Bisquick Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

If you’re looking to whip up a cozy, delightful treat that hugs you like a warm sweater on a crisp autumn day, this Bisquick Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized pillows of pumpkin-spiced joy come together surprisingly fast and deliver that perfect balance of moist, flavorful dough with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating on the outside. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a snack with your afternoon coffee, or a festive dessert, these donut holes bring fall flavors to life in the simplest, most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect texture and taste in your donut holes starts with choosing just the right ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, making this recipe both accessible and fantastic.

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix: The base of your dough, Bisquick brings light fluffiness and ease without fussing over yeast or rising times.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances pumpkin’s earthiness and caramelizes beautifully when fried.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a touch brings nostalgic depth to each bite.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix): The star of the recipe—it lends moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous orange hue.
• 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients into a cohesive, tender dough.
• 1/4 cup milk: Loosens the batter just enough for easy scooping and frying.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm spices and adds a subtle sweet aroma.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to ensure golden, crispy donut holes.
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For that signature crunchy, sweet exterior.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: To keep that spice theme running delightfully throughout the coating.

How to Make Bisquick Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together your Bisquick mix, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This dry blend sets the aromatic foundation for those irresistible donut holes and ensures each bite has a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. This luscious mixture introduces moisture and the quintessential pumpkin flavor that makes these donut holes feel delightfully seasonal.

Step 3: Combine to Form Dough

Slowly pour your wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until the mixture forms a soft dough. You want it pliable but still thick enough to hold its shape when scooped and dropped into the hot oil.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches a steady 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for frying. The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge your donut holes, ensuring even cooking and that golden crust.

Step 5: Scoop and Fry

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to carefully drop dough balls into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. This step requires a bit of patience but keeps those donut holes from sticking or becoming greasy.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden

Fry your donut holes for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them gently with a slotted spoon so they cook evenly on all sides. When they’re puffed and a rich golden brown, they’re ready to come out.

Step 7: Drain the Excess Oil

Remove the donut holes with your slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This drains off extra oil and keeps the donut holes delightfully crisp rather than greasy.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donut holes cool just slightly, mix together your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. This simple coating adds just the right crunch and a burst of spice with every bite.

Step 9: Coat the Donut Holes

Roll each warm donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure they’re generously coated while still warm so the sugar sticks perfectly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the best part: grab a warm donut hole, take a bite, and bask in the cozy, pumpkin-spiced goodness. These beauties are irresistible when fresh and perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.

How to Serve Bisquick Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Chopped toasted pecans or even a pinch of flaky sea salt can add wonderful texture and flavor contrasts, making every bite a little adventure.

Side Dishes

Pair your pumpkin donut holes with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy hot chocolate. They also shine alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or a light yogurt dip that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your donut holes in a festive bowl lined with a cloth napkin for casual gatherings or string them on decorative skewers for a fun party treat. Another charming idea is to pile them in a tiered dessert stand, perfect for any autumn celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep their texture fresh, avoid sealing them while still warm and never refrigerate unless necessary, as cold can dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover donut holes by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their delightful flavor and texture for up to one month, making them a perfect quick-fix treat.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover donut holes back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them gummy.

FAQs

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

Absolutely! While frying gives that classic golden crust, you can bake scooped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. They’ll be a bit lighter and less crispy but still wonderfully tasty.

What if I don’t have canned pumpkin puree?

You can substitute with cooked, mashed fresh pumpkin or butternut squash. Just make sure it’s pureed until smooth and measured the same. Keep in mind fresh puree tends to have a bit more moisture, so adjust milk slightly if dough feels too wet.

Is Bisquick essential for this recipe?

Bisquick is the secret to easy, fluffy donut holes without fussing over multiple flours and leavening agents. While you might experiment with homemade biscuit mix, it may change texture and rise, so follow this recipe for best results.

Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick, you can make a gluten-free version. Just be sure your baking mix contains leavening to keep that nice rise and texture.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

A kitchen thermometer is your best tool for reaching that perfect 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of dough into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface quickly, your oil is ready.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Bisquick Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, comforting, and utterly scrumptious fall treat. The way the pumpkin and warm spices come together in a light, fried dough with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating feels like pure magic. Grab your ingredients, get frying, and prepare to enjoy some serious seasonal joy!

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