Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are just the ticket! They’re moist, fluffy, and bursting with that cozy pumpkin spice flavor that makes fall feel like a warm hug. What I love most about this recipe is how quickly you can whip them up—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday mornings when you want something sweet without the fuss. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or sharing them with family, these donuts will bring smiles all around.

There’s something truly special about baking at home. The aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen creates an inviting atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Plus, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are baked, not fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have delicious donuts ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! This recipe is sure to win over kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prep the batter in advance and bake fresh donuts whenever you’re ready for a treat.
• Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about using. Grab these items on your next grocery run:

For the Donut Batter

• 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 Topping

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences or pantry staples.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
• Try Different Spices: Swap pumpkin spice for chai spice or even a hint of nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Glaze Instead of Sugar: Instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar, dip your donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
• Make Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully. While it’s heating up, you can prepare your batter!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, pumpkin pie puree, and milk. Whisk them together until smooth. This step is important as it helps create that rich flavor base for our donuts.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice. Mixing these dry ingredients separately allows for even distribution of flavors in each donut.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Grease a donut pan lightly with cooking spray or oil. Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity—about halfway full works best. This step is crucial because it ensures they have enough room to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake!

Place your filled donut pan in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking rather than frying means these donuts stay light and fluffy without any excess grease!

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts are cooling slightly, melt some butter in a small bowl and mix sugar with cinnamon in another bowl. Once cooled enough to handle but still warm, dip each donut into melted butter then roll in cinnamon sugar.

And there you have it! Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts warm or at room temperature—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Baking these delightful donuts can be a breeze with the right tips! Here are some helpful pointers to ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances the flavor and moisture of your donuts, making them taste homemade and delicious.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that are not as enjoyable.

• Grease the donut pan well: A well-greased pan prevents sticking and ensures easy removal, so you can enjoy your donuts without any hassle.

• Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. They should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Let them cool slightly before coating: Allowing the baked donuts to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in cinnamon sugar helps the sugar stick better, resulting in a deliciously sweet outer layer.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar donuts are not only delightful on their own but can also be enhanced with some thoughtful presentation. Here are a few ideas to make your serving experience special!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream on the side for dipping or topping.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a bright contrast to the warm flavors of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Hot cocoa or spiced tea: Serve alongside a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy breakfast or snack experience.
• Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with additional pumpkin spice makes for a hearty pairing that keeps you satisfied longer.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll elevate your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts to new heights! Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with family and friends, or savor them all by yourself—no judgment here!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time for a delicious breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop the frozen donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful donuts:

Can I use a different type of flour for Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix the batter; combine just until the dry ingredients are moistened. This helps maintain their light and fluffy texture!

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts special?

These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a healthier treat without sacrificing flavor. They’re moist and infused with cozy fall spices!

Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts vegan?

Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk or another plant-based milk as a great alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts as I was when I first made them! They’re not only delicious but also bring that warm, comforting feeling associated with fall. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with your friends and family; it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!