When the leaves begin to fall and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, it’s time to bring out the pumpkin spice! These Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes—soft, fluffy, and coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar blend—are the perfect cozy fall dessert. Whether baked in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and even easier to love.
Why These Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes Are the Perfect Cozy Fall Dessert
Fall is all about comfort, warmth, and nostalgia. Pumpkin spice is the signature flavor of the season, and these donut holes deliver all of that in one irresistible bite. Unlike deep-fried donuts, this recipe offers a healthier option by using either the oven or air fryer—without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Whether you’re serving them at a fall brunch, Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert table, or just enjoying them with a cup of cider or coffee, these donut holes are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
For the donut holes:
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
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½ tsp cinnamon
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⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
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¼ cup melted butter (or plant-based butter)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this recipe a success, here are the basic kitchen tools you’ll need:
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Mixing bowls (medium and large)
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Whisk or hand mixer
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Mini muffin tin (if baking)
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Air fryer (if using air fryer method)
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Silicone brush or spoon (for coating with butter)
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Cooling rack
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Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes (Baked or Airfryer)
Follow these easy steps for light, flavorful donut holes in no time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini cupcake liners.
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Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease the basket or use air fryer-safe silicone cups.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Cinnamon
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine:
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Pumpkin puree
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Milk
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Oil
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Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Fill and Bake/Air Fry
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Oven: Fill each muffin cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Air Fryer: Spoon batter into greased silicone cups or directly into the basket in small mounds. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway if needed for even cooking.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove donut holes and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them sit for about 5 minutes before coating.
Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Brush each donut hole with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donut Holes
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Pumpkin Purée: Use 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
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Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make the donut holes dense instead of fluffy.
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Air Fryer Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches for best results.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice flavor.
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Make Ahead: You can make the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut Hole, Approximate) cozy fall desserts.
Based on baked version – makes ~24 donut holes
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Calories: 85
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Fat: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 11g
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Sugar: 6g
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Protein: 1g
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Fiber: 0.5g
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific brands and air fryer vs. oven method.
Why You’ll Love This cozy fall desserts
These Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes combine the flavor of classic fall spices with the comfort of home baking. Here’s why they’re worth making again and again:
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No Frying Required: Enjoy all the texture and flavor without the mess or oil.
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Perfectly Portable: Great for snack boxes, fall picnics, potlucks, or Thanksgiving appetizers.
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Kid-Friendly: Mini size = maximum fun. Even picky eaters will love them!
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer or oven for a fresh-baked treat anytime.
Serving Suggestions cozy fall desserts
Pair your pumpkin donut holes with:
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A hot mug of apple cider
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A pumpkin spice latte
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Chai tea
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Warm caramel sauce for dipping
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream (for dessert lovers!)
These little bites are just as delicious for a cozy Sunday morning as they are for a Thanksgiving dessert table or Halloween party spread.
Conclusion: Make Your Fall Sweeter
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and family-friendly treat this season, these Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes are a must-try. Whether baked or air-fried, they offer a warm, cinnamon-kissed hug in every bite—making them a standout among cozy fall desserts.