Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re ready to experience cozy autumn bliss, it’s time to put these Pumpkin Donuts at the top of your baking list. Perfectly fluffy with a beautiful orange hue, these donuts pack all the warm spice and pumpkin flavor you crave—plus a maple glaze that’s pure magic. Whether sharing with loved ones over coffee or sneaking a treat for yourself, they deliver serious fall vibes in every bite. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell better than any candle ever could!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—whether adding flavor, structure, or that irresistible aroma. These are pantry staples with a purpose, coming together for Pumpkin Donuts that taste like homemade happiness.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the donuts, lending them that classic, pillowy crumb.
• Oat flour: For a bit of heartiness and a gently nutty flavor; you can easily make this at home from old-fashioned oats!
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to warming up every bite with unforgettable fall flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Boosts the coziness factor and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
• Baking powder: Gives the donuts their rise and lightness.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the powder for extra lift and the perfect texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Large egg (at room temperature): Binds everything together and helps the donuts stay moist.
• Light brown sugar: Adds both sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
• Oil: Keeps the donuts exceptionally tender; use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the overall flavor for that familiar bakery feel.
• Canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—choose pure pumpkin with no added sugar or spice.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for the silky-sweet maple glaze.
• Pure maple syrup: Instantly upgrades the glaze with autumnal sweetness and depth.
• Dark corn syrup: Gives the glaze a glossy sheen and perfect consistency.
• Water: Just a splash to adjust your glaze texture.
• Ground cinnamon (for glaze): A final nod to those glorious pumpkin spice flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Ready the Oven and Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). A properly preheated oven ensures your Pumpkin Donuts bake up light and fluffy. Give your mini donut pan a generous coating of cooking spray so the donuts release cleanly after baking. Set the pan aside so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking well here distributes all those spices and leaveners evenly, which means no clumps and perfectly spiced Pumpkin Donuts every time.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin. The mixture will be rich, smooth, and deeply fragrant—the ideal base for our donut batter.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry. Using a whisk or sturdy spatula, mix until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Your goal is a thick, luscious batter that holds together but isn’t overmixed—think “just right” so the donuts bake up soft, not tough.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon your batter into a large piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) for maximum neatness. Pipe it into each well of the prepared donut pan, filling just about halfway. This is the secret to getting donuts with that classic, even rise, and beautifully rounded tops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Pumpkin Donuts for 6-7 minutes. They’re done when they spring back lightly to a touch, or a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t overbake—these are meant to stay tender and moist! Transfer the baked donuts to a wire rack to cool down while you dream of glaze.

Step 7: Mix the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and a sprinkle of cinnamon until smooth and luscious. Place the rack of cooled Pumpkin Donuts over a baking sheet (for easy cleanup), then dip the top of each donut into the glaze and twist to coat. Let them rest on the rack so the glaze can set—a little patience will make them picture-perfect.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

For an extra touch, shower your glazed donuts with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a few chopped toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A pinch of nutmeg or candied ginger takes the cozy flavor up a notch and adds irresistible aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve Pumpkin Donuts alongside a steaming mug of chai tea, hot apple cider, or rich coffee—you absolutely can’t go wrong. If you’re hosting brunch, pile them onto a platter with fresh fruit or Greek yogurt for a well-rounded spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Pumpkin Donuts high on a rustic cake stand, skewer them for a donut tower centerpiece, or tuck them into mini treat bags for gifting. You can even scoop a little vanilla ice cream alongside for a surprise dessert partnership—donut sundae, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pumpkin Donuts left (not likely, but just in case), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps keep them moist and flavorful, though they’re freshest on day one.

Freezing

To freeze, skip the glaze and let the donuts cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, press out any air, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then glaze as usual for a “fresh baked” feel.

Reheating

Warm leftover Pumpkin Donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a 300-degree oven for 3-5 minutes. If already glazed, reheat gently to keep the topping smooth. Freshly warmed donuts taste like they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use only all-purpose flour if I don’t have oat flour?

Absolutely! Just swap in the same amount of all-purpose flour for a slightly more classic crumb—your Pumpkin Donuts will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?

Yes, for this recipe, they’re the same—just be sure you’re using pure pumpkin with no added spices or sugar. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.

Can I make these Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

You can try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of both the all-purpose and oat flour. Results might vary slightly, but it’s worth a shot for a gluten-free treat!

Will this recipe work in a regular-sized donut pan?

Yes, but you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

What’s the best way to get the glaze on evenly?

Dip the tops of the donuts straight into the glaze, twist slightly, and let excess drip off. Placing the donuts on a rack set over parchment keeps any drips tidy and ensures an even, gorgeous coating.

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving warm, spiced flavors and homemade comfort, you just can’t beat these Pumpkin Donuts. I hope you’re inspired to try them soon—trust me, your kitchen (and every lucky taste-tester) will thank you!

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