If you are ready to fall head over heels for a cozy autumn treat, this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar with a tender, moist texture that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a festive dessert, or a seasonal snack, these donuts bring that rich pumpkin pie vibe wrapped up in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced coating. Plus, they’re quick to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family on chilly mornings or lazy afternoons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the smooth pumpkin puree that adds richness and moisture to the pumpkin spice mix that gives those classic fall tones, every element is essential.
- 1 cup + 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft, yet sturdy donuts.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and spices.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to bring the perfect autumn aroma.
- 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree: Moistens the batter and delivers that classic pumpkin taste.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the donuts.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter just the right consistency for a tender crumb.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Used to help the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly.
- 1 cup sugar (for topping): Coats the donuts to add a sweet crunch.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for topping): Gives the donuts a warm, spicy finish that makes them irresistible.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your donut pan thoroughly. This prep step ensures your donuts will bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and your fragrant pumpkin spice. This blend of dry ingredients creates the perfect base with all the flavors that spring to life once baked.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin pie puree, melted unsalted butter, and milk until smooth. This wet mixture doesn’t just add pumpkin flavor; it keeps the donuts soft and moist.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your wet pumpkin mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. The key here is not to overmix, which could make the donuts dense instead of tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. This ensures they rise properly and hold their shape without overflowing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is simply delicious and will have your kitchen smelling like autumn bliss.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, brush each one generously with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. This step is where the magic happens, giving the donuts that irresistible, crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
You can enhance your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe by sprinkling them with a little extra cinnamon on top or adding a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweet, decadent finish. Chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar also make delightful garnishes that add a lovely texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These donuts are fabulous on their own but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte takes the experience to another level. For something heartier, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or warm apple compote to complement the pumpkin flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around. Stack them in a pyramid shape for a charming centerpiece or place each donut in a small paper cup with a cinnamon stick for an inviting presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and flavorful, but be sure to consume them quickly because they are best eaten fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making them perfect for a quick treat anytime you crave fall flavors.
Reheating
To revive your frozen donuts, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven until heated through. This step brings back their soft texture and melts the sugar topping just enough for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is exactly what the recipe calls for and works perfectly to give you that authentic pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
Do I need a special donut pan to make these?
A donut pan helps shape the donuts perfectly and ensures even baking, but if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and adjust the bake time slightly for a different shape.
Can I make these donuts vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make these donuts suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
Can I bake these as muffins instead of donuts?
Definitely! The batter is versatile and will work well baked as muffins—just fill your muffin cups halfway and keep an eye on the baking time.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously grease your donut pan or use a non-stick baking spray before adding the batter. Letting the donuts cool slightly before removing helps them come out smoothly without breaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about making and savoring a batch of these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe. They capture the essence of fall in every bite, combining spice, sweetness, and pumpkin goodness with a cinnamon sugar crunch that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple weekday treat, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Get ready to enjoy plenty of smiles and happy requests for seconds!
Print
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are soft, moist, and infused with warm pumpkin spice flavor, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Made with pumpkin puree and cinnamon sugar topping, they offer a sweet and spiced treat that’s easy to bake at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 cup sugar (for topping)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to ensure the donuts do not stick.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice until well combined, creating a flavorful dry base.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the pumpkin pie puree, melted unsalted butter, and milk until evenly blended, ensuring a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts light and tender.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about halfway to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Apply the cinnamon sugar coating: Let the donuts cool slightly until they are warm but manageable. Brush each donut generously with melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to coat thoroughly for a sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Use pumpkin pie puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor and texture.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure not to overfill the donut pan to prevent overflowing during baking.
- Cooling slightly before coating prevents the cinnamon sugar from melting off.
