Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe 🍩🎃
There’s something magical about the warm, spiced aroma of Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts wafting through the house. These donuts are the perfect blend of fall flavors—delicately sweet, moist, and rolled in a comforting cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for an autumn brunch or just treating yourself to a cozy weekend indulgence, these donuts bring a sense of calm and warmth with every bite. The subtle spice and pumpkin notes in these soft, baked donuts will leave your kitchen smelling divine and your heart full of joy.
Ingredients Overview
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): This is the foundation of the donuts, providing structure and lightness.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy, giving them that perfect airy texture.
- Salt (½ tsp): A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances the spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the fall flavors.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp): Gives a subtle, earthy note, complementing the pumpkin.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the batter and creates a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the donuts moist and soft, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Eggs (2 large): Acts as a binding agent and gives the donuts their soft, cake-like texture.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): This not only brings the delicious flavor of pumpkin but also adds moisture, making the donuts perfectly soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A touch of vanilla adds depth to the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease your donut pan. Proper greasing ensures easy release and keeps your donuts looking picture-perfect.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the spices, ensuring every donut is packed with flavor.
Helpful Tip: For extra fluffiness, sift your flour before measuring to prevent clumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a beautiful orange hue.
Helpful Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter and better texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your donuts stay soft and tender.
Helpful Tip: Fold the ingredients with a spatula rather than using a mixer to avoid overworking the dough.
Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This leaves room for the donuts to rise and ensures an even bake.
Helpful Tip: Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off to neatly fill the donut cavities without mess.
Bake the Donuts
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
Helpful Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking and a consistent golden color.
Cool the Donuts
Allow the donuts to cool slightly in the pan before removing them. Gently run a butter knife around the edges if needed to loosen them.
Helpful Tip: Cool the donuts on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together some cinnamon and sugar. While the donuts are still warm, gently dip each donut into the mixture, coating it evenly. This gives the donuts their irresistible sweet and spicy finish.
Helpful Tip: If you prefer a thicker coating, lightly brush the donuts with melted butter before dipping them in the cinnamon sugar.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: These donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the taste and texture of the donuts.
2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or canola oil for similar results.
3. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
4. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Ensure that you generously grease the donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
5. Can I make these donuts vegan?
Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free substitutes for the butter and cream.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in denser donuts.
7. What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin; the donuts will be shaped like muffins but will taste just as good.
8. How can I add extra flavor to the donuts?
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for more warmth.
9. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without sacrificing too much sweetness.
10. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
11. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure to puree and drain your fresh pumpkin to remove excess moisture.
12. What type of brown sugar should I use?
Light or dark brown sugar will both work, but dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor
