Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin donut holes are the perfect treat for fall and a delightful snack any time of year. With the blend of warm spices and pumpkin puree, they are not only tasty but also easy to make. Using an air fryer or an oven, you can enjoy these delicious, bite-sized donuts with a cinnamon-sugar coating that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with kids!
How to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
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Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough. Roll them into balls and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through to achieve even browning.
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Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Similar to the air fryer method, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, rolling them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Melt the butter in another small bowl. Once the donut holes are cooked, let them cool for a bit. Dip each donut hole into the melted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
How to Serve Pumpkin Donut Holes
These pumpkin donut holes are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them alone or with your favorite dipping sauce. They make a great treat for parties, brunches, or simple family gatherings.
How to Store Pumpkin Donut Holes
To keep your pumpkin donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Donut Holes
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful when mixing the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes.
- Size Matters: Try to make all the donut holes the same size for even cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal preference. Adding nutmeg or allspice can enhance the flavor!
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for an extra treat. Alternatively, for a healthier version, you can substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well as canned pumpkin puree.
2. Can I freeze pumpkin donut holes?
Absolutely! Just let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup for one egg).
