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Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Delight in these homemade pumpkin donuts, perfectly spiced and fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a luscious maple cinnamon glaze. This recipe blends the warmth of pumpkin pie spice with a sweet, smooth glaze, making a perfect treat for fall or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Donuts

  • 3½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (245 g) pure pumpkin
  • ½ cup (122.5 g) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Canola oil, for frying

Maple Cinnamon Glaze

  • 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2–4 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking sheets: Line three baking sheets — one with parchment paper, one with paper towels, and one with a wire rack — and set aside for use at different stages of the donut-making process.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the pure pumpkin, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then stir gently by hand until the dough is just combined without overmixing.
  5. Roll out dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness, adding more flour underneath as needed to prevent sticking. This thickness allows the donuts to puff nicely when fried.
  6. Cut donut shapes: Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch round tool (like a kitchen glass) for the outer ring and a smaller tool (like a bottle cap) for the hole. Place the cut donuts on the parchment-lined baking sheet while you prepare the glaze.
  7. Make maple cinnamon glaze: In a medium to large bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of room temperature whole milk. Adjust milk quantity to achieve a glaze that is smooth and has the consistency of corn syrup, smooth but not too runny.
  8. Heat oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 2 to 3 inches of canola oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor temperature accurately.
  9. Fry the donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for 45 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown, flipping midway with a slotted spoon or tongs.
  10. Drain donuts: Remove the donuts using a hand-held strainer and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  11. Glaze the donuts: While still warm, dip one side of each donut into the maple cinnamon glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip back into the bowl. Transfer glazed donuts to the wire rack-lined baking sheet to set the glaze without pooling.
  12. Store properly: Store donuts in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and consume within two days for optimal freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying to achieve a perfect golden crust without absorbing excess oil.
  • Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing; if too hot, the glaze may become too runny and drip excessively.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk gradually.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for best flavor; canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative but avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
  • Fry donuts in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin donuts, fried donuts, maple cinnamon glaze, fall desserts, pumpkin recipes, homemade donuts

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/pumpkin-donuts-recipe/