Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes: 7 Cozy Bites of Joy

Oh, fall! It’s that magical season when the air gets crisp, leaves turn vibrant shades, and the aroma of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about homemade treats during this time, and that’s where my cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes come in. Trust me, these little bites of joy are the perfect way to celebrate the season! They’re soft, fluffy, and coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar blend that just screams cozy afternoons.

I remember the first time I made these with my family. We gathered in the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we mixed ingredients and shared stories. The moment those donut holes came out of the oven, we couldn’t resist the temptation to dive in while they were still warm. It was pure bliss! Now every fall, we make it a tradition to whip up a batch and enjoy them with cups of steaming cider. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat on a chilly day, these donut holes will warm your heart and home. So, let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
• Delightfully soft and fluffy texture with a perfect hint of pumpkin spice.
• The irresistible aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a chilly day.
• Seasonal appeal makes them a must-have during fall festivities.
• Versatile enough to enjoy with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream!
• Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites—great for family fun!

Ingredients List

(You’ll find everything you need for these delightful cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes right here. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get started!)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

How to Prepare *Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes*

Prepping the Oven and Mixing Wet Ingredients

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for getting those donut holes perfectly fluffy! While that oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth—this way, all those flavors blend beautifully. Just imagine that rich pumpkin aroma filling your kitchen! It’s the best.

Combining Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s mix up our dry ingredients! In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. It’s important to do this separately to ensure that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Once combined, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet pumpkin mixture. I usually do it in three parts, stirring gently after each addition. You want it just combined—don’t overmix, or your donut holes might turn out tough! A few lumps are totally okay.

Forming and Baking the Donut Holes

Next, it’s time to form those delightful donut holes! Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to scoop out the batter and form small balls. Trust your instincts here—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter is perfect! Place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball. Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the anticipation while they bake is just mouthwatering!

Coating the Donut Holes

While those little beauties are cooling slightly, let’s prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the tablespoon of cinnamon. Once your donut holes are warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. This is my favorite part—seeing them transform into little bites of fall magic! Make sure every inch gets that sweet, spicy goodness. Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor! If you’re using canned, make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Measure your flour accurately—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for perfect consistency.
• Don’t overmix the batter! Mix just until combined to keep those donut holes light and fluffy.
• If you find the dough too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands when forming the balls.
• Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Start checking at the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar coating!
• Serve them warm for the best experience—there’s nothing like that warm, soft texture melting in your mouth!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your delightful cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes, the possibilities are endless! Personally, I love pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or a cozy spiced chai. The warm spices in both the drink and the donut holes create a comforting harmony that’s just perfect for fall.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy richness beautifully complements the fluffy, spiced donut holes, making for a delightful treat!

For a fun twist, you can also offer a side of maple glaze or caramel sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of indulgence that everyone will love. And don’t forget, these little bites are also fantastic for brunch gatherings or holiday parties—just set them out on a platter, and watch them disappear!

However you choose to enjoy them, these donut holes will definitely bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Happy indulging!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes, you might be wondering how to keep those little bites of joy fresh for later. The best way to store them is in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out. I usually let them cool completely before transferring them to the container—this way, they won’t trap any moisture and get soggy.

They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature or even warm them up a bit before enjoying again. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm donut hole fresh out of the oven!

If you have leftovers that you want to save for a while, you can freeze them! I like to wrap each donut hole individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste just as good as when they were first baked—promise!

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your delicious cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes can be quite helpful, especially if you’re trying to keep track of what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimated breakdown based on typical values for this recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 2 donut holes
• Calories: Approximately 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

These delightful bites are a lovely treat, and with the added goodness of pumpkin, they have a bit of nutritional value too! Enjoy them in moderation, and let the flavors of fall dance on your taste buds!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for these donut holes?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for these cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.

What if I don’t have all the spices?
No worries! If you’re missing any of the spices, just use what you have on hand. The core flavors come from cinnamon and nutmeg, so you’ll still get that lovely fall taste!

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before scooping and baking. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container.

How do I know when the donut holes are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven!

Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute, and you should still get those delicious, fluffy donut holes!

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