Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe brings the cozy feeling of fall straight into your kitchen without the fuss of frying. These donuts are baked, not fried, which means less mess but all the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice that remind me of crisp autumn mornings and pumpkin patch visits. Whenever I want a quick treat that tastes like the season itself, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that these donuts are perfect for breakfast with your coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a little sweet boost. Plus, they come together super fast, and the cinnamon sugar coating gives them that irresistible, cozy crunch I just can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe, it’ll become a family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe plays a key role to make your donuts fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. I always recommend using fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality pumpkin pie spice for the best results.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure; measure carefully for tender donuts.
• Baking powder: The magic leavening that helps these donuts puff up nicely.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The warm blend that instantly says “fall”—you can make your own if you like!
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the spices.
• Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade to get that moist, rich flavor and beautiful color.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moisture; I prefer light brown sugar here.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist—whole milk works best but any kind is fine.
• Butter (softened): Gives richness and tenderness to the donuts.
• Butter (melted): For dipping—this helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
• Cinnamon sugar (3 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon): The irresistible coating that adds crunch and spice.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative or keep it classic—it all works wonderfully!

• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and the donuts rose beautifully without losing any texture.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with your favorite plant milk; just be sure the baking powder is aluminum-free.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger in addition to the pumpkin pie spice if you want a deeper spice flavor.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, topping the donuts with a tangy cream cheese glaze is a personal favorite for holiday brunches.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even spice distribution and helps the donuts rise evenly.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Carefully

In a larger bowl, blend pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, and softened butter until smooth. This is where the pumpkin really shines, giving your batter moisture and flavor. I like to use a hand mixer here to get a creamy texture without overworking it.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry, But Don’t Overdo It

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Here’s a trick I discovered: mix just enough to bring everything together without overmixing, which can toughen the donuts. The batter should look smooth but a little lumpy is okay.

Step 4: Pipe and Bake

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a large Ziploc with a corner snipped off—this makes filling the mini donut pan super easy and neat! Fill each donut well about 3/4 full, because they’ll puff up while baking. Pop them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes; keep an eye out for donuts that spring back when touched or pass the toothpick test.

Step 5: Dip in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Once your donuts are cool enough to handle, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a shallow bowl. Dip each donut fully in butter and then roll it in a cinnamon sugar mixture. This is the step that makes the donuts extra special—getting that perfect sweet-spicy coating that melts in your mouth!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic with the cinnamon sugar coating, but you can also toss some powdered sugar on top for a snowy look or drizzle a little maple glaze for extra sweetness. Chopped pecans or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte. If you’re serving for brunch, I like to offer fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt on the side—it balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged mini donuts on a pretty tiered stand surrounded by fall leaves and tiny pumpkins—that always impresses guests! Another fun idea is threading them onto skewers with roasted marshmallows and apple slices for a festive snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and they usually stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to keep them away from moisture to maintain that crisp cinnamon sugar coating.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, these donuts freeze well. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked taste, I warm leftover donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture without drying them out. Avoid microwaving too long, which can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, fluffy, and perfectly spiced. I love how easy it is to make but how impressive it tastes. Whether you’re welcoming fall, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet with your afternoon tea, these donuts are a total winner. Give them a try and I promise you’ll come back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Happy baking, friend!

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