Pumpkin Donuts

Soft and fluffy baked pumpkin donuts spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, coated in cinnamon sugar for a cozy fall treat. These donuts are the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon snack during the chilly season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s packed with warm spices that bring out the best of fall flavors.

The recipe is baked, not fried, making it a lighter option.

Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.

Perfectly moist with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating.

Ideal for a cozy breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a seasonal treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

¼ cup milk

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

In a large bowl, mix the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For the coating, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Chocolate Coating: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip the donuts in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a maple glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.

Spice Mix: Adjust the spices to your preference; add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor.

Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and coat them with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Reheating: Warm the donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Related Recipes:

• Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
• Banana Bread Donuts

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which may alter the flavor and texture of the donuts. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.

Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?

A donut pan is recommended, but you can also use a muffin tin. The shape will differ, but they’ll taste just as delicious.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based milk, and replace butter with a vegan alternative.

What’s the best way to pipe the batter into the donut pan?

Using a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes it easy to evenly distribute the batter into the pan.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the donut pan well with butter, oil, or non-stick spray before adding the batter.

Conclusion

These pumpkin donuts are a seasonal delight that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With warm spices and a perfect cinnamon sugar coating, they’re sure to be a hit for fall gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Try them out and bring a taste of autumn to your table!

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