Baked "Donut Holes"! A great way to start the weekend!

This recipe came to me in my sleep.. well, not really, but I did wake up the day after New Year wanting a donut. Maybe it's the thought of eating better in the future that made me feel deprived already.  Well, this recipe is not exactly diet food,  but it is delicious! And the best part is the donut is baked not fried.  That will definitely count for something.  

These donuts holes bake wonderfully.  I was actually a bit sceptical when I read the recipe, but the end result was a delicious moist donut.   The flavor is amazing with the pumpkin spice you add into the dough and the cinnamon sugar topping.    They are easy and quick to make so you can easily make them in the morning. Pair them with a cup of coffee or some hot chocolate and you have perfect morning or evening treat!  Happy Cooking Everyone!!

  (adaption of Baker Bettie baked mini donuts)

  Ingredients :

 5 tablespoons softened butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup half & half milk (or whole milk)

1 large egg at room temp

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2  teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

A pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

 

Sugar topping

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

Prep:

Lightly spray two mini cupcake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Preheat Oven to 325 degrees

A. In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar together, until creamy . ( I used my Kitchen aid with paddle attachment)

B. Add the egg, milk and vanilla. Mix until combined. It will not look smooth (second picture)

 

C. Add baking powder and salt and mix.

D. Add flour and Pumpkin Pie Spice and combine just until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not over mix dough.

E. Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop and distribute batter evenly between the 2 mini muffin pans. They will be between 1/2-3/4 full.

 

F. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

G. Remove from oven . While they are cooling a bit, melt butter for dipping and combine the sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in two separate bowls.  Once your're done preping the cinnamon sugar and the melted butter you are ready to start finishing donuts holes.

 H. Dip each donut into the melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar. Put into a bowl and serve.

 I. ENJOY!