Pumpkin Donuts: Easy Baked Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings

Pumpkin donuts are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall morning. These homemade donuts bake up fluffy and tender, packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor, and then get a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that’s practically irresistible. The best part? They’re baked, not fried—so you can enjoy them without turning your kitchen into a fry shop. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend breakfast, something to impress at a fall gathering, or just a sweet bite with your coffee, these pumpkin donuts deliver every time.

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What is Pumpkin Donuts?

Pumpkin donuts are soft, cake-like baked donuts made with real pumpkin puree and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked in a donut pan, which makes them lighter and easier to whip up at home. They’re then brushed with melted butter and rolled in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating for that classic donut shop vibe. The result? A donut that’s rich in fall flavors but still quick enough for a weekday morning treat. They’re the perfect mix of cozy and convenient.

Reasons to Try Pumpkin Donuts

There are plenty of reasons to make pumpkin donuts, but here’s the top three: speed, flavor, and joy factor. First, they come together in just 25 minutes—faster than a grocery store run. Second, the pumpkin puree keeps them moist while the spices bring that nostalgic autumn flavor everyone loves. Finally, let’s be honest: nothing beats the look on your family’s face when they wake up to a plate of fresh donuts. Plus, these are baked, meaning less oil and less mess. Pair them with coffee or a hot apple cider, and you’ve got yourself a bakery-worthy moment right at home.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pumpkin Donuts

When it comes to making the best pumpkin donuts, the magic really happens in the ingredients. Each item adds a little something special, and when they come together, you get that soft, fluffy donut with just the right amount of spice. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Butter gives these donuts richness and depth of flavor. Cooling it after melting is key so it blends smoothly without scrambling the egg.
• Egg (1 large, room temperature): The egg helps bind everything together and adds structure, giving your donuts that tender, cakey bite.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brown sugar keeps the donuts moist and adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): A touch of white sugar balances the flavors and gives the donuts just the right amount of sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Oil makes the donuts soft and prevents them from drying out. Think of it as the secret weapon for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Milk (2 tablespoons, room temperature): Milk adds moisture and helps the batter mix evenly. Room temperature works best for smoother blending.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Just a little vanilla enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm undertone.
• Pumpkin Puree (¾ cup): The star of the show! Real pumpkin puree gives these donuts their flavor, color, and a moist crumb. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If you’re pumpkin-obsessed, you might also love these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for another sweet fall treat.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups, sifted): Sifting the flour makes it lighter and easier to mix, which keeps your donuts soft instead of dense.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This is what gives the donuts their lift. Without it, you’d have flat little cakes instead of fluffy pumpkin donuts.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Classic cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor that screams fall.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (½ teaspoon): This blend usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—basically autumn in a jar.
• Nutmeg (pinch): A little nutmeg goes a long way and deepens the overall spice profile.

For the Coating:

• Butter (¼ cup, melted): Brushing the donuts with melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and adds richness.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Creates that irresistible crunch on the outside.
• Ground Cinnamon (2–3 tablespoons): Combined with sugar, it makes the perfect donut-shop-style coating.

These ingredients may look simple, but together they create pumpkin donuts that are tender, flavorful, and bakery-worthy. And the best part? You probably already have most of these on hand.

Instructions to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Making pumpkin donuts at home is easier than you might think, and the step-by-step process is super straightforward. Here’s how to get from mixing bowl to cozy fall treat in no time:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab your donut pan and spray each cavity generously with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your pumpkin donuts pop out easily without sticking. If you don’t own a donut pan yet, you can use a muffin tin in a pinch (they’ll just look more like donut muffins).

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg for about 1–2 minutes until it’s nice and fluffy. This helps create a lighter texture in your donuts. Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Next, stir in the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. At this point, your kitchen already smells like fall—it’s the pumpkin magic starting to happen.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of nutmeg. Sifting is worth the extra step because it makes the flour airy and helps prevent clumps. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until everything is just combined. Overmixing here can lead to dense donuts, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter into each donut cavity. For a neater process, transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off—it makes filling the pan much easier and gives you perfectly even donuts. Smooth the tops gently with the back of a spoon if needed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of one donut; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Now comes the fun part! Once the pumpkin donuts have cooled slightly, brush each one with melted butter. Then roll them in a bowl of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated. The butter helps the coating stick while adding an extra layer of flavor. This coating gives your donuts that irresistible donut-shop crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade pumpkin donuts are ready to eat! They’re best served slightly warm, with a hot cup of coffee or cider. If you’re in the mood for more pumpkin baking, try pairing these with pumpkin cream cheese muffins for the ultimate fall breakfast spread.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are versatile enough to pair with your morning coffee, a cozy chai latte, or even hot apple cider for full-on fall vibes. For a more indulgent option, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce—instant dessert! If you’re planning a fall brunch, these donuts go beautifully with spiced pumpkin bread with streusel or pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They also make a great snack for kids with a glass of cold milk. Basically, they play well with just about everything.

Key Tips for Making Pumpkin Donuts

First tip: don’t overmix the batter—your donuts will turn out dense instead of fluffy. Second, make sure your pumpkin puree isn’t watery; blot it with a paper towel if needed. Third, coat the donuts while they’re still slightly warm, so the cinnamon-sugar sticks better. If you’re short on time, you can skip the coating and just dust with powdered sugar, but honestly, the buttery cinnamon-sugar finish is the real showstopper here. Finally, use a piping bag (or a Ziploc with the corner cut off) to fill the donut pan neatly without mess.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are best fresh but will stay moist for 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. After that, the cinnamon-sugar coating softens. If making ahead, store the donuts plain and coat them just before serving. For longer storage, freeze them (without coating) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and re-coat with butter and cinnamon sugar. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes—just enough to bring back that fresh-baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, stick to pure pumpkin puree since pie filling already has sugar and spices.

Do I need a donut pan?
Yes, for the classic donut shape. But in a pinch, you can bake them in a muffin pan—just adjust the time.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but the donuts may turn out less moist. Try reducing by 2–3 tablespoons only.

Can I air fry these?
Yes! Spoon batter into silicone molds, then air fry at 330°F for 8–10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin donuts are the ultimate fall treat—easy, cozy, and downright irresistible. They come together in less than half an hour, which makes them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re baking for your family, a school bake sale, or just treating yourself, these donuts will win hearts fast. And if you can’t get enough pumpkin (who can?), check out these pumpkin cheesecake cinnamon rolls for your next weekend bake. Happy baking—and happy munching!

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