Pumpkin Donut Holes Icing (Printer-Friendly)

Fluffy donut holes flavored with pumpkin and pumpkin spice, finished with sweet spiced icing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Donut Holes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix
06 - Pinch salt
07 - 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
08 - 1/4 cup low fat buttermilk
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - Vegetable oil, for frying (at least 2 cups, as needed for deep frying)

→ For the Spiced Icing

13 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix
15 - 1 1/2 tablespoons warm water

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top.
02 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Incorporate the melted butter and mix until fully combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice mix, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking gently just until incorporated. Do not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
05 - Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, portion and drop rounds of batter into the heated oil. Fry in batches of 5–6, turning occasionally until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
06 - Transfer the cooked donut holes onto the prepared wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
07 - While the donut holes are frying, whisk together the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and warm water in a shallow bowl until smooth and fluid.
08 - While the donut holes are still warm, dip each one into the spiced icing to coat. Set back onto the wire rack and allow glaze to set fully before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Do not overmix the batter; mix only until ingredients are combined for a light, tender crumb.
02 - Use a cookie scoop dipped in oil for consistently shaped donut holes.
03 - Ensure the oil temperature remains precise at 350°F for optimal frying—if the oil is too hot or cool, texture and taste will be compromised.
04 - For best results, use fresh, neutral-flavored oil for frying.

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