Name: Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.75 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg

What is pumpkin spice? I know some people think it’s “basic” but honestly? I’m a sucker for it. What’s better than a donut? Is pumpkin spice better than regular donuts? What are some of the best coffees you get in a fancy coffee shop? They remind me of crisp autumn mornings, the smell of leaves burning, and cozying up with a good book. If you’re a fan of apple cider donuts, just imagine that but with roasted pumpkin twist and pumpkin spice. What are some of the best games to play with this one?

What is pumpkin spice donuts?

What are some of the best donuts you have ever had? Think of them as little pillows of autumnal goodness. Is it healthy to bake a potato instead of frying it? ), and they’re packed with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. What’s a pumpkin pie in donut form? Is pumpkin pie bad for you? Is there a chance that they’ll be close second?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to make pumpkin spice donuts? What are some of my favorite songs? First, the flavor is absolutely amazing. The pumpkin, spices, and glaze create this perfect balance of sweet and savory that’s just… *chef’s*. What is that comforting taste that you crave on a chilly day? Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make! I know, baking can sometimes seem intimidating, but this recipe is super straightforward, and I love it. Is it possible for a beginner baker to nail it? I made these with my nieces and nephews, and they love helping out. What I love most about this is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No need to run to a specialty store for obscure spices! It’s also really budget-friendly. What’s your favorite spice? Add cayenne pepper! What are some of the best ways to get a chocolate kick? What is a good alternative to traditional yeast donuts? Do you want to deal with frying? They’re lighter and a bit healthier, but they still hit that donut craving right on the head!

How do you make pumpkin spice donuts?

Quick Overview

How do you make pumpkin spice donuts? How do you mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients, and bake them? How do I make a donut pan? Make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled donuts. What’s the hardest part about waiting for them to cool down enough to eat? One thing that sets this method apart is that we’re using a specific blend of spices that really works. What is the best way to enhance pumpkin flavor? Is it worth measuring them out?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but regular works great too.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh! Old baking will result in flat donuts.
What is the best way to make donuts with baking soda?
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: For that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way – don’t overdo it!
* 1 cup granulated sugar: You can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
If you’re making pumpkin pie filling, make sure it’s pumpkin puree.
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
* 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
* 1/2 cup buttermilk: This makes the donuts extra moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or water. How do you add vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes?

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze.
* 1/4 cup milk: You can use any kind of milk, but I prefer whole milk for a richer glaze.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan really well. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or shortening. How do I get into all the nooks and crannies of a donut? If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use an oven safe muffin tin. The muffins will not have the classic dot. Fill muffin cups with about 2/3 full.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Set aside. What are the benefits of ginger and clove Why is whisking important? It evenly distributes the baking powder and soda, which helps the donuts rise properly. If you just stir, you might end up with clumps of baking powder, which can result in unevenly baked.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. Make sure the pumpkin puree is smooth and there are no lumps. If your egg is cold, you can warm it up slightly by placing it in a bowl of warm water for several minutes. This helps it incorporate better into the batter.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough donuts. What should I do if I have a few lumps in my batter? If you accidentally overmix, don’t panic! Just let the batter rest for a few minutes before filling the donut pan. What is the best way to remove gluten from donuts?

What is the recipe for filling?

If this recipe doesn’t have a filling, we’ll skip this step and move on to the next! If you want to get creative, you could add a cream cheese filling or chocolate. What is ganache How do you pipe a donut into the center?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl (N/A – There’s no swirling in this recipe!)

(Again, no layering or swirling in this recipe, but you could totally add a streusel topping or an ice cream.) Sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking for a little extra somethin’.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag. How do you pipe batter into a donut pan? About 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. If they’re browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Donuts: Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack to cool. While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside. Donuts: Dip the cooled donut in the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to let the excess glaze dry out. How do you drizzle the glaze over donuts?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, you can slice the donuts in half (if you want!) and serve them. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh. for up to 2 days. I love to serve them with a cup of coffee or tea. What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ways to serve pumpkin spice donuts?For Breakfast:Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte (duh!). I like to arrange them on a pretty plate with sprigs of rosemary for an festive touch.For Brunch:Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. What is the best accompaniment to a Bellini or Mimosa?As Dessert:What are some great after-dinner treats? Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What is a good dessert wine?For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on road trips.
My family tradition is to make these every year on Thanksgiving morning. We all gather in the kitchen, and everyone helps out. It’s a fun and delicious way to start the holiday!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Okay, I’ve made these pumpkin spice donuts *a lot* over the years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s my best advice for perfecting your own batch:
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! I know I already said this, but it’s worth repeating. Overmixing will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. You can also substitute applesauce for the oil for a slightly healthier version. I’ve even used almond milk instead of buttermilk, and it turned out great!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the donuts while they’re baking. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! You can add different extracts, spices, or even a splash of bourbon for a boozy kick. I love adding a pinch of sea salt to the glaze to balance out the sweetness. You can also use different kinds of milk, like almond milk or coconut milk.
Oven Positioning: Make sure your oven rack is in the center position. This will help the donuts bake evenly. If your oven runs hot, you can lower the temperature by 25 degrees.
Spice Rack: Don’t be afraid to play with the spice ratios! If you love cinnamon, add a bit more. If you’re not a fan of cloves, reduce the amount. The key is to find a blend that you enjoy.
Lessons Learned: One time, I accidentally used baking powder instead of baking soda. The donuts turned out flat and dense. So, make sure you double-check your ingredients! Another time, I forgot to grease the donut pan properly. The donuts stuck to the pan and were a pain to remove. Learn from my mistakes!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These pumpkin spice donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them.
Refrigerator Storage: You can also store the donuts in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, they may become slightly drier. To prevent this, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing them in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the donuts, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. Add the glaze after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy. If you’re storing them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, you can glaze them before storing. But keep in mind that the glaze may become a bit sticky.
When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave is fine or they can be eaten cold as well. It’s really just a matter of preference. They never last long enough in my house to worry about freezing them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together and give the donuts a better texture. You may also need to add a little extra moisture, as gluten-free flours tend to be drier than regular flour. Start with an extra tablespoon of milk and add more as needed until the batter reaches the desired consistency. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the pumpkin?

You don’t need fresh pumpkin for this recipe! The recipe calls for pumpkin puree, which you can buy in a can. Make sure it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can roast your own pumpkin and make your own puree, but honestly, the canned stuff works just as well and saves a lot of time.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can easily make these as muffins. Just fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins will be slightly denser than the donuts, but they’ll still be delicious. You can also top them with the same glaze or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet donut, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by a couple of tablespoons. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will affect the flavor and texture of the donuts. For the glaze, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other options! You can dust the donuts with powdered sugar, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, or top them with a cream cheese frosting. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. Or, you can simply enjoy them plain! They’re delicious no matter what you do.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these pumpkin spice donuts are more than just a recipe – they’re a little slice of autumn happiness. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, I hope they bring a little bit of joy to your day. If you’re a fan of these, you might also want to check out my recipe for apple cider donuts or my pumpkin bread. Both are equally delicious and perfect for the fall season!
Happy baking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how your pumpkin spice donuts turned out. I can’t wait to hear your results – and if you put your own spin on them, definitely share it! I always love getting new ideas. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too!