Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts: 5 Cozy Fall Delights

Oh, there’s just something about fall that makes my heart sing! The crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and of course, all the delicious treats that come with the season. One of my absolute favorites has to be these Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts. They’re the perfect blend of nostalgia and autumn flavors, bringing together the delightful crunch of Rice Krispies and the warm, cozy taste of pumpkin. I remember making these with my kids last year, and watching their faces light up as they dipped those fluffy donuts in the sweet glaze was pure magic. Trust me, once you take a bite of these dreamy donuts, you’ll be hooked! They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, making them a must-try for your fall festivities!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute treat.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love to help! They can mix, shape, and even decorate these donuts.
• Fall Flavors: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Customizable: Add your own twist! Try different glazes or toppings to make them uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 donuts in a batch, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings with friends.

These donuts bring a touch of joy and nostalgia to your fall celebrations, and I promise they’ll be a hit!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)
• Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing hands and donut pan)
• For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Having everything ready will make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable, trust me! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts

Making your Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts is a delightful process that’s as fun as it is delicious! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible treats in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First things first, grab your donut pan! Give it a good spray with nonstick spray or rub it down with butter to ensure your donuts pop right out later. If you’re shaping these by hand, don’t forget to grease your hands and work surface—this mixture can get a bit sticky!

Step 2: Melt the Base

Now, let’s get melting! In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir them frequently until they’re nearly melted—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though; you don’t want the marshmallows to overheat and become a gooey mess!

Step 3: Add Pumpkin & Spice

Once the marshmallows are almost melted, it’s time to mix in the good stuff! Add in your 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin purée, the teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. The warm spices and pumpkin will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma—trust me, it’s heavenly!

Step 4: Mix in Cereal

Remove the pot from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Use a spatula to gently mix until every piece is coated in that luscious marshmallow mixture. This part is key; make sure not to overmix, as we want to keep those crispy bits intact for that perfect texture!

Step 5: Shape Donuts

Now comes the fun part—shaping the donuts! Press the mixture firmly into your prepared donut molds. Make sure to pack it in well so they hold their shape. Once they’re all filled, let them cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Patience is key here; I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them cool properly will make them easier to remove!

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While your donuts are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious Maple Cinnamon Glaze! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach a nice drizzleable consistency. This glaze adds that perfect sweet finishing touch to your donuts!

Step 7: Glaze & Serve

Once your donuts have cooled and are ready to go, it’s time to glaze! You can either dip the tops right into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon for a more artistic touch. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. I promise, the moment you take a bite, you’ll be in pumpkin heaven!

Tips for Success

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts turn out perfectly every time:

• Watch the Heat: Keep the heat on medium-low when melting the butter and marshmallows. If the mixture gets too hot, it can become hard and chewy instead of soft and gooey.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your marshmallows and pumpkin purée are fresh. Stale marshmallows won’t melt properly, and old pumpkin can alter the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: When folding in the Rice Krispies, be gentle! Overmixing can crush the cereal and lead to a less enjoyable texture.
• Cool Completely: Let the donuts cool fully in the pan before attempting to remove them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents sticking.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your glaze! Add sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra festive touch.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be set to impress everyone with your delicious autumn treats!

Nutritional Information

Before diving into those delightful Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts, here’s a little note on nutritional values. Keep in mind that these estimates can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. For a typical serving size of one donut, you can expect approximately:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 105mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 1g

These treats are a fun indulgence for your fall festivities, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:

Can I use regular pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and mash the pumpkin until it’s smooth. Canned pumpkin purée is a bit more convenient and consistent in flavor, but fresh pumpkin can add a lovely homemade touch!

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No problem! You can shape the mixture into donut holes or even press it into a square baking dish and cut it into bars once cooled. Just make sure to adjust the cooling time accordingly!

Can I add mix-ins to the donuts?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Just be careful not to overmix when you add them!

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, but they might lose a bit of that delightful texture.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You sure can! Just swap out the Rice Krispies for a gluten-free variety, and you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy!

I hope these answers help you on your way to making the most amazing Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts! Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts is a breeze! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll stay at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge. Just keep in mind that refrigeration might change their texture slightly, making them a bit firmer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up. If you prefer a warm treat, you can zap them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful gooeyness you love! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they’ll lose their wonderful texture. Happy munching!

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