PUMPKIN SPICE DONUT HOLES

Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are the perfect bite-sized fall treat, featuring the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These soft, tender, and sweet donut holes are easy to make, whether baked or fried, and coated with cinnamon sugar for an irresistible finish. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Donut Holes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter (for dipping)

Instructions:

Baking Method:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or donut hole pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fill the pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each well about 3/4 full.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean. Let the donut holes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1. Melt the butter: While the donut holes are still warm, melt the butter in a small bowl.
2. Mix cinnamon and sugar: In a separate shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
3. Coat the donut holes: Dip each donut hole into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated donut holes on a plate or wire rack to set.

Frying Method (Optional):

1. Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the donut holes: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain and coat: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and drain them on paper towels. While warm, dip in melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.

These Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are soft, sweet, and packed with autumn flavor. Whether baked or fried, they are perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings!