These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a yummy fall treat! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with all the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Perfect with a cup of coffee!
Making these donuts makes your kitchen smell amazing, like a cozy autumn day. I love enjoying them fresh and warm, maybe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. 🍩✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own from a cooked pumpkin. If you’re in a bind, butternut squash puree works well too!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for flavor control. If you’re dairy-free, you can opt for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both work great in this recipe!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re gluten-free, try a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great success with it in similar recipes!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can mix up your own with equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It brings the same warm flavors!
How Do I Know When My Donuts Are Done Baking?
It’s essential to get the baking time right for those golden, fluffy donuts. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, they’re ready!
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, but start checking around 15 minutes for doneness.
- Remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on them!
What’s the Best Way to Coat My Donuts?
Coating makes these donuts extra special! Once baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then brush each donut with melted butter. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each butter-brushed donut in the mixture until fully coated.
- If you’re glazing, allow the donuts to cool completely before dipping them in the glaze for a smooth finish.
Enjoy baking these delightful Pumpkin Spice Donuts and savor every bite!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients, 15-18 minutes baking, and a few more minutes for coating or glazing. These donuts come together quickly, making them a delightful treat that doesn’t take all day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and blended well.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps incorporate air into the flour for fluffier donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or a whisk. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the donut pan cavities about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Brush each cooled donut with melted butter, then roll or dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Prepare the Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk until smooth and thick. You can dip the tops of the cooled donuts in the glaze or drizzle it on for a fun design.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice donuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet treat any time of day!
These donuts are not only soft, moist, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavors but also a delight to make and share. Enjoy your cozy kitchen vibes and delicious treats! 🍩✨
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. To prepare it, simply roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to remove excess moisture so your donuts don’t turn out soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free pumpkin spice donuts! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too!
What Other Flavor Variations Can I Try?
If you want to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist!