How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts – Perfect Fall Recipe

It's fall, which means it's time for pumpkin spice! With the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove filling the air, these homemade pumpkin spice donuts are the best way to treat yourself. They are fluffy and spiced just right, and they are also very simple to make at home. Enjoy this fall favorite dessert for Thanksgiving, a cozy breakfast, or just as a sweet treat with your coffee.

You can make your own pumpkin spice donuts right in your kitchen by following the simple steps given below. Let's start with the best fall dessert!

Total Preparation Time: 35 minutes

Serving: 18 donuts

Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 (15 oz.) can of pumpkin puree
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ¾ cups flour

For the Coating:

1 stick of butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon

Ingredients to use for making Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing a warm oven is essential to ensure even cooking and a soft, fluffy texture in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the donuts except the flour. Mix on medium speed until smooth. The pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil come together to create a rich base, while the pumpkin spice adds that classic autumn flavor. Gradually add the flour, stirring until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pans

Lightly grease your donut pans or use a non-stick spray to make sure the donuts release easily after baking. Fill each well of the donut pans about ¾ full with batter, giving them room to rise.

Step 4: Bake

Place the donut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know the donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes.

Freshly baked Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts for Thanksgiving.

Step 5: Cool on a Rack

After a few minutes, gently transfer the donuts to a cooling rack. Let them cool until they are just warm – this will make sure the butter and sugar coating adheres well without soaking too deeply into the donuts.

Step 6: Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the melted butter, coating both sides. Then, gently shake each donut in a bag or a shallow dish filled with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a satisfying crunch and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Place the finished donuts on a plate and serve warm for the best flavor. These donuts pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy fall treat!

Zulay's Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The puree has no added spices or sugar, allowing you to control the flavors in the donuts.
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
If you prefer less sugar, feel free to reduce the amount in the coating or even skip the coating altogether. The donuts are delicious on their own, too!
While the cinnamon-sugar coating is classic, you can also drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk. For a fancier touch, add a dash of maple extract to the glaze.

Why These Pumpkin Spice Donuts Are Perfect for Thanksgiving

You can do more with these pumpkin spice donuts than just eat them. They make a fun and different Thanksgiving dessert because they bring the cozy warmth of fall spices into your home. They're a great alternative to pumpkin pie, and you can even serve them as a special treat at breakfast on Thanksgiving. Pumpkin spice is a classic flavor that goes well with everything fall, and every bite tastes like Thanksgiving. They also only need a few simple ingredients and can be made quickly. This means they won't add any extra stress to your holiday cooking. These donuts can also be used as a dessert, a breakfast food, or even a late-night snack when you're craving something fall-like!

Pumpkin Spice Donut Recipe Variations and Additions

Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts: For an extra kick, add a bit of espresso powder or instant coffee to the batter. It’ll give you that pumpkin spice latte flavor in donut form!
Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a hint of chocolatey goodness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Maple Glaze Topping: Swap the cinnamon-sugar coating for a maple glaze! Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk to drizzle over the donuts.

Different variations of Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts spread on a counter.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Donuts?

For the ultimate autumn treat, serve your pumpkin spice donuts with a hot drink. Here are some pairing suggestions:

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Double up on the pumpkin spice flavor with a homemade pumpkin spice latte. It’s a perfect fall drink that brings out the warmth of the spices in the donuts.
Hot Apple Cider: The sweet, tart flavor of hot apple cider complements the cinnamon and nutmeg in the donuts beautifully.
Chai Tea: A spiced chai is another excellent pairing, with its own unique blend of spices that enhance the cozy flavors in the donuts.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Making your own pumpkin spice donuts is a fun way to enjoy the tastes of fall and make your Thanksgiving celebrations even better. The warm spices and pumpkin in these treats make them tempting, and family and friends can all enjoy them. You can also make a bunch of them without adding too much stress to your holiday plans because they are easy to make. So, get your ingredients together, enjoy the season, and savor the warm, inviting flavors of these tasty pumpkin spice donuts. Have fun baking, and may your fall be warm, happy, and full of sweets!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Did you enjoy these homemade pumpkin spice donuts? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know how they turned out, or share any creative variations you tried. Plus, tell us what other fall recipes you’d love to see next.

Happy baking, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with every bite of these delicious pumpkin spice donuts!

Share the Fall Love!

Do you know someone who would love these pumpkin spice donuts? Share this recipe with friends on social media, tag @ZulayKitchen, and use #KitchenHappiness to spread the joy. Whether you’re a donut lover, a pumpkin spice enthusiast, or just a fan of fall desserts, these donuts are a must-try for a taste of autumn bliss. Enjoy!

A pile of Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts for Thanksgiving snacks.

FAQs About Making Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin to make donut “holes” or pumpkin spice muffins instead. Just adjust the baking time and test for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I store leftover pumpkin spice donuts?

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven to enjoy later.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Look for one with a 1:1 ratio to regular flour for best results.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, if you’d like a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Make sure the substitute you choose is appropriate for baking.