Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are just what you need. They are warm, cozy, and oh-so-fluffy! I love making these on busy weeknights or during family gatherings, as they come together in just 20 minutes. The sweet scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fills the kitchen, bringing everyone running to grab one (or two!).

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up a batch without any frying involved. Plus, they are a hit with kids and adults alike! Trust me; once you try these delicious donuts, they’ll become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These donuts take just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Family Favorite: With their soft texture and sweet flavor, everyone will be asking for seconds.
• No Frying Needed: Baked instead of fried, they are a healthier option that’s still indulgent.
• Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even at brunch with friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These donuts use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for our tasty Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts!

For the Donuts

• 1 cup + 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk (any type will do)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Variations

This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
• Spice It Up: Add more pumpkin spice or even some nutmeg for a bolder flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out fluffy. While that heats up, you can prepare your batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin pie puree, melted unsalted butter, and milk. Stir until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine; this keeps your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Donuts

Grease a donut pan generously with non-stick spray or coconut oil. Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity about halfway full. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts are baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once the donuts cool slightly after coming out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

And there you have it—delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that are sure to brighten anyone’s day! Enjoy this warm treat fresh out of the oven or save some for later; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Making these delightful donuts at home can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Measure accurately: Using the right measurements is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. A kitchen scale can help, but using standard measuring cups and spoons works well too—just make sure to level off your flour!

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, while a light touch keeps them fluffy and airy.

• Preheat your oven: Ensuring your oven is fully preheated before baking is essential for even cooking. This helps achieve that lovely rise and golden-brown color on your donuts.

• Use silicone molds: If you have silicone donut pans, they make it easier to pop the donuts out without sticking. They also allow for even baking, so your treats come out perfectly shaped every time.

• Let them cool slightly before coating: Allowing your donuts to cool for a few minutes after baking will help the cinnamon sugar adhere better. If they’re too hot, the sugar may just melt away!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These scrumptious donuts are perfect for any occasion, from cozy breakfast gatherings to festive fall celebrations. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A thin drizzle of maple syrup not only looks beautiful but also complements the pumpkin flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome side that provides creamy texture and crunch alongside your sweet treats.
• Spiced tea or coffee: Brewed chai tea or spiced coffee pairs perfectly with these donuts, enhancing their warm flavors while adding comforting warmth.
• Cinnamon hot chocolate: For a cozy twist, serve these donuts alongside a rich cup of cinnamon-infused hot chocolate—perfect for chilly mornings or afternoons!

Now that you have all the tips and serving ideas, it’s time to whip up these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar donuts! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled donuts in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts:

Can I use other types of milk in the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Absolutely! While whole milk works great, you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer. Just ensure it’s unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness of your donuts.

How do I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts gluten-free?

To make these delicious donuts gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately according to the blend’s instructions.

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts special?

These donuts are not only moist and fluffy but also baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar is perfect for cozy fall mornings!

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a glaze on top. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as much as it does mine! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are truly special—soft, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated later, they are sure to brighten your day. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; I can’t wait for you to experience these delightful bites yourself!