These cozy pumpkin spice donuts are fluffy, sweet, and perfect for fall! With warm spices and a hint of pumpkin, they are like a hug in dessert form.
Honestly, I can’t resist these treats! One bite, and I am back in my favorite sweater, sipping cider. Try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar on top—they’re even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. I find that using a mix of almond flour and oat flour works well too!
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the donuts and helps them brown. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and a hint of caramel. Just keep in mind that it may affect the color of the donuts!
Canned pumpkin puree: Pumpkin is key for that fall flavor and moisture. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can use freshly cooked and pureed pumpkin or even mashed sweet potatoes for a different twist!
Buttermilk: It gives the donuts a slight tang and helps them rise. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create that classic pumpkin spice flavor. If you want to simplify, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead—about 2 teaspoons should do!
How Do I Shape the Donuts Perfectly?
Shaping your donuts is a fun part of the process! Here’s how to get it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thick for a good rise.
- Use a donut cutter if you have one, or use two round cutters—one larger for the outer ring and one smaller for the hole.
- Don’t waste the scraps; gather, reroll, and cut out more donuts!
What’s the Best Way to Cook These Donuts?
You can either fry or bake the donuts, depending on your preference:
- Frying: Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few donuts at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels afterward.
- Baking: Preheat your oven and place the donuts on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. This method is healthier and still delicious!
Remember to enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as you bake these lovely pumpkin spice donuts!
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Vegetable oil for frying (if deep frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumbled Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup crushed spiced cookies or streusel crumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 10-15 minutes for either frying or baking. If you decide to add a glaze, set aside an additional 5 minutes for that. In total, you’ll be enjoying your warm pumpkin spice donuts in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and there are no lumps. In another bowl, blend the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts dense—aim for a slightly lumpy batter.
3. Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the outer part and one small for the hole) to carefully cut out donut shapes. Collect any scraps and reroll them to cut out more donuts.
4. Cook the Donuts:
– *Frying Method*: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Carefully remove them using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
– *Baking Method*: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the donuts on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. Coat the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each warm donut in the mixture until it’s well-coated in cinnamon sugar for that extra sweet crunch!
6. Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Dip the tops of your cooled donuts in the glaze and then place them on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
7. Finish with Topping (Optional):
To add a fun crunch, sprinkle the glazed donuts with crushed spiced cookies or streusel crumbs. This adds a nice texture and a boost of flavor!
8. Serve:
Your delicious pumpkin spice donuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature and share with friends and family or enjoy them all yourself—no judgment here!
With their cozy cinnamon-sugar coating and optional glaze, these donuts will surely become a fall favorite for everyone. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. About 1/2 cup of fresh pumpkin should work well, but remember to drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy dough.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
After your donuts have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the shaped donuts for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’ll be just as delicious!
What Are Some Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Feel free to experiment! Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for extra flavor. You can also try different spices—like allspice or cardamom—for a unique twist on the classic spices used in the recipe!