Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes
Whenever seasonal ingredients are sold in stores, like pumpkin puree, hazelnuts or cranberries, I have this inner urge to stock up. Maybe it’s because I’m very old-fashioned and have been called an old soul on many occasions, but I’ve always deeply connected to women in the past that had to prepare for winter, harvesting their gardens, canning all produce to make sure their families wouldn’t starve. A well stocked pantry makes me feel safe and happy, even though we have several grocery stores within a 5 mile radius. So, here we are in March and I still have pumpkin puree in my pantry. In this case, I am thrilled that did, since I made these amazing Pumpkin Donut Holes.
My little sister was visiting and when she’s at my house, I feel incredibly spoiled. As a rule of thumb, if I want to eat, I have to make it. I’m not used to suddenly becoming aware of a wonderful aroma wafting out of my kitchen when I’m nowhere near it. Thank you Karina! Not only did she treat us with coffeecakes, donut holes, pretzel bites, cookies, etc. but it was such a pleasure to get some prepping and cleaning help, besides all the bonding time. That girl has some serious knife skills – you should watch her chopping herbs, incredible!
She has a knack for finding really great recipes, and as soon as we tried these Pumpkin Donut Holes, I knew this recipe was going to be a keeper. I am absolutely elated when you can mix up a batter in 10 minutes, no mixer required and bake them in another 10. Donuts that don’t require heating up a pot of oil? Yes, please!
Recipe from The Comfort of Cooking.
Pumpkin Donut Holes:
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup pumpkin puree (1/2 of a 14.5 oz can)
1/2 cup milk
Cinnamon/Sugar Coating:
4 Tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 mini muffin tins with baking spray, 24 mini muffins in each.
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine. 
In another large bowl, combine the oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin puree and milk. Mix to combine. 
Add the dry ingredients and mix to combine. You can use a whisk or a large wooden spoon. 
Portion the batter into the prepared mini muffin tins, about 1 Tablespoon in each. You should have 35-40 donut holes. 
I wanted to use up the whole can of canned pumpkin, so I doubled the recipe. This will give you a great excuse to share with neighbors, co-workers or family. Who doesn’t like donut holes?
Bake for 10-12 minutes. 
Meanwhile, melt the butter and pour into a bowl. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. I like using a pie plate.
When the donut holes are cool enough to handle, dip them in the butter and then toss in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. 
- 1¾ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (1/2 of a 14.5 oz can)
- ½ cup milk
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1½ Tablespoons cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 mini muffin tins with baking spray, 24 mini muffins in each.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- In another large bowl, combine the oil brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin puree and milk. Mix to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix to combine. You can use a whisk or a large wooden spoon.
- Portion the batter into the prepared mini muffin tins, about 1 Tablespoon in each.
- You should have 35-40 donut holes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter and pour into a bowl.
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. I like using a pie plate.
- When the donut holes are cool enough to handle, dip them in the butter and then toss in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
20 Comments
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Leslie
I plan to make these very soon, but I am confused about how they come out looking so round if they are baked in a mini muffin pan.
olgak7
Leslie,
That’s the shape they bake up to, no problem. It’s hard to believe, but they will be a round shape.
Snezhana
This looks absolutely amazing. Im gonna have to make these!!
Lena
Wow, looks so yummy! I love pumpkin, and yes I was wondering why pumpkin in March, you are so domestic! I will have to do that too, stack up on things when they are on sale. That is so smart. My mom does that, her cupboards are always so full. And its so nice that your little sis is a great baker, just like you, must run in the family?!:)
Anna Mathew
Could I halve this but still add a full egg? I only have one mini muffin pan. I could use it four times, I suppose. Doesn’t batter improve while it rests?
I also stocked up on pumpkin even though my husband hates pie. I plan to bake these when my pumpkin loving sister-in-law visits next week. 🙂 Thanks so much for the recipe!
olgak7
Anna,
If you make one batch you will only need to use your muffin tin twice, since each one has 24 mini muffins in it. I wouldn’t halve it if I were you, but if you really want to, you can. To divide one egg, beat it lightly in a separate small bowl and add half of the beaten egg to the batter.
Anna Mathew
Thanks for responding! I wondered about my math there for a moment, then realized my mini muffin pan only holds 12 muffins. It may be time for a new one. 😉
Lilia
I can’t wait to make these!!!
Natasha
where did u buy pumkin puree, i didnt find it in walmart! wanted to make this today so bad.
olgak7
Natasha,
I stocked up on canned pumpkin around the holidays, when it was in season. I don’t know where you would be able to find it now. I have seen it in some grocery stores. Try another grocery store.
Angie
I just made this for our late night snack! They turned wonderful! Also great with milk!!!!!!. ummmmmmm
Natasha
I dont get this, you dont have in steps where to put oil, I assume it goes in with wet ingredients?
olgak7
Oops! Thanks, Natasha. I fixed it. You’re right; you do add the oil with the rest of the wet ingredients.
alina
did your have a semi flat bottom or am I just doing something wrong? maybe more flour?
olgak7
They will be very slightly flat on one side, but it’s snot very noticeable, especially after you coat them in the cinnamon sugar, Alina.
Anna
Hi Olga,
If my family does not like pumpkin, can I use apple souce instead?
Thanks
Anna
olgak7
I’ve never tried it with apple sauce, Anna. Pureed pumpkin and applesauce have different tastes and textures. I can’t guarantee that the recipe will turn out correctly.
April
Made these today. They came out perfect thank you for the recipe.
Inga
I’m going to try these, the easiest donut recipe ever! But I was wondering whether you’ve tried other fruits to substitute the pumpkin? Or no fruits?;)
olgak7
Hi Inga! 😊 I’m so glad you’re going to try the pumpkin donut holes—they really are the easiest! I haven’t experimented with other fruits yet, but that sounds like a fun idea! I’d love to hear how it goes if you give it a shot. Enjoy the recipe, and happy baking!