Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft pumpkin-flavored donut holes coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend, ideal for a Halloween treat. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, and 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
  5. Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying 4-5 donut holes at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While donut holes are warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pumpkin puree from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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