Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

There is something about a warm, sweet, and savory treat that just seems to make any gathering that much better. Am I right?

While in my final years of college I have such fond memories of attending bible study each Sunday night with some of my closest friends, each week bringing something yummy to go along with the hot mugs of tea and rejuvenating conversation. Though I loved each study, my first will always be implanted in my memory.

I was nervous as I was attending with a friend and it was not a bible study based out of the church I attended. But I yearned to develop a closer relationship with some like minded, Christ-focused ladies as that was sometimes a little tricky to do on a college campus.

Needless to say, I am so glad I said yes! Little did I know that attending that evening would set off a domino effect leading me to meet some of the sweetest ladies and closest friends. And though our time in college ended soon after, I believe God has a funny way of bringing certain people, both old and new, into our lives. 

Wouldn't you know, here we are four years later and we are back at it again. Though our group of ladies now span coast to coast, with the magic of technology we have been able to reunite again for another bible study, this time focused on motherhood.

Though I have just begun the study, I already highly recommend the book Why Motherhood Matters by September McCarthy. This book is jam packed full of inspirational insights into every stage and type of motherhood while backing it with biblical teachings. The chapters are short, sweet, and to the point, making it incredibly easy to get sucked into and read on a moment's notice.

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However, I digress. Because as much as I would like to focus this post on that study, I am actually here to share a delicious little recipe with you. The reason I bring it up is that these little donut holes, and ones like them, seem to be the snack I always go back to making when I go to bible studies and get togethers, especially during the fall. 

While I have made these using various different recipes over the years, these ones I tweaked a little to make my own with a special emphasis on the pumpkin spice factor. I hope you enjoy!

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Yields 24 Donut Holes

What You Will Need

Donut Holes:

• Pumpkin Spice (store bought or make yourself--see below):

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp all spice

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves  

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 egg

• 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour (sub for whole wheat for a healthier version)

• 3/4 cup pureed pumpkin

• 1/3 cup EVOO

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar 

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar

• 1/3 cup of butter (melted)

• Cinnamon to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚

2. Combine pumpkin spice seasoning(s), baking powder, and flour in a separate bowl.  Be sure to sift thoroughly.

3. Add pureed pumpkin, milk, EVOO, vanilla, egg, and brown sugar to mixer and mix until smooth.

4. Slowly add dry ingredients while mixing on low speed.

5. Spray mini muffin or donut hole pan with EVOO or other cooking spray.

6. Drop mix into muffin tins until 3/4 full.

7. Bake for 9-12 minutes.

8. Once baked transfer to a cooling rack. 

While donut holes are cooling melt butter in a bowl.  Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon until they reach your desired mix.  Right before serving, dunk each donut hole into the melted butter and roll in the cinnamon/brown sugar mix.