Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe brings all those cozy fall flavors into a bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast or a warm dessert that reminds you of crunchy leaves and pumpkin patches, these donuts hit the spot every time. They’re soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of spiced without being overpowering.

When I first tried making these donuts, I was amazed at how simple the recipe is, yet how professional they taste — no deep frying needed! You’ll find that this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe works beautifully for get-togethers, autumn brunches, or whenever you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, they’re perfect if you want something homemade without complicated steps or a huge mess.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in harmony to create that classic pumpkin spice taste and fluffy donut texture you’ll love. When shopping, I always recommend using fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality spices for the best results.

• Flour: Plain all-purpose flour works best to give the donuts structure without making them too dense.
• Baking Powder: This helps your donuts rise nice and fluffy—don’t skip it!
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this is the secret to that cozy pumpkin flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the sweetness and spice.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth of sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender; whole milk works wonderfully.
• Butter (softened): Contributes richness and helps keep the donuts moist.
• Butter (melted): Used for dipping – it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a luxurious finish.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A classic coating made from sugar and cinnamon that gives the donuts a sweet, spicy crunch.

Variations

I love playing around with this Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe depending on the occasion or my mood. It’s such a flexible base that you can tweak to make it your own.

• Glaze Instead of Cinnamon Sugar: I’ve swapped the cinnamon sugar dip for a simple maple glaze, and my family goes crazy for that extra touch of sweetness.
• Vegan Version: You can substitute the butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk to make these donuts vegan-friendly without losing any moisture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you’re feeling fancy; I’ve found this makes the spice profile even more enticing!
• Mini Muffins: If you don’t have a donut pan, try baking the batter as mini muffins—same flavor, slightly different shape.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a small bowl. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices so every bite has that warm, balanced flavor. I like to give it a good stir and break up any clumps so the batter is super smooth later.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, and softened butter until well blended. This mixture smells so incredible—I always want to sneak a lick here! Make sure the butter is soft rather than melted, so the texture is just right.

Step 3: Blend the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. This part is key: don’t overmix or your donuts might end up tough. You still want to see a few little streaks of flour, but no big pockets. This ensures the donuts stay tender and light.

Step 4: Pipe or Spoon the Batter

Pour your batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off—it makes filling the greased mini donut pan a breeze. Fill each mold about three-quarters full so they have room to puff up without overflowing. If you don’t have a donut pan, a mini muffin pan works just as well.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back gently to the touch or a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack so they don’t get soggy.

Step 6: Dip and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

This is my favorite part! Dip each warm donut into melted butter, then roll it around in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds a lovely sweet crust and a little texture that’s addictive. I make sure the donuts are still warm so the sugar sticks perfectly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I’ll sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of caramel sauce when I want to make these extra special. A few chopped pecans make a nice crunchy garnish too if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea. For brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance the richness with fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, I arrange these pumpkin spice donuts on a tiered cake stand with little fall leaves scattered around. You can even stack mini donuts and skewer them for donut kabobs—a crowd-pleaser that also looks adorable on plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for 3 to 4 days — though I’ll admit they rarely last that long in my house! Keeping them sealed well keeps the donuts soft and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They defrost quickly at room temp and taste almost as good as fresh—perfect for making ahead of a busy week.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven wrapped in foil if I want a little crispy exterior. This brings back that freshly-baked feeling without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites whenever I want that perfect blend of spice and pumpkin without fussing over complicated prep. I love sharing them with friends and family because they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and always bring a little bit of cozy happiness to the table. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating these just as much as I do—give it a try next time pumpkin season rolls around!

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