Name: Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes: The Best Homemade Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all purpose flour; 0.33 cups packed light brown sugar; 1.5 tsp baking powder; 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 0.25 tsp kosher salt; 1 large egg; 0.75 cups pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling); 0.5 cups whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (melted); 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon

Introduction to Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

There's something undeniably delightful about enjoying freshly made baked pumpkin spice donut holes right from the comfort of your home. These little bites of joy not only capture the essence of autumn with their warm, spiced flavor, but they're also incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for busy young professionals looking to indulge in a sweet treat without any fuss.

Why Donut Holes Are the Perfect Homemade Treat

Donut holes stand out as a fantastic homemade option for several reasons:

Portion Control: Their small size means you can enjoy one (or a few) without overindulging. Plus, they’re easy to share at gatherings or with friends.
Quick and Simple: With a straightforward recipe that requires minimal time and effort, you can have a batch ready in just about 30 minutes. That makes them a great choice for spontaneous cravings or last-minute get-togethers.
Endless Customization: While this recipe highlights delicious pumpkin spice, you can easily adapt the flavors to suit your mood. Think of different spices or toppings to make each batch uniquely yours!

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma of your oven while these baked pumpkin spice donut holes transform your kitchen into a cozy haven. Ready to get baking? Check out this guide for tips on making your baked treats even more delicious!

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Essential Ingredients for the Batter

Creating fluffy and delicious baked pumpkin spice donut holes starts with a well-rounded list of ingredients. You’ll need:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, offering structure.
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar: It adds a subtle caramel flavor and moisture.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Our leavening agent, helping those donuts rise perfectly.
1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: For that signature fall flavor—you can even make your own with a simple mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhancing the sweetness, it's a flavor enhancer that shouldn’t be skipped.
1 large egg: Will help bind everything together.
¾ cup pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best results.
½ cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: They add flavor and moisture for a rich taste.
2 tablespoon unsalted butter: Melted for a buttery depth.

The Flavorful Cinnamon Sugar Topping

No donut experience is complete without that delightful cinnamon sugar coating! Here’s what you’ll need for this heavenly topping:

½ cup unsalted butter: Melted, to allow the sugar mixture to stick beautifully.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: The sweetness factor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Here’s where the magic occurs, infusing your doughnuts with warmth.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to making your very own baked pumpkin spice donut holes. Not only are they tasty, but they also make for an inviting autumn treat to share with friends and family—perfect for those cozy weekends! For more fun ideas, check out this baking guide for inspiration.

Step-by-step Preparation of Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Baked pumpkin spice donut holes are the perfect treat for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide walks you through each step to create these delightful morsels. Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven and prepare the tin

To kick things off, the first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly spray each cavity with cooking spray. This ensures that your donut holes pop out perfectly. If you have a silicone muffin tray, that can work wonders too, as they’re naturally non-stick!

Mix the dry ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking powder will work its magic throughout your entire batter. It’s always a good practice to check out some expert baking tips to understand how these ingredients interact—just a simple search can provide a wealth of resources.

Combine the wet ingredients

Now, in a larger mixing bowl, it’s time to bring your wet ingredients together. Crack in a large egg and whisk it until it’s frothy. Then add ¾ cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix this until fully combined. Can you smell that pumpkin goodness already?

Create the batter

Next, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to combine them until you see no more flour streaks. The final touch is to stir in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, making sure everything is well blended and ready to rise in the oven.

Portion and bake the donut holes

Now it’s time for some fun! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of your batter into each muffin cavity. Aim for uniformity—this helps ensure that all donut holes bake evenly. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center. If you notice it’s not quite done, don’t panic; pop it back in for another minute or two.

Cool and coat in cinnamon sugar

Once baked, let the donut holes cool on a wire rack. While they cool, prepare your cinnamon sugar topping by mixing 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and set aside.

When cooled, dip each donut hole in the butter first, letting the excess drip off, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This coating is what elevates your baked pumpkin spice donut holes to a whole new level.

And there you have it! Enjoy your delicious creations—perfect for savoring with your favorite hot drink or sharing with friends.

Variations on Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Maple Glaze Alternative

If you're looking to shake things up with your baked pumpkin spice donut holes, a maple glaze is an excellent choice! Simply combine powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle this sweet delight over your cooled donut holes for a deliciously decadent twist. The combination of pumpkin and maple flavors is sure to warm your taste buds and elevate your breakfast or snack experience.

For more sweet glaze ideas, check out this icing guide.

Adding Chocolate Chips

Craving a little extra sweetness? Why not toss in some chocolate chips? Adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to your baked pumpkin spice donut holes batter will delight any chocolate lover. Just fold in about ½ cup of your favorite chips with the flour mixture, and you'll enjoy a delightful contrast between the warm spices and rich chocolate. Perfect for a cozy autumn treat, these donut holes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

For more inspiration on flavor combinations, visit this great recipe blog.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When crafting your baked pumpkin spice donut holes, it’s easy to overlook a few details:

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, as too much can lead to dry donut holes.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough textures; nobody wants a chewy donut!
Check Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer for accuracy. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on your donut holes towards the end of baking.
Cool Before Coating: Allow the donut holes to cool completely before dipping them in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. This prevents the coating from sliding off.

By keeping these tips in mind, you're sure to achieve perfect, fluffy, and flavorful donut holes every time! For more tips on baking success, check out this handy guide.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Perfect pairings for your donut holes

Baked pumpkin spice donut holes are a delightful treat, and they shine even brighter when served with the right accompaniments. Consider pairing these tasty bites with:

Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea enhances the cozy flavors.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a sweet twist, whip up some cream cheese frosting for dipping.
Maple Syrup or Honey: A drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness to each bite.
Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham: Balance the sweetness with savory options, creating an unbeatable flavor contrast.

Get creative! Personalize your pairings for the perfect fall-inspired snack that will impress your friends and family.

Time Breakdown for Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Preparation Time

Get ready to whip up some delicious baked pumpkin spice donut holes in just 15 minutes! This is the fun part, where you’ll gather your ingredients and mix them all together. Having everything prepped will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Baking Time

Once your batter is ready, the baking time is about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on those little treats! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. This quick and easy dessert is perfect for brunch, cozy evenings, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and spiced. Now that you know the breakdown, are you ready to dive in? For more pumpkin-themed delights, check out recipes from Pumpkin 101 for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Calories
Indulging in baked pumpkin spice donut holes won’t break the calorie bank! Each donut hole contains approximately 80 calories, making them a cozy yet guilt-free treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage.

Protein
Packed with about 1 gram of protein per donut hole, these delicious bites won't significantly upgrade your protein intake, but they do complement your overall diet when balanced with other nutritious foods.

Sugar
With around 5 grams of sugar in each donut hole, they strike a sweet balance. While they do satisfy a craving, enjoying them in moderation is always a good practice—check out tips from sources like the American Heart Association for sugar consumption guidelines.

FAQs about Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Can I freeze these donut holes?

Absolutely! These baked pumpkin spice donut holes freeze beautifully. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave or let them thaw at room temperature.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, try using homemade apple sauce or mashed bananas for a delightful twist. You can also opt for butternut squash puree, which offers a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure and not in a sugary mix!

How do I make them gluten-free?

Making these baked pumpkin spice donut holes gluten-free is simple! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Enjoy your fluffy, gluten-free treats!

For more tips on substitutions and storage, explore resources like King Arthur Baking and The Kitchn.

Conclusion on Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

In summary, baked pumpkin spice donut holes are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. Their tender texture and warm spices offer a cozy experience, making them ideal for any gathering or quiet afternoon. Try them out and savor the seasonal flavors that embrace comfort and joy.