Indulging in a delightful snack is made easy with these Pumpkin Donut Holes. Bursting with the seasonal essence of pumpkin and warm spices, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. They are ideal for sharing with friends during a cozy fall gathering or enjoying with a hot beverage on a chilly day. With a simple list of ingredients, you can whip up these delicious donut holes in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat, they are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
To create the perfect Pumpkin Donut Holes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: This ingredient provides moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor, making these donut holes uniquely delicious.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sugar sweetens the batter and contributes to the delightful outer coating.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Oil ensures that the donut holes remain moist and tender throughout.
- 1/4 cup milk: Milk adds creaminess, contributing to the overall texture of the batter.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture. For an eggless version, a flaxseed meal or apple sauce can be used as a substitute.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor profile and adds a warm sweetness to the donut holes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The flour provides structure to the donut holes, creating the right texture.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This leavening agent helps the donut holes rise and gives a fluffy, airy quality.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works in conjunction with baking powder to provide leavening and ensure the donut holes are light.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: This spice infuses warmth and enhances the pumpkin flavor, making the donut holes more aromatic.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a touch of festive flavor, complementing the warmth of cinnamon.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the donut holes.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating): This will be used to coat the warm donut holes, creating a sweet, sugary crust.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Paired with sugar, it creates a warm, inviting topping that enhances the flavor of the donut holes.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth. This mixture forms the base of your donut holes.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensuring these dry ingredients are mixed thoroughly is key to evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes instead of light and fluffy ones.
Step 4: Preheat Cooking Appliance
Preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C). If using an oven, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. If using an air fryer, ensure the basket is clean and ready for use.
Step 5: Form Donut Holes
Using a small scoop or your hands, take small amounts of the batter and roll them into balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. The dough should be sticky but manageable. Do not worry about perfect shapes; slight imperfections add to their charm!
Step 6: Arrange and Cook
Place the formed donut holes in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking sheet if using the oven. Ensure that there is enough space between each donut hole for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your cooking appliance.
Step 7: Cooking Time
Cook the donut holes in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes or bake in the oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. They should spring back slightly when touched.
Step 8: Prepare Coating
While the donut holes are baking, prepare the sugar and cinnamon coating by combining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tsp of cinnamon in a bowl. This mixture should be ready to roll the warm donut holes in once they are cooked.
Step 9: Roll in Sugar
Once the donut holes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer or oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, roll each donut hole in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until they are well coated. This step adds a delightful sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious pumpkin donut holes are now ready to be enjoyed! They are best served warm and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy them fresh or store any leftovers in an airtight container for later!
Serving Suggestions
- As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
- With a Creamy Dip: Serve with maple or cream cheese dip for added indulgence.
- As a Snack: These can be delightful afternoon snacks, offering a little pick-me-up when you need it.
- At Gatherings: Share them at parties or potlucks as a fun and festive treat, sure to be loved by everyone.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dry or tough donut holes.
- Measuring Flour: To avoid dense donut holes, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Test Doneness: If unsure about doneness, insert a toothpick into a donut hole; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
- Storage: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to one month.
Variations
- Spiced Pumpkin Donut Holes: Add a little more spice by increasing the cinnamon and nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Donut Holes: Fold in chocolate chips into the batter prior to cooking for a chocolaty twist.
- Glazed Donut Holes: For a sweet glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk or water and drizzle over the cooled donut holes instead of coating them in sugar.
FAQs
Can I make these donut holes without eggs?
Absolutely! To make them egg-free, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes).
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
You can use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree, just make sure it is pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar.
Can I bake these in a mini muffin tin instead?
Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin to make mini pumpkin muffins. Adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What can I do with leftover pumpkin puree?
You can store any leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months to use in soups, smoothies, or other baking projects.
Are these donut holes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Donut Holes offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. Their fluffy texture, spiced flavor, and sweet sugar coating make them irresistible. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the air fryer or oven, or save a few for later, these donut holes are a delicious and festive addition to your fall baking repertoire. Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy day at home, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe, and share the joy of pumpkin goodness with your loved ones!