Pumpkin Donut Holes Icing (Printer-Friendly)

Pumpkin donut holes with spiced icing, soft inside and crisp outside, make for a cozy fall breakfast or snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Donut Batter

01 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
02 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
08 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Frying

12 - Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 4 cups for deep frying)

→ Pumpkin Spice Icing

13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack over the top for draining the fried donut holes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg until mixture is smooth. Whisk in melted butter until fully incorporated.
03 - Add flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
04 - Using a small cookie scoop, portion dough and carefully drop into the preheated oil in batches of 5-6. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden, turning donut holes occasionally for even cooking.
05 - Transfer fried donut holes to the prepared wire rack to drain and cool for about 1 minute.
06 - While frying the donuts, whisk together powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and enough warm water to create a smooth, pourable icing.
07 - Dip slightly cooled donut holes into the icing, coating each in a thin layer. Return to the wire rack to allow glaze to set.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For the best results, ensure oil temperature is exactly 350°F; adjust heat as needed during frying.
02 - Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in dense donut holes.
03 - Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain optimal oil temperature.