Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delicious fall-inspired treat featuring tender, moist pumpkin-spiced dough baked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast bite, they offer all the flavor of classic pumpkin donuts without the frying.


Ingredients

Scale

Donut Holes

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed (50g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree (170g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (57g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (60ml, any kind)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt ensuring they are well combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, egg, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold gently using a rubber spatula, mixing just until combined. It’s okay if the batter still has a few lumps; avoid overmixing to ensure tender donut holes.
  5. Fill Muffin Cups: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full with batter.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the donut holes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Prepare Coating: While the donut holes are baking, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 ½ tablespoons of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. In a small separate bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
  8. Cool in Pan: Allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for exactly 2 minutes after baking to make them easier to handle.
  9. Remove and Cool Further: Carefully remove the donut holes from the pan and place them on a cooling rack.
  10. Coat Donut Holes: While the donut holes are still warm, brush each one with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  11. Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture and enjoy your freshly baked pumpkin donut holes.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter; lumps are fine and help keep the donuts tender.
  • Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dryness.
  • Use room temperature egg and slightly cooled melted butter for better mixing.
  • Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin donut holes, baked pumpkin donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy fall treats, mini pumpkin donuts