If you’re craving a cozy fall treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, these Pumpkin Donut Holes are about to become your new favorite recipe. Lightly golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, they’re everything you love about autumn in one bite.
These bite-sized donut holes are baked, not fried, making them a healthier dessert option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With their soft, tender texture and irresistible pumpkin spice flavor, they’re perfect for easy fall desserts, family baking recipes, and budget-friendly treats that look as impressive as they taste.
Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, as a quick snack idea, or as a holiday party treat, these pumpkin donut holes deliver that comforting warmth you crave as the leaves start to turn. They’re also one of the best easy baking recipes for beginners no special tools, deep fryer, or mixer required. Just simple ingredients, one bowl, and a little fall magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry no fancy tools or expensive groceries required.
- Healthier Baking Option: These donut holes are baked, not fried, making them a healthier dessert for families without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect simple family recipe for fall gatherings, bake sales, or weekend treats.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They store beautifully and make a great make-ahead breakfast or snack idea.
- Seasonal Comfort: Packed with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger classic fall comfort food flavors that everyone adores.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the recipe, giving structure to the donut holes while keeping them soft and light. You can use whole-wheat flour for a healthier baking swap.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb texture. Also used for the cinnamon-sugar coating that gives each bite a sweet crunch.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! It brings moisture, a beautiful golden color, and that classic pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donut holes tender and moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier fat option.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and lightness to the batter.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure your donut holes puff up perfectly, giving them that soft, airy texture.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: This spice trio adds warmth and depth. They’re the essence of every fall dessert recipe.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the spices.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: A simple yet essential finishing touch that gives these baked pumpkin donut holes their signature sweet crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donut Holes
- Use Room Temperature Eggs – They incorporate better and help create a smooth, uniform batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the donut holes dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Bake on the Center Rack – This ensures even heat distribution for perfect golden tops.
- Add Flavor Enhancers – A splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- Serve Warm – Donut holes taste best when served slightly warm and freshly coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Low-Sugar: Replace half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar for a lower-calorie dessert.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook in an air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a quicker, crispier version.
- Stuffed Donut Holes: Fill with Nutella, cream cheese, or pumpkin butter for a surprise center.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk for a vegan fall dessert.
- Spiced Sugar Mix: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate fall indulgence.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting dip for a dessert platter.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant brunch presentation.
- Serve at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving breakfasts, or autumn picnics as bite-sized desserts everyone loves.
- Drizzle with caramel or maple glaze for a sweet, sticky twist.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Scoop and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their softness.
- Freeze: Freeze baked donut holes (without the sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Reheat, then roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Meal Prep Tip: Double the batch and freeze half they make great grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
Cultural or Seasonal Notes
Pumpkin spice treats have become synonymous with autumn in American baking culture. Originating from the blend of spices used in traditional pumpkin pie, this flavor profile has evolved into an entire fall tradition. From pumpkin lattes to pumpkin donuts, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger captures everything we love about the season. These baked pumpkin donut holes are a modern, home-friendly twist on that cozy classic easy enough for everyday baking, yet special enough for holiday mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these pumpkin donut holes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
2. Can I make them without eggs?
Absolutely. Replace each egg with one tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water for a vegan-friendly alternative.
3. How do I make these donut holes in an air fryer?
Scoop the batter into greased silicone molds and air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. It’s one of the best air fryer baking recipes for fall!
4. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
Yes. Try mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique twist both work beautifully as healthy ingredient alternatives.
5. How can I make them more indulgent?
Drizzle with maple glaze, dip in chocolate, or dust with powdered sugar for a dessert-worthy upgrade.
Pumpkin Donut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until fully combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a muffin scoop or small cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the donut holes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the donut holes are baking, mix together the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once the donut holes are done, allow them to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm.
