These Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes are a bite-sized fall treat made with pumpkin puree, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a smooth cream cheese glaze. Instead of frying, these mini doughnut holes are baked in a muffin pan for a simple homemade version with less mess.
Soft, tender, and lightly spiced, they are perfect for autumn breakfasts, weekend brunches, holiday dessert tables, or a cozy snack with your favorite warm drink.
The Key to Soft and Fluffy Doughnut Holes
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and creates a soft texture while bringing natural pumpkin flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Helps keep the doughnut holes tender and adds a deeper sweetness than regular sugar.
- Spice Blend: Cinnamon and nutmeg create the warm flavor associated with fall baking.
- Sunflower Oil: Keeps the texture light and moist without adding a heavy flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a smooth finish that balances the spiced pumpkin base.
Baking Tip: Fill each mini muffin cavity evenly so the doughnut holes bake at the same rate and maintain a consistent size.
Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes
These Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes are the perfect bite-sized fall treat with warm pumpkin spice flavors and a creamy cream cheese glaze. Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these mini doughnut holes are baked instead of fried, making them an easy breakfast treat, brunch addition, or cozy snack for chilly autumn mornings.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Mini muffin pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Blender or hand mixer
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking spray
Ingredients
For Pumpkin Doughnut Holes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sunflower oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
For Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Optional Decoration
- Fall sprinkles or cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix eggs, sunflower oil, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mini muffin cavity.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes, until the doughnut holes are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzle consistency.
- Dip each doughnut hole into the cream cheese glaze, coating completely.
- Place glazed doughnut holes on a wire rack over parchment paper and allow the glaze to set.
- Add sprinkles or cinnamon topping if desired before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the doughnut holes soft and fluffy.
- Pumpkin puree only: Avoid using pumpkin pie filling because it already contains sugar and spices.
- Glaze consistency: Add milk slowly until the glaze is thick enough to coat but thin enough to dip.
Nutrition Information (per doughnut hole):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Cholesterol | 12 mg |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients, glaze amount, and portion size.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
- Dense Doughnut Holes: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour.
- Dry Texture: Do not overbake since mini treats cook quickly.
- Glaze Too Thin: Add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Glaze Too Thick: Add milk a teaspoon at a time until smooth.
- Uneven Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portions.
Fun Ways to Customize Them
- Cinnamon Sugar Version: Skip the glaze and coat warm doughnut holes in cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Maple Glaze Version: Replace part of the milk with maple syrup.
- Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the glaze.
- Holiday Version: Add seasonal sprinkles for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
- Chocolate Mousse Cups
- Frozen S’mores
- Healthy Peanut Butter Frozen Bites
- Mango Lemon Bars
Storage and Make-Ahead Guide
- Store glazed doughnut holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring refrigerated doughnut holes to room temperature before serving for a softer texture.
- Bake unglazed doughnut holes up to 2 days ahead and glaze before serving.
- Freeze unglazed doughnut holes for up to 2 months.
- Thaw completely before adding glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these without a mini muffin pan?
Yes. A doughnut hole pan can also be used, but baking time may vary. - Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes, as long as it has a similar thickness to canned pumpkin puree. - Why did my doughnut holes turn out flat?
Flat results can happen if the baking powder is old or the batter was overmixed. - Can I make these without cream cheese glaze?
Yes. Cinnamon sugar or a simple powdered sugar glaze also works well. - How do I make the glaze thicker for dipping?
Add more confectioners’ sugar until it reaches your preferred consistency. - Can I make these doughnut holes larger?
Yes, but larger portions will need additional baking time. - Can I add pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes. Pumpkin pie spice can replace the cinnamon and nutmeg for a shortcut. - Why are my doughnut holes sticking to the pan?
Make sure the mini muffin pan is well coated with baking spray before adding batter.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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