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- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade) - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar I use pumpkin puree to add moisture and flavor. It gives the donuts that rich, fall taste. You can use canned pumpkin or make your own. Just cook and mash fresh pumpkin. The all-purpose flour provides structure. The sugars add sweetness and help with the donut's lovely texture. - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. They create that fluffy texture we love. Ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give flavor. They bring warmth and spice to each bite. You can adjust the spices to your taste. If you love nutmeg, add more! - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup melted butter (for coating) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating) Vegetable oil keeps the donuts moist. Eggs help bind everything together. They also help the donuts rise. Vanilla extract adds a sweet depth. For the coating, melted butter makes the sugar stick well. Mixing sugar and cinnamon for the coating makes each donut irresistible! First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is key to baking the donuts evenly. Next, lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. This helps the donuts pop out easily when they are done. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure you mix well. You want to avoid any lumps in the dry mix. A smooth mixture leads to better donuts. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This creates a rich flavor that blends well with the dry ingredients. A smooth consistency makes for a better donut texture. Now, it's time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Gradually fold the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a spatula to gently combine them. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, which we want to avoid. To fill the donut pan, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity. Fill them about two-thirds full. This gives enough room for the donuts to rise. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. It should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the donuts cool, create the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Once the donuts are cool, dip each donut in melted butter. Then, roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it is well coated. This gives your donuts a sweet and spicy finish. To make the best pumpkin donuts, you must avoid overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix until you see no dry flour. It’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy. The temperature of your ingredients matters too. Use room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree. Cold ingredients can make your donuts dense. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. Checking for doneness is simple. When the donuts bake for 10 to 12 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. If it has wet batter, bake them a few more minutes. If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the baking time. Donuts may need less time in the oven. Keep a close eye on them as they bake. You want them golden brown, not too dark. For a stunning look, plate your donuts creatively. Use a decorative plate or a tiered stand. This makes them stand out at any gathering. Consider garnishing with more cinnamon sugar on top. A dollop of whipped cream adds a fun touch. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts for extra texture. These small touches can enhance the visual appeal and make your donuts even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of these donuts. Adding chocolate chips gives a rich taste. You can use any type of chocolate chips you love. Nuts add a nice crunch too. Walnuts or pecans work well in this recipe. You can swap spices to create different tastes. Try cardamom or allspice for a unique twist. A pinch of cloves can also spice things up. Each variation makes these donuts special and fun. Want to make these donuts healthier? You can use gluten-free flour as a great swap. Almond flour or coconut flour can work well. These options keep the donuts tasty while catering to dietary needs. Reducing sugar is another smart choice. You can cut the sugar in half or switch to honey. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup also work nicely. These changes keep the flavor while making them better for you. Making these donuts vegan is easy. You can replace the eggs with applesauce or mashed bananas. About 1/4 cup of either works great. For dairy, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Coconut oil is a good swap for butter too. These simple changes let everyone enjoy these donuts, no matter their diet. To keep your pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This will keep the donuts soft and delicious. Recommended storage containers: - Plastic storage containers with tight lids - Zip-top bags - Glass jars with seals Freezing is a great way to save your donuts for later. Start by letting them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. Thawing and reheating tips: - To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. - For a warm treat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. These donuts taste best when fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. After that, store them in the fridge for three to five days. Signs of spoilage: - Look for mold or an off smell. - Check for dryness or hard texture. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin has more moisture than canned. This can affect the texture of your donuts. Canned pumpkin gives a more consistent flavor and moisture. If using fresh, make sure to cook and puree it well. Drain extra liquid to keep your donuts from being too wet. To tell if your donuts are done, do the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a couple more minutes. Keep an eye on the time, but always check with a toothpick. If you want a vegan version, there are many egg substitutes. You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. Another option is 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the mix. Yes, you can bake them without a donut pan. You can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill it about two-thirds full. Bake for about 15-18 minutes instead of 10-12. The donuts will be thicker but still taste great. To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay best at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They last for about three months in the freezer. You now know how to make delicious pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts. We covered the key ingredients, including pumpkin puree and spices. I walked you through step-by-step instructions for mixing, baking, and cooling them. You learned helpful tips for texture and storage, plus ways to customize. Finally, I shared variations and vegan options. Making these donuts can be fun and tasty for everyone. Enjoy your baking journey and savor each bite!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! These soft, spiced treats are made with wholesome pumpkin puree and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, perfect for fall. With a quick prep time, you can enjoy these delicious homemade donuts in just 30 minutes. Don't miss out on this seasonal delight—click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup melted butter (for coating)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Make sure all ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

      In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform in consistency.

        Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this may result in denser donuts.

          To fill the donut pan, transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full to allow for rising.

            Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when they are ready.

              Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling completely.

                While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until well combined.

                  Once cooled, dip each donut first into the melted butter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate or use a tiered stand for an elegant display. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar over the tops, or add a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful garnish.