Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

There is something magically comforting about Pumpkin Donuts that feel like a warm hug in every bite. These fluffy, golden treats capture the essence of autumn with their tender texture and that beautiful blend of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Each donut is perfectly fried to a delicate crisp on the outside while staying soft and moist inside, kissed with a luscious maple cinnamon glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and spice. Whether you are welcoming the pumpkin season or simply craving a cozy, irresistible snack, these Pumpkin Donuts are bound to become a new favorite you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible Pumpkin Donuts. Each component plays a vital role—from the flour for structure, the pumpkin for moistness and that iconic flavor, to the perfectly spiced sugar blend that makes every bite sing. These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully to create a true fall delight.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base and structure for soft yet sturdy donuts.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
• Baking powder: Gives the donuts a lovely rise and light texture.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses that classic fall warmth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
• Pure pumpkin: The star ingredient for moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable autumn vibe.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, helping the donuts stay soft and fluffy.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and enrich the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and a subtle buttery flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth and enhances the sweetness naturally.
• Canola oil: Ideal for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the glaze; it melts smoothly and adds that cloud-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the maple glaze, boosting the fall flavor profile.
• Pure maple syrup: Brings a rich, distinct sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Whole milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for the perfect drip and coat.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by setting up three baking sheets: one lined with parchment paper for the raw donuts, one with paper towels for draining oil, and a third with a wire rack where the glazed donuts will cool. Having these ready helps your process go smoothly. Then, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—in a large bowl. Separately, mix the wet ingredients including pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently by hand until just combined. You want a smooth dough without overmixing, which keeps these donuts tender. Don’t be alarmed if the batter feels a bit thick—that’s exactly what you want for shaping donuts.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Donuts

Flour your work surface generously and roll out the dough to about half an inch thickness. The key here is uniformity so your donuts cook evenly. Use a donut cutter if you have one or get creative with household items like a round glass for the outer shape and a bottle cap for the hole. This classic step is part of the fun and anticipation!

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for about 45 seconds on each side until beautifully golden. This quick fry locks in moisture and creates that irresistible crispy edge. Remove the donuts carefully and let them rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Glaze with Maple Cinnamon Goodness

While the donuts are still warm, dunk one side into the maple cinnamon glaze and let the excess drip off. This glaze is smooth and sweet with a gentle spice kick that perfectly complements the pumpkin inside. Set the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the coating to set, sealing in the flavors and creating a shiny, scrumptious finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

To elevate your Pumpkin Donuts, try sprinkling them with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or finely chopped toasted pecans. A dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup can add delightful texture and sparkle, making these treats look as charming as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin Donuts with a hot cup of spiced coffee or chai tea to accentuate those cozy fall flavors. Fresh sliced apples or a bowl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt also make for refreshing sides that complement the rich, warm notes of the donuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden board or tiered dessert stand for an inviting display at brunch or holiday gatherings. For an extra wow factor, serve them alongside small bowls of whipped cream and extra glaze for dipping. These little touches turn eating donuts into an experience worth savoring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because Pumpkin Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They stay good for up to two days at room temperature, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast pick-me-up the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, they maintain quality for up to one month, making them a fantastic treat to prepare ahead of busy days or festive occasions.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer warmth, simply microwave the donuts for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. The warming process softens them and revives that tender, melt-in-your-mouth appeal that makes Pumpkin Donuts so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I bake these Pumpkin Donuts instead of frying?

Yes! While frying gives the donuts their classic crisp exterior, you can bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes if you prefer a lighter, less oily version. Just be sure to grease your donut pan well and keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes works perfectly as a substitute. This adds the necessary acidity to tenderize the donuts and enrich the flavor.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

Not quite. Use pure canned pumpkin, which is just mashed pumpkin without added spices or sugar, to ensure your donuts have the right texture and flavor. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional sweeteners and spices that can affect the outcome.

Can I use another oil besides canola for frying?

Absolutely! Oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil are also great for frying donuts. Just avoid olive oil as its flavor is often too strong and its smoke point too low for deep frying.

How long should I let the maple cinnamon glaze set?

Give the glaze at least 20 minutes to set at room temperature. This allows it to firm up slightly for a beautiful finish without being sticky or messy. If you’re in a hurry, placing the donuts in the fridge for a short time helps speed up the process.

Final Thoughts

There’s a joyful magic in making and sharing Pumpkin Donuts that brings a little extra warmth and sweetness to any day. They’re wonderfully aromatic, tender, and coated with just the right amount of maple cinnamon glaze to feel indulgent without being overpowering. Trust me, once you make these at home, you’ll find yourself reaching for them with every seasonal craving. So, dust off your donut cutter and fry up a batch—the delicious world of Pumpkin Donuts awaits you!

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