Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Moist and fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, enjoying a cozy breakfast, or treating yourself to a sweet snack, these baked donuts are sure to impress. The delightful combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that stands out. Plus, they come together in just 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy choice for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These donuts are ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute brunch or snack.
- Baked Not Fried: Enjoy the lightness of baked donuts without the guilt of frying.
- Versatile Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and cinnamon offers a warm, comforting taste suitable for any season.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: With six servings, they’re great for sharing with family and friends during gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start whipping up these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut pan: This tool shapes your donuts perfectly and ensures they bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
Ingredients
Moist and fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar donuts are baked, not fried, and ready in just 20 minutes!
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (I used whole, but any type will do)
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
Additional Dry Ingredients (if using coconut oil)
- 1 cup + 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Additional Wet Ingredients (if using almond milk)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the donuts from sticking after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. All-purpose flour.
2. Light brown sugar.
3. Salt.
4. Baking powder.
5. Pumpkin spice.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
– Pumpkin pie puree,
– Melted unsalted butter,
– Milk (or almond milk if using).
Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing for fluffy donuts.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into each section of the donut pan about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake the Donuts
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until they spring back when touched lightly.
Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the donuts cool slightly on a wire rack, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Brush each donut with melted butter then dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your donut experience.
Pair with Coffee
- Enjoy your donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combination.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Top warm donuts with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and fluffy texture that complements the spices.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling maple syrup over your donuts before serving.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Serve alongside fresh apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts.
Create a Donut Sandwich
- Slice the donuts in half and fill them with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
To achieve the best Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, follow these simple tips for perfect results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh pumpkin puree and spices for maximum flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your donuts fluffy and tender.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking and optimal texture.
- Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in cinnamon sugar to prevent clumping.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like chocolate glaze or nuts for added flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great ideas:
- Greek Yogurt: A bowl of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast and can brighten up any meal.
- Savory Breakfast Burrito: Pairing with a savory burrito adds protein and heartiness to your breakfast spread.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mozzarella to create an interesting flavor profile.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal enhances the fall flavors, making it a cozy breakfast option.
- Chai Tea: Sip on chai tea for its spice notes that pair beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with granola offers texture and nutrition alongside your treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Incorrect measurement of flour – Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture of your donuts. Always use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not preheating the oven – Skipping this step can result in uneven baking. Make sure to preheat your oven before placing your donuts inside.
- Using old baking powder – Expired baking powder can prevent your donuts from rising properly. Check the expiration date and replace if necessary.
- Skipping the cooling time – Allowing your donuts to cool slightly before coating them in cinnamon sugar ensures better adherence of the topping. Be patient!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one donut at a time on medium power for about 15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts so special?
These donuts are special because they combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating, making them perfect for fall or any time you crave something cozy.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie puree?
Yes! You can use cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Are these donuts vegan?
You can easily make them vegan by replacing dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a glaze on top. Try this recipe today, and delight in how simple it is to create a delightful treat!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, a perfect treat for any occasion. These moist and fluffy baked donuts are quick to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or cozy gatherings. The irresistible blend of pumpkin and cinnamon spices creates a comforting flavor that embodies the essence of fall. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast, as a sweet snack, or during a festive celebration, these donuts are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk if using)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 cup sugar (for topping)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In one bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and milk until smooth.
- Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill the donut pan about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before brushing with melted butter and dipping in cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (45g)
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
