Ah, pumpkin season! Is there anything better than cozying up with a warm, spiced treat when the leaves start to turn golden? I absolutely adore these Pumpkin Donut Holes because they remind me of crisp fall mornings spent at the local farmers’ market, where the aroma of baked goods wafts through the air. The best part? They’re so simple to whip up that you’ll feel like a baking pro without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture me standing by the window, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, eagerly awaiting the glorious moment when these little bites of heaven are ready. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
These donuts are the perfect combination of fluffy, spiced goodness wrapped in just the right amount of sweetness. Not to mention, they’re super versatile! You can indulge in them for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert. So, without further ado, let me share how to create these delightful Pumpkin Donut Holes right in your own kitchen!
What’s in Pumpkin Donut Holes?
– All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our donut holes, helping them achieve that perfect tender texture. You can always use a gluten-free blend if you’re looking to avoid gluten!
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Half a cup goes into the batter, while a little more gets mixed with cinnamon for that delicious coating.
– Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give our donut holes that delightful puffiness and create a light, airy bite.
– Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: Warm spices that not only add flavor but also invoke the spirit of fall. They remind me of my grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, with that comforting holiday aroma wafting through the house.
– Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
– Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! It adds moisture and a lovely richness, not to mention the beautiful orange hue. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not the sweetened pie filling.
– Buttermilk (or milk): I prefer buttermilk for its tangy flavor, but regular milk works just fine too.
– Egg: A large egg helps bind everything together and provides a lovely structure to the donut holes.
– Melted Butter: Because who doesn’t love a little richness? This adds flavor and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
– Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds that extra layer of deliciousness—like a warm hug in every bite!
– Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: This is what puts the cherry on top, taking your donut holes from yummy to utterly irresistible.
Is Pumpkin Donut Holes Good for You?
Alright, let’s talk health for a moment. While these donut holes are definitely a sweet treat, there are some redeeming qualities:
Pumpkin Puree: Packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and fiber, pumpkin is wholesome and nutritious. Who says indulgence can’t have benefits?
Spices: Did you know that cinnamon has antioxidant properties? And nutmeg and ginger can aid digestion!
That said, it’s still important to enjoy these in moderation. I mean, who can stop at just one? But do be mindful of the sugar content, especially if you’re watching your intake. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap out some of the sugar for a sugar alternative for a lighter version.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4 people (or just one very happy person, depending on your donut hole cravings)!
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes?
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), or preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re going that route.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, we want to avoid over-mixing!
5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take portions of the dough and roll them into small balls—aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
6. For the air fryer: Arrange the donut holes in a single layer in the basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. If you’re baking, pop those balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 12-15 minutes.
7. While your donut holes are cooking, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl.
8. Once the donut holes are done, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. Get ready for the amazing aroma to take over your kitchen!
9. Serve these warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Delicious Tips and Fun Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can experiment with this recipe! Consider adding chocolate chips or finely chopped walnuts to the dough for some extra texture and flavor. I love tossing in some mini chocolate chips—it gives a sweet surprise in every bite!
These pumpkin donut holes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven or air fryer, but they’re also great stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. They may lose a bit of their fluffiness, but a quick warm-up in the microwave can help revive them!
So, there you have it—my favorite Pumpkin Donut Holes recipe! I can’t wait for you to try these out. I promise, your kitchen will smell like a dreamy fall getaway, and I’m pretty sure they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice!” Let me know how they turn out, and happy baking! 🎃🍩
