Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’ve ever craved something that tastes like crisp autumn mornings, this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is your golden ticket. I still remember the first time I baked these donuts — it was one of those chilly Saturdays when the leaves were swirling outside and the scent of cinnamon practically danced through the kitchen. I had leftover pumpkin purée from a pie that never happened, so I whipped up a batch of baked pumpkin donuts on a whim. The result? Pure cozy magic.

Now, every year when fall rolls around, these donuts are the first treat I make — no mixer needed, no deep frying, just soft, fluffy pumpkin goodness baked in the oven and rolled in cinnamon sugar. If you’re looking for a foolproof, feel-good treat, this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe will wrap your kitchen in warmth faster than your favorite flannel.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe because it’s quick, reliable, and doesn’t require fancy equipment. No standing over hot oil or waiting for dough to rise — just mix, bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar.

It’s perfect for beginner bakers and busy fall mornings. With just 25 minutes total time, you’ll have a dozen soft, tender donuts on your table before your coffee even cools.

The flavors are classic and comforting: real pumpkin, warm spices, and that irresistible sugar crunch.

It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Bring them to brunch, bake them for school snacks, or just keep them tucked in a tin for those cozy evening cravings.

Oh, and did I mention your kitchen will smell like heaven?

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Ingredient Overview

This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe leans into fall flavor and simplicity. It’s all about pantry staples and pumpkin magic — no yeast, no mess.

• Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show. It adds moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden hue.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A shortcut to that warm, nostalgic aroma — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove all in one.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps these donuts light and tender without any butter fuss.

• Eggs: Add richness and structure, helping the donuts rise beautifully.

• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and doubles down in the cinnamon-sugar coating.

• Baking Powder: No yeast here — just a touch of lift to keep things soft and cake-like.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a hint of sweetness and depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to hold everything together while keeping the texture fluffy.

• Cinnamon & Sugar Coating: Adds sparkle, crunch, and that bakery-style finish.

Styling tip: Let them cool slightly before rolling in the cinnamon sugar — it helps the coating stick just right without melting off.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray your donut pan with nonstick spray so those beauties pop right out when they’re done. For this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe, I use a standard nonstick 12-well donut pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup pumpkin purée. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and stir until everything looks smooth and silky. These are the flavor foundations of our Pumpkin Donuts Recipe — simple, comforting, and autumn-perfect.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Leavening

Now sprinkle in 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir them in gently. The pumpkin pie spice brings those familiar cozy vibes that make this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe taste like fall in every bite.

Step 4: Stir in the Flour

Slowly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir until no dry patches remain — don’t overmix or your donuts might lose their tender crumb. Tip: The batter should be thick but scoopable, not pourable.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into your donut wells, filling each about 3/4 full. A piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut off) makes this job easier and neater — and keeps the holes in your Pumpkin Donuts Recipe looking lovely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes. They’re done when the tops spring back lightly to the touch. Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon dream.

Step 7: Let Cool and Coat

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a rack to cool slightly. While they’re still warm, place one donut at a time into a cinnamon-sugar mixture (3 tablespoons sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon) and gently shake to coat. That sweet crunch is a hallmark of this baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe.

Pro Tips

Want to make this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe even better? Here are a few tips straight from my own baking trials — and errors.

Use a piping bag to fill your donut wells. It keeps things tidy and ensures even portions. No bag? A zip-top bag with the corner snipped works just fine.

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing toughens the donuts and dulls that fluffy texture you’re aiming for in a good Pumpkin Donuts Recipe.

Try baking them the night before and reheating for 8 seconds in the microwave. They’ll taste freshly baked and save you morning prep time.

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer life, pop them in the freezer — just don’t sugar-coat them first. Coat after thawing.

If you’re a texture lover like me, try dusting them with extra cinnamon sugar right before serving for a bit of sparkle and crunch.

Want another cozy treat idea? My Pumpkin Muffins Recipe is soft, spiced, and freezer-friendly too!

Variations

This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is a fall classic, but it also welcomes a little creativity in your kitchen.

Add a chocolate glaze. Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip warm donuts into melted dark chocolate with a touch of pumpkin pie spice stirred in.

Make it gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These donuts still come out soft and pillowy.

Want extra richness? Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter or sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for depth.

For a maple twist, drizzle with maple glaze: just whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and a dash of milk until pourable.

If you’re serving a crowd, pair with a fall-friendly dip like this fluffy Pumpkin Fluff Dip. It’s like dunking your donut into a pumpkin cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These baked beauties are versatile enough for a cozy breakfast or a sweet midday snack. I love pairing this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe with something creamy and warm — think a spiced latte or a frothy fall drink. If you’re making brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for balance.

For a sweet moment of indulgence, enjoy one with a warm mug of Pumpkin Chai Latte. The spices echo beautifully and it’s the kind of combo that makes you slow down and savor.

Hosting a fall gathering? Arrange these donuts on a platter with a side of whipped cream cheese dip or apple butter. They’re a sure-fire conversation starter at any pumpkin party.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless about this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe — it brings comfort, simplicity, and just the right hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re making these for little hands after school or gifting a dozen to a neighbor, they carry that homemade love in every bite.

And the best part? No fryer, no fuss, just sweet satisfaction that celebrates pumpkin season in the most delicious way.

If you’re craving more cozy autumn desserts, be sure to peek at my go-to Pumpkin Desserts — it’s a treasure trove of cinnamon, spice, and everything nice.

Try this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe and let your kitchen fill with fall. Leave a comment below and tell me how yours turned out! I’d love to hear your spin on it.

Tag your homemade creations on social — we’re always sharing cozy food moments over on Pinterest and beyond (opens in new tab, nofollow). Let’s keep the pumpkin joy flowing!

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!