Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO thrilled to welcome you to Grill Drip, where every meal is an adventure in flavor. Get ready, because today, we’re diving headfirst into a recipe that’s pure comfort food magic: Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts!
I remember the first time I made these. It was a late-night kitchen experiment gone deliciously right. I had some leftover pumpkin puree from another recipe and a serious craving for something sweet and comforting. The result was a batch of Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts so good, I did a little happy dance right there in my kitchen!
These aren’t your average donuts; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite. The warm spice of cinnamon, the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, and that irresistible crunch of cinnamon sugar… it’s a combination that’s simply heavenly. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy all that deliciousness without the guilt!
What I love most about these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is how they turn an ordinary morning into something special. Seriously, these bring joy! The aroma alone is enough to make everyone in the house smile. Ready to join me on this delicious adventure? Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ingredient list is all about those cozy flavors that make fall so amazing! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our baked pumpkin donuts.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the donuts a little extra lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- ½ cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter. No worries if you don’t have milk – I use almond milk all the time in my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts and it works great!
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For that sweet, crunchy coating.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the coating.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts gets its amazing taste from the warmth of the spices and the sweet, crunchy coating.
Here’s my secret that takes it from good to incredible: a tiny pinch of cardamom in the batter. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon perfectly. Give it a try! This spiced pumpkin donuts ingredient list is tried and tested!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part – watch the delicious magic happen! I’m so excited to share how to make these amazing Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with you. It’s easier than you think! If you like this, you might enjoy these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls too!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan. This is super important to prevent the donuts from sticking!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. I like to use a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with a corner cut off to make this easier.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts usually take exactly 11 minutes to bake to perfection.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon. In another shallow dish, melt the butter.
- Once the donuts are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dip each donut in the melted butter, then dredge in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure every inch is covered in that sweet, delicious coating! While your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are doing their thing, get ready for some amazing aromas.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before serving. Or, if you’re like me, enjoy them warm! Don’t worry if your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts looks a little imperfect – they’ll still taste incredible.
This Cinnamon sugar donut recipe is simple and delicious and I know you’ll be able to follow these steps to create delicious donuts in your kitchen!
These homemade pumpkin donuts are so worth the effort. Every step is a step closer to donut heaven!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts hits the table! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them up.
- Warm with a cup of coffee or tea: This is my go-to way to enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. The warm spices pair perfectly with a hot beverage.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert, top a warm donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is amazing!
- As part of a brunch spread: These donuts are a perfect addition to any brunch spread. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests.
- Drizzled with maple syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the donuts with maple syrup. The maple syrup enhances the warm, autumnal flavors.
- With a side of apple cider: These Fall donuts pair perfectly with a glass of cold or warm apple cider. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are perfect for those weeknight breakfasts that need to be special. And if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and easy breakfast. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts remind me of another family favorite!
For a fun twist, try making a donut bread pudding! Cut the donuts into cubes, soak them in a custard mixture, and bake until golden brown. It’s a delicious way to use up any leftover donuts.
FAQs:
I know you might have some questions about making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones and answered them for you!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you’ve never made donuts before, I’m confident you can nail this. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!
Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the cinnamon sugar coating may become a little soft over time.
Q: What if I mess up my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t sweat it! Even if your donuts aren’t perfectly shaped or the cinnamon sugar coating isn’t perfectly even, they’ll still taste amazing. That’s the beauty of comfort food – it’s all about the flavor, not the perfection. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Baking Mischief!
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While I haven’t tested it myself, I’ve heard that you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.
Q: How can I prep this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for busy weeknights?
A: You can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to bake the donuts, just combine the two mixtures and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes, you can freeze these donuts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts vegan?
A: Yes! Check out this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Includes vegan version) – Baker … for vegan instructions. You can also find a lot more baked pumpkin donuts recipes online!
CONCLUSION:
This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that the simplest things in life can be the most delicious. The warm spices, the sweet coating, and the soft, fluffy texture… it’s a combination that’s hard to resist. And knowing that I can create something so comforting and delicious in my own kitchen makes me feel like a total rockstar.
My Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Flavor Secrets:
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the batter: This adds a subtle warmth that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon perfectly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough donuts. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Dip the donuts in melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar: This helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts and adds a delicious buttery flavor.
Here are a few delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts variations I’ve tested:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Donuts: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon sugar coating, top the donuts with a maple glaze.
- Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the donuts with a tangy cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
For more recipes with pumpkin, check out these Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Brooklyn Farm Girl posts. I also have a great recipe for Pumpkin Spice Donuts you may enjoy.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet dessert. No matter which version you choose, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, toppings, and glazes to create your own signature donut. For more information on Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts check online.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of making your own Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can share with the people you love. Happy baking!
Also, if you want more awesome pumpkin flavors, why not check out these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls or these Pumpkin Spice Donuts? For a perfect bite-sized treat, I would recommend these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are soft, cakey, and bursting with warm fall spices. They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier and easier treat to enjoy any time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dip it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.