tips for Perfect Donut Holes

Don't overmix – Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough donut holes. Stir until just combined.

Use pumpkin purée, not pie filling – Pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will throw off the balance of the recipe.

Grease the pan well – These donut holes can stick, so be generous with the baking spray or use a non-stick pan.

Coat while warm – The butter and cinnamon sugar adhere best when the donut holes are still warm from the oven.

Adjust spice levels – If you love a stronger spice flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip – Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Maple Glaze – Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Cream Cheese Filling – Pipe a small amount of cream cheese filling into the center of each donut hole for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutty Crunch – Roll the coated donut holes in crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Apple Cinnamon – Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apple for a fruity twist.

Vegan Option – Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider.

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Arrange on a platter with other fall treats for a cozy gathering.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store baked pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Refrigeration

If you need them to last longer, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Note that refrigeration may slightly affect the texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze them! Here's how:

Place the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until firm.

Transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable bag.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thawing and Reheating

Thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

For warm donut holes, microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a mini muffin pan instead of a donut hole pan?

Yes! A mini muffin pan works perfectly. The shape will be slightly different (more like mini muffins than round donut holes), but they'll taste just as delicious.

What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

Make your own by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon cloves.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Why did my donut holes turn out dense?

This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined and avoid overworking the gluten.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have enough pans or bake in batches.

A Final Note

These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are the kind of treat that brings people together. Whether you're baking them for a crisp fall morning, a holiday gathering, or just because you're craving something cozy and sweet, they never disappoint. Simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating—they're pure comfort in every bite.

Enjoy every warm, spiced, bite-sized piece of fall! 🎃🍩✨