Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts Recipe

Name: Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup canola oil; 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Get ready to experience all the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite with these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts. They’re soft, moist, and bursting with fragrant spices, and the best part—no frying required! These baked doughnuts come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for any busy night when you want a little homemade magic without a big kitchen mess. If you love the quintessential pumpkin spice flavor, these doughnuts are destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy & Fast: No complicated steps or special equipment needed—if you can handle mixing and pouring, you’ve got this.
Big Fall Flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blend perfectly with pumpkin puree to deliver that classic autumn taste.
No Frying, No Fuss: These doughnuts are baked, not fried, so you skip the oil splatter and cleanup—plus, they’re a bit lighter.
Perfect for Busy Nights (or Mornings!): The batter comes together in one bowl, and they bake in just over 20 minutes, meaning you can have fresh doughnuts on the table fast.
Customizable: Tweak the spice mix or toppings to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients—here’s why each one matters:

Canola Oil: Keeps the doughnuts extra moist and tender. You could swap for other neutral oils, but canola is perfect for a subtle base.
Eggs: Act as the binder—helping everything hold together for that classic cakey texture.
Sugar: For sweetness and an irresistible tender crumb. Want to dial it back? A little brown sugar adds even more warmth.
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Brings a rich, earthy sweetness and gorgeous color. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: The dynamic trio that gives these doughnuts that classic, hard-to-resist pumpkin spice flavor.
Salt: Crucial for balancing all that sweetness and making the flavors pop.
Baking Powder: Helps the doughnuts puff up light and airy—don’t skip it!
Flour: The backbone—gives the doughnuts structure. All-purpose flour works best here.
Sugar & Cinnamon (for coating): After baking, a quick toss in cinnamon sugar adds a crisp, sweet finish that takes these doughnuts from good to next-level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These doughnuts are lovely as-is, but don’t be afraid to make them your own:

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour mix—they turn out beautifully tender.
Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of canola.
Different Spice Blends: Boost cloves or allspice for even more holiday warmth, or add a dash of pumpkin pie spice if you have it.
Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a handful of dried cranberries for a twist.
Frosting Swap: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip them in a simple maple glaze or cream cheese icing for an indulgent treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts

Let’s take this step by step—easy and stress-free:

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a doughnut pan with baking spray.
This is non-negotiable! Well-greased pans mean easy release and zero sticking.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat together canola oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and sugar until smooth and well-combined.
The batter should look creamy and golden.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder.
Make sure spices are well-distributed so every bite is flavorful.

4. Bring It All Together

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, blending just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix; just combine until you don’t see streaks of flour.

5. Fill the Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared doughnut pan, filling each well about ¾ full.
Get creative—a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works if you don’t have a piping bag!

6. Bake

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 24 minutes, or until the doughnuts are puffed up and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool Slightly

Allow the doughnuts to cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack.

8. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a large zip-top bag, combine more sugar with a bit of cinnamon. Add a few slightly-warm doughnuts, gently shake until coated, and set back on the rack to finish cooling.

9. Enjoy

Try not to eat them all in one sitting—they’re totally tempting, especially warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye around the 22-minute mark; overbaking can make them dry.
Coat While Warm: Toss the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar while still a little warm for the best sugary crust.
No Doughnut Pan?: Use a muffin tin—just call them “pumpkin spice doughnut muffins” and enjoy!
Even Batter Distribution: For uniform doughnuts, use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill the pan.
Fresh Spices Are Key: Check those spice jars! Fresher spices = big flavor payoff.

How to Serve

These Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a sweet snack. Pair them with:

Hot Coffee or Chai Latte: The warmth and spices are a match made in heaven with creamy coffee or spiced tea.
Cold Milk: Classic and always welcome with a sweet treat.
Dessert Platter: Add them to a fall dessert table with apple crisp, caramel dip, or spiced nuts.
Gift Boxes: Wrap a few in parchment and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tip: For a special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These doughnuts keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooled, uncoated doughnuts in a single layer. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar.

Reheating

If you like your doughnuts warm, a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave brings back that just-baked softness.

Note: For best results, coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving, especially if freezing ahead.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely. Just make sure your homemade pumpkin puree isn’t too watery—if it is, strain out excess liquid so the doughnuts keep their beautiful texture.

What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?

No problem! A muffin tin works just as well. You’ll get adorable pumpkin spice “muffin doughnuts” that taste just as delicious. Adjust baking time as needed and keep an eye on doneness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The result is just as soft and tasty.

Do the doughnuts stay moist after a day or two?

They’re best fresh, but they’ll stay soft for a couple of days if stored in an airtight container. A quick microwave zap revives any leftovers and brings out all those warm pumpkin spices.

Final Thoughts

One bite of these Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts and you’ll see just how easy (and irresistible) homemade baked treats can be. Cozy, fragrant, and full of comforting flavors, they’re sure to lift your spirits on any busy day. Don’t hesitate—grab your pumpkin puree and let yourself be swept up by the magic of autumn baking!