Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins

These Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins are the ultimate fall treat! Soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin spice and melty dark chocolate chips—perfect for when you want a little taste of cozy.

Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins

Every fall, I face the same delicious dilemma: do I bake with pumpkin or apples? I truly love them both, and usually end up making a mix of each throughout the season. Pumpkin feels cozy and spiced, while apple desserts bring that crisp, orchard-fresh sweetness—it’s impossible to pick just one!

That’s exactly why I love these Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins. They’re quick, perfectly portioned, and deliver all the warm pumpkin spice goodness I crave this time of year—with the bonus of rich, melty dark chocolate in every bite. Think of them as a little taste of fall, ready in less than 20 minutes, whether you’re team pumpkin, team apple, or (like me) happily somewhere in between.

Just biting into one of these muffins is pure autumn bliss. The exterior is lightly golden with a tender, soft center that melts in your mouth. Warm pumpkin spice flavors mingle perfectly with pockets of rich, slightly bittersweet dark chocolate, creating a cozy, comforting treat that’s impossible to resist. Each mini muffin is just the right size for a quick snack, an after-school treat, or a sweet addition to your morning coffee—or tea, of course! Once you try one, you’ll want to bake a batch (or two) immediately.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Pumpkin puree – Brings moistness, natural sweetness, and cozy fall flavor.

• Canola oil – Keeps the muffins tender without adding strong flavor.

• Egg – Provides structure and richness.

• Vanilla extract – Enhances the pumpkin and chocolate flavors.

• All-purpose flour – The base for a soft, tender muffin.

• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.

• Baking powder – Gives the muffins a light, airy texture.

• Salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.

• Pumpkin pie spice – Warms the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Dark chocolate chips – Melty pockets of chocolate for indulgence in every bite.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Oil substitute: Use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.

• Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar.

• Flour: Try whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier, more wholesome texture.

• Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter muffin.

• Spice: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.

• Make your own pumpkin pie spice - see my graphic below for the recipe - it's easy as pie!

Kitchen Notes and Tips

Here are some tips that will help you make the best, fluffiest muffins.

• High heat:  A hotter oven makes the outside of the muffin set quickly while the inside continues to rise. This pushes the batter upward, creating taller, rounder muffin tops.  You’ll end up with a firmer, slightly crisp outer layer with a softer, fluffier interior.

• My #1 pro tip - Don’t overmix:   Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined for soft, tender muffins. 

• Pan prep: Lightly grease the doughnut hole pan to ensure easy removal.

• Baking tip: Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

• Storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

• Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with tea, coffee, or as a portable autumn snack.

• Equipment:  Use a Doughnut hole pan or a mini muffin pan will work as well.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta

This easy fall farro salad combines crisp apples, peppery arugula, creamy feta, and toasted walnuts in a honey-Dijon dressing. A hearty yet refreshing dish that’s perfect for cozy autumn meals. 

Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta

The leaves are just starting to fall and the nights have cooled down.  This is the time when I find myself craving salads that feel just a little heartier—something fresh yet grounding, nourishing but not heavy. That’s exactly where this Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta shines.

Every forkful is a celebration of fall: sweet-tart apples with that irresistible crunch, nutty farro with its warm, earthy bite, and peppery arugula to keep things bright. Creamy crumbles of feta melt into the honey-Dijon dressing, while toasted walnuts add the kind of cozy, satisfying crunch that makes this salad more than just a side—it’s a seasonal star.

Best of all, this recipe is wonderfully simple. Just cook the farro, whisk up the dressing, and toss everything together. It’s the kind of easy fall salad you’ll turn to again and again—whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing holiday side, or a way to bring the best flavors of the season right to your table.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything that brings this fall salad to life:

• Farro – A nutty, chewy whole grain that gives the salad its hearty base.

• Vegetable broth – Infuses the farro with savory depth as it cooks.

• Bay leaf – A subtle aromatic that adds warmth to the grain’s flavor.

• Extra virgin olive oil – Smooth and fruity, the foundation for the dressing.

• Apple cider vinegar – Bright, tangy, and perfectly autumnal.

• Dijon mustard – Adds sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.

• Honey – A touch of natural sweetness that balances the tart flavors.

• Kosher salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning to bring everything together.

• Apple – Crisp, tart, and refreshing—an instant fall favorite.

• Arugula – Peppery greens that keep the salad lively and fresh.

• Feta cheese – Creamy, tangy crumbles that melt into the dressing.

• Toasted walnuts – Nutty crunch that adds coziness and texture.

• Fresh basil – Herbaceous brightness to lift the flavors.

• Fresh parsley – Earthy and fresh, rounding out the herb mix.

Substitutions and Variations

This salad is flexible—swap or add as you like!

• Grain swap: Use quinoa, brown rice, or barley in place of farro.

• Cheese options: Goat cheese or shaved parmesan work beautifully.

• Nut choices: Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a different crunch.

• Apple variety: Try Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for extra tartness.

• Leafy greens: Spinach or mixed greens can stand in for arugula.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

A few quick tricks to make this salad shine:

• Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to boost flavor.
• Let the farro cool slightly before tossing—this keeps greens crisp, or make the farro earlier in the day.  Great for using leftover cooked farro!

• Make the dressing in advance; it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• For extra flavor, cook farro in broth with a garlic clove or onion.

• Serving temperature; warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing side dish.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!

Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy! These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Ready in minutes with a golden, crunchy crust.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!

If you love a good sandwich for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, you’re going to adore this one. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are golden, crunchy, and topped with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara—all in under 30 minutes. The air fryer makes getting perfectly crispy chicken a breeze, without the mess of deep frying.

We’re big fans of easy chicken sandwiches here, and if you’re craving more, you can also check out my Air Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches—both just as simple and full of flavor. This Parmesan sandwich is a fast, satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite any night of the week.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy sandwiches. I’ve skipped the measurements here so you can get a feel for the ingredients first.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, the perfect base for our crispy cutlets.

• Eggs – Help the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.

• All-purpose flour – Creates the first layer of coating so the crumbs hold tight.

• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor right in the dredge.

• Italian seasoning – A quick blend of herbs to give the chicken extra flavor.

• Black pepper – Just enough kick to balance the richness.

• Crushed corn flakes – Our crispy coating! They stay light, golden, and crunchy in the air fryer.

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray – Helps the coating turn crisp and golden without extra oil.

• Marinara sauce – Tangy and flavorful, the classic Chicken Parmesan partner.

• Fresh mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection over the chicken.

• Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns – Soft and toasty, the perfect way to serve it up.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy swaps and flavor twists:

• Chicken: Try turkey cutlets or even thin pork chops for a different spin.

• Corn flakes: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work if that’s what you have on hand.

• Cheese: Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella for a different melty vibe.

• Sauce: Swap marinara with a spicy arrabbiata for extra kick.

• Rolls: Use ciabatta rolls, focaccia, or even garlic bread for an indulgent upgrade.

• Healthier twist: Serve the cutlets open-faced over a salad instead of on a roll.

Kitchen Tips

• Parmesan Placement: Since crushed corn flakes are lighter and less dense than traditional breadcrumbs, mixing the Parmesan with the flour during the dredging step helps it stick to the chicken evenly instead of falling to the bottom.

• For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top of the marinara just before adding the mozzarella.

• Make sure cutlets are evenly pounded for consistent cooking and crispiness.

• Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇