Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
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What’s Up, Hungry People
Pumpkin spice season may have already passed—or is right around the corner, depending on when you’re reading this—but that doesn’t stop me from craving the sweet and spicy combination of pumpkin and cinnamon. There’s something irresistibly cozy about the aroma of pumpkin spice that beckons even beyond the traditional autumn months.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a Babycakes donut hole/cake pop maker at a local thrift store for just a couple of bucks. What a find! If you don’t have a donut hole maker, fret not; you can also use a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. However, for the purpose of this recipe, I’ll be focusing on using the donut hole maker.
The excitement of trying out my new donut hole maker was palpable, especially with pumpkin spice latte (PSL) season influencing my cravings. Naturally, the first thing I decided to whip up was pumpkin spice donut holes. Rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar, these delightful pumpkin donut bites are the perfect treat for any fall or winter afternoon, or whenever you need a little warmth.
Let’s Cook
First thing’s first, let’s get that Babycakes donut hole/cake pop maker heated up. Just plug it in, preheat, and give it a nice spray with some cooking spray. This will make sure nothing sticks and your donut holes come out perfectly.
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. This is your dry mix, and it’s going to create the perfect base for your donut holes. In another, smaller bowl, stir together the melted butter and pumpkin puree until smooth.
Combining Wet and Dry
Alright, it’s time to combine the two! Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Crack that egg and throw in the salt, then mix everything until it’s all nice and smooth. You want a batter that’s easy to spoon but still holds its shape.
Cooking the Donut Holes
Spoon about a tablespoon of the batter into each opening on your donut maker. No need to overfill—these guys will puff up! Close the lid tightly and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a springy touch to know they’re done.
The Final Touch: Cinnamon Sugar
While those are cooking, let’s get the cinnamon sugar ready. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar with the cinnamon. This is what you’ll roll your hot donut holes in. Once the donuts are done, take them out while they’re still warm and toss them in the cinnamon sugar. Make sure they get a good, even coating all around.
Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
- Donut Hole Maker vs. Muffin Tin: If you don’t have a donut hole maker, a muffin tin can be used as an alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and check doneness with a toothpick.
- Consistency of Batter: The batter should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape in the donut maker. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour; if too thick, a splash of milk can loosen it.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your donut hole maker. Start checking for doneness at around 3 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar: For an even coating, roll the donut holes in the cinnamon sugar while they are still very warm. The heat helps the sugar stick better.
- Storing Donut Holes: These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave before serving to restore their warmth and softness.
Whether it’s a brisk autumn evening or a chilly winter day, these pumpkin spice donut holes bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any setting. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is a perfect way to indulge in the flavors of the season at any time of the year.
Armed with your donut hole maker or a simple muffin tin, you can whip up these treats in no time. They’re perfect for sharing with friends over a steaming cup of coffee or enjoying a quiet, cozy moment alone. So why wait for fall to roll around? Give yourself permission to enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon today!
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups sugar separated into 1 cups
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Babycakes donut hole/cake pop maker and grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the melted butter and pumpkin puree.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Then, add the egg and salt. Stir everything together until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the batter into each opening in the donut maker. Close the lid tightly and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the donut holes are golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of sugar and the cinnamon. Roll the hot donut holes in the sugar mixture until they are completely covered.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
