Craving a sweet taste of fall? My Bakery-Style Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are here to satisfy that hunger! These bite-sized treats bring warmth and comfort, bursting with pumpkin flavor and cozy spices. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time. Let’s dive into this seasonal recipe that’s perfect for sharing, or enjoying all by yourself! Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
To make these donut holes, start with your dry ingredients. Mix flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a bowl. This blend gives your donut holes a warm, cozy flavor.
Next, move to your wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and that signature fall taste.
For the coating, you only need sugar and cinnamon. This will give your donut holes a sweet, spiced finish.
These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. The blend of spices and pumpkin makes each bite a joy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole maker.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
3. In another bowl, mix:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Combining Ingredients
1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
2. Fold until just combined. It’s fine if there are a few lumps.
3. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cavity of the mini muffin pan about 2/3 full with the batter.
Baking and Coating
1. Bake the donut holes for 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
2. While they bake, prepare the coating by mixing together:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3. Once baked, let the donut holes cool for about 5 minutes. Then gently roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
4. Transfer the coated donut holes to a serving platter.
These steps will help you make warm, fluffy donut holes with a lovely pumpkin spice flavor. Enjoy the cozy aroma as they bake!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get soft donut holes, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined. Some lumps are okay. If you mix too much, the donut holes will be dense. The baking time is also key. Bake them for 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Flavor Enhancements
Want more flavor? Add other spices like cloves or allspice. These spices will boost the taste. If you use fresh pumpkin puree, the flavor shines through. Fresh puree gives a richer taste than canned.
Presentation Ideas
Serve your donut holes warm for the best experience. You can arrange them in a bowl. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a nice touch. For a festive look, place mini decorative pumpkins around the bowl.
Variations
Flavor Variations
For a tasty twist, try maple pumpkin spice donut holes. Substitute half the sugar with maple syrup. This gives a rich and sweet flavor. You can add maple extract for extra depth. Another fun option is chocolate chip pumpkin spice donut holes. Fold in half a cup of mini chocolate chips before baking. The chocolate pairs well with the warm spices. Both flavors offer a new take on this fall favorite.
Dietary Alternatives
Want a gluten-free option? Use a mix of almond flour and coconut flour. This gives a light texture while keeping them delicious. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. These changes keep the taste amazing while catering to different diets.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions
Present your donut holes in fun, holiday-themed ways. Use a festive bowl and add mini pumpkins for a cheerful touch. Arrange the donuts in a circle, and sprinkle extra cinnamon for flair. Pair them with seasonal beverages like hot cider or pumpkin spice lattes. This combination allows for a cozy fall experience. You can even offer a dipping sauce, like maple syrup, for extra fun!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This keeps the donut holes soft and tasty. If you plan to eat them within two days, you can leave them at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them.
Freezing Options
You can freeze these donut holes for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the donut holes to a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
To thaw, take them out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds for a quick thaw.
Reheating Suggestions
To reheat your donut holes, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside soft. You can also use the microwave, but use low power to avoid sogginess. Heat them for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm. Enjoy your delicious treats!
FAQs
How do I ensure my donut holes rise properly?
To help your donut holes rise, use fresh baking powder and baking soda. These ingredients give your batter lift. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ones. Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay. This keeps your donut holes light and fluffy.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin. It saves time and still gives great flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. This ensures you get the right taste and texture in your donut holes.
What is the best way to customize these donut holes?
You can customize these donut holes in many ways. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also mix in nuts or dried fruit for extra texture. For a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves. Get creative and make them your own!
How long do homemade donut holes last?
Homemade donut holes taste best fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to two months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I bake these in different shapes?
Absolutely! You can use a mini muffin pan or a donut hole maker. If you have fun shapes, go ahead and use them. Just adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on them to ensure they bake evenly and come out perfect!
You now have a complete guide to making delicious pumpkin spice donut holes. We covered the key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips throughout the baking process. You can explore various flavors and adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs. Finally, you learned how to store and reheat them for maximum freshness. Enjoy creating these tasty treats during any season. Trust me, they will be a hit!
