Introduction

These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes are a delightful seasonal treat perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks. Soft, flavorful, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, they bring the warm spices of fall in every bite.

A white plate full of round doughnut holes stacked in a small pyramid shape, each covered in a light brown cinnamon sugar coating with a slightly rough texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially under it. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright orange pumpkin puree, and a few cinnamon sticks rest nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (preferably Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
⅓ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup whole milk
9 tablespoons butter, melted (for coating)
⅔ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 24-count or 12-count mini muffin tin with gluten-free cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice), and xanthan gum if using.
Step 3: Add the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, fill each muffin tin hole about ¾ full with batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Allow the doughnut holes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Depending on your pan size, bake in 2-3 batches to finish all the batter.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip or brush each warm doughnut hole in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve immediately for the best taste. These doughnut holes are especially delicious enjoyed the same day they are made.

Tips & Variations

Use a gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum to simplify the ingredient list and improve texture.
For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for coating.
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Try rolling some doughnut holes in powdered sugar or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for different coatings.

Storage

Store leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as it may dry them out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a stack of eight round, sugar-coated doughnut holes piled on a white plate, each doughnut hole covered evenly in a light brown cinnamon sugar layer with a slightly rough and grainy texture. The doughnut holes have a golden-brown color underneath the sugar coating, showing small cracks and soft bread texture. In the blurred background, there is a small white bowl filled with orange powder along with two cinnamon sticks crossing each other on a white marbled surface. A white and gray striped cloth is placed next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnut holes dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the coating to keep them dairy-free.

Is it possible to bake these in a regular muffin tin?

These are designed as mini doughnut holes and require a mini muffin tin for the right shape and size. Using a regular muffin tin will produce larger muffins, so adjust baking time accordingly and expect a different texture.