Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate the cozy essence of the fall season with these Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Bites. Bursting with warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, these tender, lightly spiced doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. The dough is intentionally loose and sticky, creating a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed solo with a cup of coffee, these doughnuts are sure to satisfy your pumpkin cravings. Recipe inspired by 'Glazed, Filled, Sugared & Dipped: Easy Doughnut Recipes to Fry or Bake at Home' by Stephen Collucci.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
baking powder
1 1/3 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons (none)
pumpkin puree
1 cup (none)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
large egg
1 (beaten)
large egg yolk
1 (none)
unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
3 tablespoons (none)
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
unsalted butter (softened)
4 tablespoons (softened (1/2 stick))
cream cheese (softened)
8 ounces (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sifted flour, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Add the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, beaten egg, and egg yolk to the dry mixture. Mix until just barely combined; it’s important not to overmix to maintain a tender dough.
3
Gently fold in the melted and cooled butter until just combined. The batter will be loose and sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain the doughnuts after frying.
5
Using a 3/4-ounce (1 1/4-inch) ice cream scoop, carefully drop balls of the chilled batter into the hot oil, making sure to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry the doughnut bites for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown all over.
6
Once cooked, remove the doughnut bites from the oil and drain them on the prepared paper towels.
7
To make the cream cheese frosting, in a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sifted confectioners' sugar, mixing well. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
8
Spread a generous smear of cream cheese frosting on each doughnut bite and serve warm. Enjoy immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Bites?
They are tender, lightly spiced doughnut balls flavored with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, finished with a velvety cream cheese frosting.
Are these doughnuts baked or fried?
These doughnut bites are fried in vegetable oil to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a soft interior.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 doughnut bites.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
You should use 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Why must the dough be refrigerated for 20 minutes?
The dough is intentionally loose and sticky; chilling it for 20 minutes makes it easier to handle and scoop into the hot oil.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the doughnuts cook through without absorbing too much oil.
How long do I fry the doughnut bites?
Fry the bites for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown all over.
What is the best way to portion the dough for frying?
Using a 3/4-ounce or 1 1/4-inch ice cream scoop is the best way to create uniform balls and safely drop them into the oil.
Why should I sift the flour and confectioners' sugar?
Sifting removes lumps and ensures a smooth texture for both the doughnut dough and the cream cheese frosting.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, though dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices well.
What is in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened butter, cream cheese, sifted confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.
Should the doughnuts be warm when frosted?
The recipe suggests spreading a generous smear of frosting on each bite and serving them warm for the best experience.
How do I store leftover pumpkin doughnut bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Can I make these doughnuts in a stand mixer?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for combining the dry and wet ingredients.
Why is the dough described as 'loose and sticky'?
This specific consistency creates a lighter, more tender texture once fried compared to a stiffer, bread-like dough.
What kind of oil is best for frying these?
Vegetable oil is recommended because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice if I don't have individual spices?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to provide that signature fall flavor.
Why shouldn't I overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, rubbery doughnuts instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
How do I prevent the oil temperature from dropping?
Avoid overcrowding the pot by frying only a few doughnut bites at a time.
What does the extra egg yolk do for the recipe?
The additional egg yolk adds richness and contributes to the tender, soft crumb of the doughnut.
Can I make the frosting in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge; just let it soften slightly before spreading.
Are these suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are categorized as a breakfast item but also make for an excellent afternoon treat or dessert.
What equipment do I need for the frying process?
You will need a heavy-bottomed pot, a thermometer to track oil temperature, and a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
Can I substitute the butter in the dough?
While melted butter provides the best flavor, you could technically use a neutral oil, though the taste may vary.
How do I ensure the cream cheese frosting is smooth?
Ensure both the butter and the cream cheese are fully softened to room temperature before creaming them together.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Stephen Collucci's book, 'Glazed, Filled, Sugared & Dipped'.
Do I need to use a specific type of flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe to achieve the correct balance of structure and tenderness.
What if I don't have an ice cream scoop?
You can use two spoons to carefully drop rounded tablespoons of dough into the oil, though they may be less uniform.
Can these be frozen?
While best fresh, you can freeze the unfrosted doughnuts for up to a month and frost them after thawing and reheating.