Easy Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe — Soft, Sweet & Perfect for Fall

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice donuts wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air carries that unmistakable fall chill, these warm, spiced treats become the perfect companion to your favorite cozy sweater and steaming mug of coffee. Whether you’re planning a weekend baking session or looking for autumn treat recipes to impress your family, these homemade spice donuts deliver all the comfort and warmth that make fall baking so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last October, I found myself desperately craving something sweet and seasonal after a long day of apple picking with my kids. Instead of heading to the local bakery, I decided to experiment with a pumpkin spice donuts recipe that would capture all those cozy seasonal baking vibes right in my own kitchen. The result? Six perfectly spiced, tender donuts that disappeared faster than I could make them!

What makes these easy pumpkin desserts truly special is their simplicity – you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques. The combination of real pumpkin puree and warm spices creates that authentic fall flavor we all crave, while the quick fall treats approach means you can have fresh donuts ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about dipping each warm donut in melted butter and rolling it in cinnamon sugar – it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of fall baking ideas.

Looking for more hearty comfort food to complement your autumn treats? Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to create the perfect seasonal menu.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful pumpkin spice donuts:

Need something savory to balance out all this sweetness? Find more delicious lunch ideas here for well-rounded meal planning.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously grease a 6-cavity donut pan with butter or cooking spray. Set aside the melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture for later coating.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices throughout your pumpkin spice donuts.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Create the Batter
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix just until combined – overmixing will result in tough donuts. The batter should be thick but pipeable.

Step 5: Fill and Bake
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Coat and Serve
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. While still warm, dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that perfect finishing touch.

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Exact Timing to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Baking time: 8-10 minutes
• Cooling and coating: 5 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

This quick timeline makes these pumpkin spice donuts perfect for spontaneous fall cravings or when unexpected guests drop by for coffee.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the complete nutritional breakdown per donut (recipe makes 6 servings):

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The high vitamin A content comes from the pumpkin puree, which provides beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A in the body. The moderate calorie count makes these treats a reasonable indulgence when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Healthier Alternatives

Making pumpkin spice donuts healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing that beloved fall flavor. Here are nutritious swaps that maintain the delicious taste:

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs
• Keto-friendly: Replace flour with almond flour and use erythritol instead of sugar

Looking for more sweet inspiration? Explore more delicious Desserts here for endless baking possibilities.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Beverage Pairings
These warm pumpkin spice donuts pair beautifully with hot beverages that complement their spiced flavor profile. Try serving them alongside freshly brewed coffee, chai tea lattes, or spiced apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience. The combination of warm spices in both the donuts and drinks creates a harmonious flavor symphony.

Elegant Presentation Ideas
Transform your homemade donuts into an impressive dessert by drizzling them with cream cheese glaze or maple glaze instead of the traditional cinnamon sugar coating. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for a stunning seasonal display that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Option
These pumpkin spice donuts work wonderfully as a special weekend breakfast treat. Prepare the dry ingredients the night before, then quickly mix and bake them fresh in the morning. Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness with savory elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter
The biggest mistake when making pumpkin spice donuts is overmixing the batter once you add the flour. This develops too much gluten, resulting in dense, chewy donuts instead of the light, tender texture you want. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.

Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pure Puree
Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will throw off your recipe’s balance. Pure pumpkin puree provides the authentic flavor and moisture without interfering with your carefully measured spice blend.

Incorrect Oven Temperature
Baking at too low a temperature will result in pale, dense donuts, while too high heat will brown the outside before the inside cooks through. Stick to 425°F and watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking – they should spring back when lightly touched and be golden brown.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage
Store your pumpkin spice donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll maintain their soft texture best when kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Freezing for Later
These donuts freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months when properly stored. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Refreshing Day-Old Donuts
If your pumpkin spice donuts lose their initial softness, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. This restores their tender texture and reactivates the aromatic spices, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 donuts 1x

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Description

Soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, these pumpkin spice donuts bring all the cozy fall flavors to your kitchen. Baked to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, this easy donut recipe is ideal for crisp mornings and autumn gatherings. Try this fall favorite for quick breakfast recipes or dessert recipes that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/4 cups (162g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup milk, room temperature
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for dipping)
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (3 tablespoons sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 6-cavity donut pan with butter or cooking spray. Prepare melted butter and cinnamon sugar for coating.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in pumpkin puree, then gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Batter should be thick but pipeable.
5. Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the corner, and fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
6. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. While warm, dip each donut in melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve fresh.

Notes

For best texture, don’t overmix the batter. These donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pumpkin spice donuts, recipes dessert, fall baking recipes, recipes quick