BAKED PUMPKIN DONUT HOLES

Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delicious, seasonal treat that brings the warm flavors of fall into a bite-sized, guilt-free indulgence. These fluffy donut holes are made with pumpkin purée and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then baked to perfection for a soft, tender inside. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they offer the perfect blend of sweetness and spice without the need for deep frying. These baked pumpkin donut holes are easy to make, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an autumn snack that everyone will love. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or cider!

Ingredients:

For the donut holes:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Bake: Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donut holes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
6. Cinnamon sugar coating: While the donut holes are still warm, melt the butter in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each donut hole into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
7. Serve: Enjoy these Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes warm, or store them in an airtight container for a sweet snack later.

These Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delightful treat with the perfect balance of pumpkin and spice, making them an irresistible fall favorite!