I’m so thrilled to share my cozy pumpkin donut holes recipe with you today. These little bites of autumn are everything I love about fall baking – warm spices, soft pumpkin centers, and that irresistible sugar coating that crunches between your teeth. No deep fryer needed, just a mini muffin tin and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Can you imagine the aroma that’ll fill your kitchen? Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your seasonal signature treat.
Why You’ll Love these Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes
When autumn rolls around, nothing beats the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin treats filling your kitchen. These pumpkin donut holes aren’t just delicious—they’re ridiculously simple to make. No deep fryer required, just a mini muffin pan and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
I adore how these little bites capture fall’s essence in every mouthful. The self-rising flour means no fussing with leavening agents, while the olive oil keeps them moist without any dairy. And that sugar coating? Pure genius. The contrast between the soft, spiced interior and the slightly crunchy, sweet exterior is what dreams are made of.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee breaks, or midnight snacking. Who could resist?
What Ingredients are in Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes?
These delightful pumpkin donut holes require just a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create fall-flavored magic in your mouth.
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- ¼ cup mild-flavor olive oil
- 1⅓ cups pumpkin puree (canned, not pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unrefined sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (for coating)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil (for coating)
What I love about this ingredient list is how accessible everything is—you might already have most of these items in your pantry, and there’s no need for eggs, milk, or butter, making these treats accidentally vegan and perfect for sharing with friends who’ve dairy restrictions.
How to Make these Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Making these pumpkin donut holes couldn’t be simpler—honestly, they’re the kind of treat that makes you look like a baking wizard with minimal effort. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your mini muffin pans a light coating of oil. This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques, just a bowl and a spoon.
In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of mild-flavor olive oil with 1⅓ cups of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling), 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, and ¼ cup of brown sugar. The mixture will already smell like autumn in a bowl. Gently fold in 1½ cups of self-rising flour until everything is just combined—the batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what we want. Over-mixing is the enemy here, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour pockets. Using a small cookie scoop helps create uniform-sized donut holes that will bake evenly.
For an even smoother and more consistent batter, a KitchenAid stand mixer can make the mixing process effortless while ensuring perfect texture every time.
After baking for 13-15 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma of warm pumpkin spice. Once a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops are golden, let them cool for a few minutes before the final magical touch—the coating. Melt 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl, and in another bowl, mix ½ cup of unrefined sugar with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. Brush each warm donut hole with the coconut oil (which adds a subtle sweetness), then roll them in the spiced sugar mixture until completely coated. These little bites of joy are best served warm, when the exterior has a slight crunch and the interior is soft and cake-like.
What to Serve with Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes
The perfect companions for these cozy pumpkin donut holes can transform your simple fall treat into a memorable autumn gathering. I love pairing them with a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or a classic cup of coffee with a dash of cinnamon. The warmth from the beverages complements the spiced sweetness perfectly.
For a more indulgent spread, try serving alongside apple cider (hot or cold, your choice) and a small bowl of maple cream dip. Feeling fancy? A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these into delightful little dessert sliders.
Morning brunch? These donut holes sit beautifully next to a fruit platter with sliced apples, pears, and some sharp cheese for balance. Simple, yet somehow special.
Leftovers and Storage for these Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Your delightfully spiced pumpkin donut holes will stay fresh and tasty with proper storage, though I’ll admit they rarely last long enough in my house to worry about it! Store any survivors in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar coating might get a bit soft, but the flavor remains divine.
Want to extend their life? Pop them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just bring them to room temperature before enjoying, or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to restore that fresh-baked warmth.
For longer storage, these little gems freeze beautifully. Simply place in a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for about 3 months. Why not make a double batch next time?
Cozy Pumpkin Donut Holes Substitutions and Variations
Several delicious possibilities await when you’re ready to customize these pumpkin donut holes to suit your pantry or preferences. Don’t have self-rising flour? Simply use all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt instead.
You can swap the olive oil for melted butter or any neutral vegetable oil you have on hand. For a spicier version, I’d double the pumpkin spice or add a dash of cardamom. Feeling indulgent? Consider folding in mini chocolate chips or topping with a maple glaze instead of the sugar coating.
For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re avoiding refined sugar, coconut sugar works beautifully in both the batter and coating, lending a deeper caramel note to these autumn treats.
Final Thoughts
Every single time I make these pumpkin donut holes, I’m reminded why fall baking brings such joy to our kitchens. There’s something magical about the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your home, isn’t there?
The way these little morsels strike that perfect balance between cakey softness and that sugary, spiced coating just makes my heart happy.
What I love most is how approachable this recipe is—no fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, just simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. You can whip these up on a quiet Sunday morning or when unexpected guests pop by.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a treat that’s portion-controlled yet completely satisfying? These little bites of autumn are my go-to recipe when I want to celebrate the season without spending hours in the kitchen. If you enjoy these flavors, you might also love making pumpkin spice cookies that bake quickly in just 6-8 minutes until the edges are perfectly crisp.
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