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Pumpkin Spice Donuts | Cozy Homemade Fall Treat

Nothing says fall quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice donuts. Soft, fluffy, and packed with cozy pumpkin flavor, these donuts are a must-bake treat for autumn mornings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving dessert tables. Each bite is filled with warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a buttery finish. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. These baked donuts are easy to make — no frying required! With simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them a family favorite for busy fall days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup cinnamon sugar for coating

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Donut pan (for baking)
  • Pastry brush (optional, for butter coating)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
    Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
      Step 3: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, melted butter, and milk until smooth.
        Step 4: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Do not overmix.
          Step 5: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
            Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
              Step 7: Remove from the oven and let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
                Step 8: While still warm, brush each donut lightly with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
                  Step 9: Serve warm with coffee, cider, or hot cocoa!

                    Notes

                    🧊 Storage & Reheating
                    Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
                    Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days for longer freshness.
                    Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
                    Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.
                    🥄 Variations
                    Glazed donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip cooled donuts in a vanilla glaze.
                    Chocolate pumpkin donuts: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter.
                    Maple twist: Drizzle donuts with maple glaze instead of rolling in sugar.
                    Mini donuts: Bake in a mini donut pan for bite-sized versions.
                    Stuffed donuts: Pipe cream cheese frosting inside for extra indulgence.
                    ❓ 10 FAQs
                    Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
                    – No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices. Use plain puree.
                    Do I need a donut pan?
                    – It helps, but you can bake in a muffin pan instead.
                    Can I fry these donuts?
                    – This recipe is designed for baking, not frying.
                    What milk works best?
                    – Any milk works — whole, skim, or even dairy-free alternatives.
                    Do these donuts rise a lot?
                    – Yes, so only fill each cavity ¾ full.
                    Can I double the recipe?
                    – Absolutely, just bake in batches.
                    Can I reduce the butter?
                    – Yes, replace half with applesauce for a lighter version.
                    Can I make them vegan?
                    – Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk.
                    What spices are in pumpkin pie spice?
                    – Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
                    Do they taste better warm or cold?
                    – Warm is best, especially with the cinnamon sugar coating.
                    🏁 Conclusion
                    These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the ultimate fall treat — soft, fluffy, and coated in cozy cinnamon sugar. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring seasonal cheer to your home. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving desserts, or just a sweet breakfast with coffee, these donuts are a must-make for pumpkin lovers.