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Irresistible Mini Powdered Sugar Pumpkin Donuts: Your Ultimate Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our kitchens. Fall signals the arrival of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and, most importantly, the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice baking. For many, this season is a gentle nudge to embrace the simple joys of life, whether it’s watching children explore new hobbies or gathering with loved ones over delicious homemade treats. This past week, a heartwarming scene at my daughters’ ballet class perfectly captured this sentiment.

My girls are deeply immersed in their ballet journey, with our youngest having just started at an elementary level, brimming with enthusiasm. While I usually spend my time in the waiting room, observing the familiar rhythm of mothers dropping off and picking up their little dancers, a delightful change occurred recently. Instead of the usual troupe of moms, a parade of dads, looking endearingly awkward, began appearing, dutifully carrying their daughters’ pink duffle bags. It was a charming sight, watching these fathers trying to blend into the background while their daughters beamed with pride, their pink bags swinging gently behind them. We moms exchanged knowing smiles and quiet giggles, appreciating these unexpected moments of paternal involvement. These small, sweet glimpses into family life remind us that joy often comes in the most unexpected and miniature forms, much like the delightful treats I’m about to share.

The Allure of Mini Baked Pumpkin Donuts

But enough about ballet, let’s talk about these utterly adorable mini donuts! Seriously, how can something so small be so incredibly charming and delicious? I recently shared a recipe for my regular-sized donuts, which were a hit, but these miniature versions have completely stolen my heart. With autumn officially here and October welcoming us with its festive spirit, it’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into fall baking. This season sparks a creative frenzy in me; I’m overflowing with recipe ideas, more than I could possibly share! Yet, these Mini Powdered Sugar Pumpkin Donuts absolutely had to make it to the top of the list.

There’s something inherently delightful about mini treats. They’re perfect for portion control, ideal for sharing at gatherings, and simply irresistible for a quick, comforting bite. Unlike their fried counterparts, these pumpkin donuts are baked, making them a lighter option without sacrificing any of that classic donut taste and tender texture. Baking donuts is also significantly less messy and much quicker than deep-frying, which is a huge win for any home baker, especially when you’re craving a quick fall-inspired indulgence. If you’re like me and have fallen in love with homemade donuts, you’ll find having both regular and mini donut pans to be a game-changer for your baking adventures.

The Magic of Pumpkin and Spice

What makes these pumpkin donuts truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients that create a moist, fluffy, and intensely flavorful experience. For this recipe, I made a simple but impactful substitution: replacing the egg with pumpkin puree. This small change worked wonders, transforming the donuts into incredibly moist and tender little rounds with a beautiful, natural orange hue. Pumpkin puree not only contributes to the texture but also infuses each bite with that distinctive, earthy autumn flavor that we all crave during this time of year.

The inclusion of pumpkin spice is, of course, non-negotiable for any fall pumpkin treat. It’s the soul of autumn baking, a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that evokes comfort and nostalgia. This spice blend complements the pumpkin perfectly, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both invigorating and deeply satisfying. To finish these delightful bites, I chose a classic powdered sugar coating. It’s simple, elegant, and allows the vibrant color and rich spice flavors of the donut itself to shine through. The delicate sweetness of the powdered sugar provides a beautiful contrast to the warm spices within.

Simple Steps to Donut Perfection

Creating these mini wonders couldn’t be easier. The process is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfectly delightful results. It starts with combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and a hint of salt—which forms the backbone of your donut batter. In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients come together: rich buttermilk for tenderness, the star pumpkin puree for flavor and moisture, vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness, and a touch of oil. These wet and dry components are then gently whisked together until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough donuts. A lightly mixed batter ensures a soft, tender crumb, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone loves.

For easy and mess-free filling of your mini donut pan, a simple trick is to transfer the batter into a ziploc bag. Snip off one corner, and you’ve got a makeshift piping bag that makes filling the individual donut cavities a breeze. Fill them about two-thirds full, and then it’s off to the oven. In a matter of minutes—about 8 to 9, to be precise—your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating scent of baked pumpkin goodness. The donuts emerge from the oven lightly golden on the bottom and beautifully soft on top. Allowing them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is crucial; this helps them set and prevents sticking, ensuring they retain their perfect mini shape.

Once cooled, the fun part begins: coating them in powdered sugar. Simply place the cooled donuts and powdered sugar in a clean ziploc bag, shake gently until each donut is beautifully coated, and voilà! You have a batch of irresistibly adorable, perfectly sweet, and spiced mini pumpkin donuts ready to enjoy. They are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Tips for Success and Serving Suggestions

To ensure your mini powdered sugar pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips. Always use non-stick cooking spray generously on your donut pan to prevent sticking; this makes removal and cleanup much easier. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge to avoid packing too much flour, which can result in dry donuts. For the pumpkin puree, make sure you’re using plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugars that will alter the flavor profile of your donuts.

These mini donuts are incredibly versatile. They make for a delightful breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee or tea, a charming addition to a brunch spread, or a perfect dessert for any fall gathering. Imagine them arranged beautifully on a platter for Thanksgiving or a Halloween party, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For a little extra flair, consider offering a variety of toppings: a simple maple glaze for a different kind of sweetness, a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra kick of spice, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Once baked and coated, store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness and tender texture. Though, honestly, they’re so delicious, I doubt they’ll last that long! Don’t you just want to pop a dozen of these right into your mouth? Go ahead, treat yourself to the comforting taste of fall with these charming little bites. They’re a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things come in small, perfectly powdered packages.

Mini Powdered Sugar Pumpkin Donuts

Author:

Anna

Mini Powdered Sugar Pumpkin Donuts – these pumpkin donuts in a mini form are coated in powdered sugar and make for one adorable treat!

Prep Time

15
mins

Cook Time

8
mins

Total Time

23
mins

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings

12
mini donuts

Calories

102
kcal

Ingredients

1.25
cup
all-purpose flour
½
cup
granulated sugar
1.25
teaspoon
baking powder
1
teaspoon
pumpkin spice
¼
teaspoon salt
¾
cup
buttermilk
¼
cup
pumpkin puree
not pie filling
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract
1.5
Tablespoon
vegetable or canola oil
¼
cup
powdered sugar
for coating

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Spray mini donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a large measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin, vanilla and oil.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Do not overmix.
Place the batter in a ziploc bag and close. Snip one corner of the bag.
Pipe the batter out into the prepared pan, filling the donut cavities ⅔ full.
Bake the donuts for 8 to 9 minutes (for me the magic number was 9). The bottom of the donuts should be golden brown and the tops should be light.
Cool the donuts in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer onto a cooling rack.
Cool completely before coating.
Place the powdered sugar in a ziploc bag. Place donuts inside the bag and shake until coated.
Store in an air tight container in a room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Discover More Donut Delights

If these irresistible mini pumpkin donuts have ignited your love for homemade baked donuts, you’re in luck! Here are a couple more beloved donut recipes from my kitchen that you absolutely must try. Each offers a unique flavor profile, perfect for satisfying any donut craving.

Cinnamon Sugar Coated Donuts: A Classic Comfort

These Cinnamon Sugar Coated Donuts are a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Light, fluffy, and generously coated in a sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar mix, they are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. The simple yet profound flavors make them a family favorite and a perfect introduction to the world of baked donuts.

Maple Glazed Donuts: Sweet and Sophisticated

For those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their sweets, these Maple Glazed Donuts are an absolute must-try. The delicate, cake-like donuts are crowned with a luscious, sweet maple glaze that perfectly balances richness with an earthy sweetness. They are an elegant choice for any occasion and pair wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee.