Pumpkin Spice Donuts

The smell of pumpkin spice in the oven is just magic. These donuts come out warm, soft, and full of cozy flavor. I couldn’t wait to try one.

I love how the cinnamon and nutmeg mix with the sweet pumpkin. Every bite feels like fall wrapped up in sugar. My kitchen smelled so good.

Biting into one is like a soft hug with a little spice. They’re sweet, fluffy, and just the right amount of cozy. Honestly, I wanted another right away.

So let’s make these Pumpkin Spice Donuts together. They’re simple, fun, and the best treat to enjoy on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Donuts

• Seasonal Delight: If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, this recipe is your dream come true, combining all your favorite flavors of fall.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these donuts come out fluffy, soft, and moist, unlike dry baked goods.
• Easy to Make: You only need one bowl, and the recipe is foolproof, meaning anyone can make these donuts without any hassle.
• Great for Fall Mornings: Perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, these donuts will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice.
• Homemade Comfort: Skip the store-bought versions and make your own fresh donuts at home!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools:

• Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl for your dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine your dry ingredients and to mix the wet ones.
• Donut Pan: While a donut pan is helpful, you can also use a muffin tin for a similar result (your donuts may be a bit thicker).
• Baking Tray: If you want to bake the donuts, a tray lined with parchment paper is helpful.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the donuts after baking to ensure they don’t get soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure perfect ratios of ingredients.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to create these homemade pumpkin spice donuts. Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end.

• 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (162 grams): The base of your donut batter.
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: This ensures the donuts are light and fluffy.
• 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice: A magical combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which defines the flavor of fall.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the donuts and balances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree: Pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for that smooth texture and rich flavor.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel undertone to the donuts.
• 1/3 cup Milk: Helps to create a smooth batter and keep the donuts moist.
• 1/3 cup Butter (softened): Adds richness to the batter and helps to create a soft crumb.
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted for dipping): For coating your donuts after baking, adding a rich buttery flavor.
• 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar (3 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon): For that classic cinnamon-sugar coating that gives your donuts an extra crunch and sweetness.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Donuts

While this recipe is already full of fall flavor, there are a few variations you can try to personalize it:

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate and pumpkin together, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter.
• Glaze It: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip your donuts into a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk for extra sweetness.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and a flax egg as a substitute for the regular egg.
• Spice It Up: Add an extra pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more of a kick, or add finely grated orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For some texture, top your donuts with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking or add some to the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Making these pumpkin spice donuts is as simple as mixing, baking, and enjoying. Follow these instructions to bake up a batch of irresistible fall treats!

1. Preheat and Prep Your Baking Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with butter or cooking spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and just bake them as muffin-shaped donuts. Grease it well, as these donuts can stick to the pan.

2. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure an even distribution of the spices.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, and softened butter. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this. Beat until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir together with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts dense.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway or just a little more. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter into the pan easily. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and smooth out the batter.

6. Bake the Donuts

Place your donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. You’ll know the donuts are done when they are golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are baking, mix your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This will give your donuts that perfect, sweet coating once they’re fresh out of the oven.

8. Cool the Donuts

Once the donuts are done, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Dip in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm, melt the remaining butter. Once the donuts have cooled just enough to handle, dip the tops of the donuts into the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Be generous with the coating for that perfect sweet crunch.

Serving and Decoration

Once your donuts are glazed with butter and cinnamon sugar, they’re ready to be served. These donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, or even as a gift for friends and family. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• With a Warm Drink: Enjoy with a hot cup of apple cider, coffee, or a pumpkin spice latte.
• With Whipped Cream: For a decadent touch, top with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
• As a Dessert: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat.
• Breakfast Bliss: Serve them on a platter with fresh fruit and a side of yogurt for a balanced, seasonal breakfast.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Donuts

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers to enjoy later.

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigeration: If you have leftover donuts and need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the donuts by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition with Table Format

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one pumpkin spice donut:

Nutrient	Amount per Donut
Calories	170
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	70mg
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	12g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	15% of DV
Calcium	3% of DV
Iron	4% of DV

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the epitome of autumn comfort food. Whether you’re sharing them with family, enjoying a peaceful morning, or bringing them to a gathering, these donuts will always be a hit. Their warm, spiced flavor and fluffy texture make them a perfect fall treat you’ll want to make year after year. Happy baking!