Craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s quick, delicious, and screams autumn? Look no further than this cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes recipe! These bite-sized delights are bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, treating the kids, or just indulging in a seasonal snack, these donut holes are a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is versatile, offering options for fried pumpkin donut holes, a pumpkin donut holes air fryer method, or even a healthy pumpkin donut holes version for guilt-free snacking. With pantry staples and a touch of pumpkin puree, you’ll have these ready in under 30 minutes. As a bonus, I’ve included variations like 2 ingredient pumpkin donut holes and pumpkin donut holes made with cake mix for extra ease. Let’s dive into this fall favorite that’s been a hit in my kitchen for years!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Most variations take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile: Choose from frying, air frying, or baking for healthier options.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet, bite-sized, and perfect for little hands.
- Dietary Flexibility: Includes gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-calorie options.
- Fall Vibes: Pumpkin and cinnamon make every bite feel like autumn.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the best cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes recipe. This list is for the classic fried version, with substitutions noted for other methods.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- Vegetable oil for frying (or omit for air fryer/baked versions)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing before coating)
Substitutions & Variations
- For 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Holes: Use 1 cup self-rising flour + 1 cup pumpkin puree.
- For Pumpkin Donut Holes Made with Cake Mix: Replace flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices with 1 cup yellow cake mix.
- For Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour, reduce sugar to 2 tbsp, and use coconut oil.
- For 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Holes: Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, and 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes recipe. Instructions are for the fried version, with notes for air fryer and baked methods.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Donut Holes: Scoop 1 tbsp portions of dough and roll into balls using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined tray. You should get about 18-20 donut holes.
- Heat the Oil (Fried Version): In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Fry 4-5 donut holes at a time for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Air Fryer Method (Optional): For the pumpkin donut holes, preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray donut holes lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Baked Method (Optional): For healthy pumpkin donut holes, preheat oven to 375°F. Place donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Brush warm donut holes with melted butter (optional for extra stickiness), then roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm for the best flavor, paired with coffee, hot cider, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair!
Important Info To Follow:
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncoated donut holes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond or oat milk.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 2 tbsp and use a sugar-free sweetener for coating.
Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-spicy twist.
Flavor Boost
- Mix 1 tsp orange zest into the dough for a citrusy note.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk) for extra decadence.
Variations to Try
Fried Pumpkin Donut Holes
The classic method delivers a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Frying ensures that golden, slightly crunchy texture we all love. Follow the main recipe for perfect results.
Pumpkin Donut Holes Air Fryer
For a lighter option, the pumpkin donut holes air fryer method cuts down on oil without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer creates a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender. Simply follow the air fryer instructions in Step 4.
Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Watching your calories? This version uses almond flour, less sugar, and coconut oil for a guilt-free treat. Bake instead of fry for an even healthier option. These are perfect for keto or low-carb diets with a few tweaks (swap sugar for erythritol).
2-Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Holes
Short on time? Mix 1 cup self-rising flour with 1 cup pumpkin puree for a super simple dough. Roll, fry or bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar. It’s quick, easy, and still delicious!
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Holes
Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, and 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk for a slightly sweeter, richer version. This is great for kids or when you’re low on ingredients.
Pumpkin Donut Holes Made with Cake Mix
For an ultra-easy hack, use yellow cake mix as the base. Mix 1 cup cake mix with 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and 1 egg. Shape, cook, and coat as usual. This version is perfect for beginners or busy days.
Mini Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Want a different shape? Use a mini donut pan to bake these as mini pumpkin donuts. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, then coat in cinnamon sugar. They’re adorable and perfect for parties!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 2 Donut Holes)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 9g (less for air fryer or baked versions)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Note: Nutrition varies based on cooking method and substitutions. Use an online calculator for precise values if needed.
Why This Recipe Stands Out:
This cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut holes recipe is the ultimate fall treat because it’s:
- Customizable: From 2 ingredient pumpkin donut holes to healthy pumpkin donut holes, there’s a version for everyone.
- Quick: Most methods take under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Seasonal: Pumpkin and cinnamon capture the essence of fall in every bite.
- SEO-Optimized: Packed with LSI keywords like mini pumpkin donuts recipe and pumpkin donut holes air fryer to boost search rankings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re frying up a batch of fried pumpkin donut holes, whipping up 2-ingredient pumpkin donut holes for a quick treat, or keeping it light with healthy pumpkin donut holes, this recipe is your go-to for fall baking. The warm spices, sweet cinnamon sugar, and pumpkin flavor make these donut holes irresistible. Try them for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee.
Which version will you try first? Let me know in the comments, and happy baking!
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Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil)
- Vegetable oil for frying omit for air fryer/baked versions
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter optional, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Shape the Donut Holes: Scoop 1 tbsp portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray (makes about 18-20).
- Heat the Oil (Fried Version): Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry 4-5 donut holes at a time for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Air Fryer Method (Optional): Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray donut holes with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Baked Method (Optional): Preheat oven to 375°F. Place donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a bowl. Brush warm donut holes with melted butter (optional), then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with coffee or cider!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze uncoated for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat before serving.
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for gluten-free; swap butter and milk for coconut oil and plant-based milk for dairy-free.
- Healthy Option: Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp and bake or air fry for lower calories.
- Flavor Twist: Add orange zest to dough or drizzle with glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk).
- Tip: Keep oil at 350°F for frying to avoid greasy donut holes.
