Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of fall, you are going to fall head-over-heels for these delightful Pumpkin Donut Holes. These little bites are perfectly soft and cakey, infused with fragrant spices, and coated in a luscious maple glaze that brings just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you are craving a fun breakfast treat, a festive snack, or a charming dessert, Pumpkin Donut Holes deliver a joyful burst of pumpkin goodness in every bite. They’re simple to make but taste like they came from a bakery, sure to become a beloved favorite in your seasonal recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the tender texture, warm flavors, and lovely orange hue that make these donut holes irresistible. You’ll find mostly pantry staples enhanced by the rich pumpkin purée and fragrant spices for that perfect autumn vibe.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 240g): Provides the base structure that keeps the donut holes soft and cakey.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Gives a gentle lift so your donut holes stay light, not dense.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (2 teaspoons): Infuses the batter with the iconic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for ultimate fall flavor.
• Cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to balance the pumpkin’s sweetness.
• Fine Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from being flat.
• Pure Pumpkin Purée (1/2 cup, 113g): The star ingredient, delivering moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
• Granulated White Sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Sweetens the donut holes just enough without overpowering the spices.
• Buttermilk (1/4 cup, 56g, room temp): Creates a tender crumb and adds a subtle tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
• Large Egg + 1 Yolk (room temp): Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds a silky, moist texture and buttery flavor.
• Maple Extract or Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Brings an aromatic sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Frying Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or shortening work best for crisp, golden donut holes.
• Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups, 170g): The base for the glaze that adds a smooth, velvety sweetness.
• Hot Water (5 to 6 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the powdered sugar and create the perfect glaze consistency.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Sprinkled into the glaze for an extra cozy spin.

How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt—in a medium bowl. This simple blend forms the flavorful base that will give your Pumpkin Donut Holes a wonderfully aromatic and spicy character.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, yolk, and maple extract. Whisk until everything is smoothly incorporated, creating a rich, creamy batter that promises moist donut holes packed with pumpkin flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, then fold everything together carefully with a rubber spatula. Be cautious not to overmix—the batter should be slightly sticky and thick, which will keep your donut holes tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the batter tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or even up to two days. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the batter to firm up, making it easier to scoop and fry to perfection.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Fill a deep pot with about two inches of your preferred frying oil. Heat it until it reaches between 350ºF and 360ºF, ensuring your Pumpkin Donut Holes will cook quickly and evenly with a golden crust and tender center. Setting up a cooling rack lined with paper towels nearby also helps with draining excess oil after frying.

Step 6: Fry the Donut Holes

Using a small two-teaspoon cookie scoop (or two spoons if you don’t have one), gently drop 5 to 6 portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about one minute per side, carefully watching the temperature and adjusting the heat as needed because the cold dough can lower the oil’s heat. The result should be perfectly puffed, golden Brown Pumpkin Donut Holes.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While your donut holes cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, hot water, cinnamon, and maple extract in a small bowl. This glaze is sweet with a subtle warmth from the cinnamon and a lovely maple accent that brings out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

Step 8: Glaze the Donut Holes

Dunk each warm donut hole into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes—this creates a beautiful shiny coating that is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donut Holes

Garnishes

For extra flair and texture, sprinkle your glazed Pumpkin Donut Holes with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or finely chopped toasted pecans. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds can also enhance both presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these bite-sized treats with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea, a rich latte, or even a cold glass of milk to complement their sweet and spicy profile. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also makes a lovely, refreshing side that balances the richness of these donut holes.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring your Pumpkin Donut Holes to a party or brunch by arranging them on a tiered cake stand or placing them in decorative mini baskets lined with parchment paper. You can even thread them onto skewers alternating with small marshmallows or fruit pieces for a fun “donut hole kabob.” They’ll be a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. If you want to keep them for longer, the fridge can help, but be aware the texture may become slightly denser.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to one month and thaw quickly when you want a warm, pumpkin-spiced treat.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-from-the-fryer experience, warm your Pumpkin Donut Holes in a 350ºF oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly for about 15 seconds. If glazed, warming will soften the glaze nicely without melting it away entirely.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is a convenient option that provides consistent flavor and moisture content.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts to mimic the spice blend’s warm flavor.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives these donut holes their crisp exterior, you can bake them at 350ºF for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious and a bit lighter.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

A candy or deep-fry thermometer is the best way to be sure. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface quickly without browning too fast.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could try a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for all-purpose flour and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Making Pumpkin Donut Holes is a delightful way to welcome the flavors of autumn into your kitchen. From their spiced, tender centers to the sweet, glossy glaze, these little treats are a perfect comfort bite that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe that brings joy with every single bite — so grab your ingredients and start frying up these pumpkin-flavored treasures today!

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