Name: Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups (235g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 3/4 cup (150g) packed light-brown sugar (broken up with fingertips); 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil); 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups (340g) canned pumpkin puree; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, this Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe will become your new favorite baking adventure. Soft, tender, and spiced just right with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these doughnuts bring all the warm pumpkin goodness we crave with every bite. Whether for a festive breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, these doughnuts are easy to whip up, bursting with seasonal flavor, and finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, smooth orange batter, showing texture with small lumps. A black spatula is partially dipped into the batter, lifting some of it, creating wavy lines with a shiny, creamy look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The photo has soft natural light and a close-up view capturing the bowl from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of texture, spice, and pumpkin-rich flavor, making the doughnuts moist and aromatic without overwhelming the palate.

All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups): The base of our doughnuts, providing structure and lightness.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the doughnuts rise beautifully to a tender crumb.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making the spices and pumpkin shine.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp + 1 tsp for coating): Adds warmth and a signature spice note both inside and on top.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp), ginger (1/4 tsp), cloves (1/8 tsp): These classic fall spices blend perfectly to create the nostalgic pumpkin spice experience.
Light-brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings moistness and deep molasses flavor to the dough.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup for coating): Balances sweetness and helps create a crisp cinnamon sugar finish.
Canola oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the doughnuts tender and moist without overpowering the flavors.
Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients while adding richness.
Canned pumpkin puree (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient providing that delicious pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle sweetness and aroma.

How to Make Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Mix

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential to ensure your doughnuts bake evenly and rise perfectly. Next, whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — in a bowl. Creating a well in the center will make it easier to combine with the wet ingredients later on, keeping your mixing process smooth and mess-free.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This mixture is the heart of your doughnuts, packed with sweet and spicy flavors that make each bite irresistibly moist and tender.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently

Add the dry flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Gently fold everything together using a silicone spatula until just combined, making sure there are no streaks of flour remaining. It’s okay if the batter looks slightly lumpy — overmixing could make the doughnuts tough, and we want soft and fluffy instead!

Step 4: Fill Your Doughnut Pans

Lightly spray your doughnut pans, which should have a total of 18 wells for this recipe. Spoon or pipe the batter into each well, filling about three-quarters full to allow room for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut can help keep the process neat and even.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the doughnut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool slightly while you prepare the delightful cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Whisk the coating sugar and cinnamon together in a container. Slightly warm doughnuts are ideal for this step — simply add one to the container at a time, cover, and shake to coat evenly. If the sugar isn’t sticking well, a light spray of non-stick cooking spray on the doughnuts before coating will do the trick, giving you that perfect sparkling finish.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Transfer the coated doughnuts to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store these pumpkin treasures in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and softness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe

A white speckled plate sits on top of a folded light blue cloth on a white marbled surface, holding three round, sugar-coated pumpkin donuts with a soft orange-brown texture. One donut is broken into two pieces showing its moist interior. A clear glass cup filled with black coffee is placed on the plate, slightly behind the donuts, with condensation inside the glass. In the background, there is a stack of similar donuts and small decorative pumpkins in white and orange colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic cinnamon sugar coating is divine, but you can always get creative! Dust your doughnuts with powdered sugar for a delicate touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, or even sandwich cream cheese frosting between two doughnuts for an indulgent twist.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte. Adding fresh fruit like sliced apples or a bowl of mixed berries offers a fresh contrast to the spices, making for a well-rounded fall-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pumpkin doughnuts on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with cinnamon or autumn leaves for that seasonal vibe. For brunch parties, arrange them in a wreath shape on a large platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an elegant, festive touch that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pumpkin doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out, perfect for enjoying later without sacrificing freshness.

Freezing

Pumpkin doughnuts freeze wonderfully. Place cooled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your favorite fall treat any time of year after just a quick thaw.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your doughnuts in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and awakens all the cozy pumpkin spice notes you love.

FAQs

Can I substitute the canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just roast pumpkin cubes until tender, then puree until smooth. Keep in mind fresh puree may have slightly more moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to get the right batter consistency.

Do I have to use a doughnut pan?

A doughnut pan is ideal for the shape and texture these doughnuts require, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for pumpkin muffins or shape fritters to fry them instead. The flavor stays just as delicious!

Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to give your doughnuts the right structure.

Are these doughnuts healthy?

While these pumpkin doughnuts are a seasonal treat, pumpkin puree adds vitamins and fiber, and using oil instead of butter keeps them moist yet lighter. Moderation is key, but they make a wonderful way to enjoy fall flavors guilt-free.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add a nice texture and flavor dimension. Fold them gently into the batter before filling the pans, but don’t overmix to keep the doughnuts tender.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Doughnuts Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. It’s simple enough to make any weekend special and impressive enough to share with friends and family. I hope you give these doughnuts a try and enjoy every spiced, fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite as much as I do!