If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe. There’s something so comforting about the moist, spiced pumpkin donuts paired with that crunchy, buttery streusel topping—especially when finished off with the sweetest hint of cinnamon in the glaze. I’ve made these for cozy fall mornings and casual weekend brunches, and every time, they bring smiles all around the kitchen table.
What I really love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—just about 30 minutes from start to finish—making it perfect for a last-minute treat or an impressive snack for guests. You don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just simple pantry staples and a bit of pumpkin magic. Once you try these Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe, you’ll see why they become an instant favorite for anyone who loves that classic autumn taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You’ll whip these up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or sudden cravings.
- Moist & Flavorful: The pumpkin keeps the donuts wonderfully tender, while the cinnamon glaze adds that perfect sweet finish.
- Versatile: These donuts make a great breakfast, snack, or even an after-dinner treat that everyone will ask for again.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for the streusel topping—it’s the sneaky star that turns these simple donuts into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe plays a vital role—from providing warmth with fragrant spices, to balancing moisture and sweetness. I suggest using fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for the batter and melted for the streusel to give a rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps create the tender crumb.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to your donuts.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a hint to deepen the flavors and complement the pumpkin.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the donuts soft.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both help the donuts rise and stay fluffy without being dense.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Spices (Cloves, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cinnamon): Classic pumpkin pie spices that warm every bite.
- Light Brown Sugar: For the streusel topping, packed to add moist, caramel notes.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for the cinnamon glaze, making it smooth and sweet.
- Milk: Just enough to make the glaze pourable without being runny.
- Cinnamon in Glaze: Adds a beautiful spice that ties the whole recipe together.
Variations
Like to switch things up? I’ve played around with this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs—feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it worked beautifully without losing any of the tender texture.
- Maple Glaze: For a slightly different spin, I swapped the cinnamon glaze for a maple glaze which gave it a lovely, rich sweetness my kids adored.
- Nutty Streusel: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel gives a delightful crunch and extra flavor boost.
- Vegan Adaptation: I’ve had success replacing the egg with flaxseed and butter with coconut oil, just be mindful of slight texture changes.
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, give your donut pan a good spray with baking spray or lightly grease it—this prevents sticking and ensures your donuts come out clean and pretty.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this step really sets up the texture you’ll love. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating just until combined. Next, blend in the pumpkin puree; this adds that wonderful moistness and flavor we’re after. Finally, add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those warm spices—and beat until everything’s just combined. The batter will be thick, which is expected.
Step 3: Fill and Top the Donut Pan
I like an easy, mess-free way to fill the pans, so I spoon the thick batter into a large resealable plastic bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter evenly into the donut molds, filling each about halfway. It works like a charm every time. Then, whip up your streusel topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter with a fork until crumbly. Generously sprinkle this streusel over each donut, pressing it gently to fill the cavities completely—this topping is what makes these donuts oh-so-special.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 13-15 minutes until the streusel is golden and the donuts spring back lightly when touched. After baking, let them cool in the pan for five minutes—that little rest makes it easier to remove without breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing; trust me, if you glaze them warm, you’ll end up with a glaze pool instead of a neat drizzle.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Glaze and Drizzle
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth and just pourable. Don’t add too much milk—start with a tablespoon and add more only if needed. Drizzle this beautiful glaze over cooled donuts, let it set for about five minutes, and then dive in!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
- Use a piping bag or resealable bag: This helps you fill the donut pans cleanly without messy spoons or spillovers.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so mix just until combined.
- Cool completely before glazing: Warm donuts melt the glaze too quickly; cooling helps keep that pretty drizzle intact.
- Press streusel gently: Pressing the topping lightly helps it stick and create that perfect crunchy layer without sinking too much.
How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I often garnish these donuts with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a handful of crushed toasted pecans for extra crunch. Sometimes, a few pumpkin seeds scattered on top before glazing add a nice visual pop and a subtle nutty taste. Personally, the simpler the garnish, the better—you want that warm cinnamon aroma to shine through.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. I also like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream if I’m feeling indulgent. For a brunch spread, they’re wonderful with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon—or even a creamy latte if you want to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch or fall party, I love arranging these Pumpkin Streusel Donuts on a wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves and mini pumpkins—makes for a cozy centerpiece. Wrapping each donut individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a sweet gift or party favor. And don’t underestimate how layering donuts on a tiered cake stand instantly adds a wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature up to two days to keep them fresh. If you want to keep the streusel crunchy, I suggest placing a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. This little trick has saved me from disappointing soggy toppings more than once.
Freezing
These donuts freeze wonderfully. I usually freeze them unglazed first, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze. This helps keep the glaze bright and prevents it from becoming sticky or dull in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the donut in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly warm it in a toaster oven. Just be careful not to overheat or the streusel can get too crispy. And if you froze them unglazed, now’s the perfect time to drizzle on that cinnamon glaze fresh!
FAQs
-
Can I make these Pumpkin Streusel Donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead, although the shape will be different. Fill the muffin wells halfway and sprinkle the streusel on top. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick.
-
Can I substitute canned pumpkin pie filling for pumpkin puree?
I don’t recommend using canned pumpkin pie filling because it contains added spices and sweeteners which can throw off the balance of this recipe. Pure pumpkin puree offers the best flavor and texture control.
-
How long do these Pumpkin Streusel Donuts stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these donuts stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
-
Can I make this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the egg for a flax or chia egg, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter, and make sure your glaze uses plant-based milk. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.
-
What’s the best way to ensure a crunchy streusel topping?
Press the streusel gently onto the batter before baking and avoid letting the donuts cool in damp environments. Baking at the right temperature also ensures a crispy, golden topping.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe comes together—moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet and spice in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re planning a seasonal get-together or just want to treat yourself on a quiet morning, these donuts deliver that cozy, homemade goodness I’m always chasing. Give them a try—I promise they’ll become one of your go-to fall favorites, just like they did for me!
PrintPumpkin Streusel Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Streusel Donuts, perfectly spiced with cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel and a smooth cinnamon glaze, these baked donuts are a cozy autumn treat ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your donut pan thoroughly with baking spray to ensure the donuts release easily after baking. Set aside.
- Make Donut Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light. Then, add the large egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Blend in the pumpkin puree until evenly mixed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl or directly, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and the warm spices—ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until everything is well combined. The batter will be quite thick.
- Pipe Batter into Pan: Spoon the thick batter into a large resealable plastic bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about halfway.
- Prepare and Add Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the streusel topping. Use a fork to mix until crumbly. Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture over each donut cavity, pressing gently so it adheres and fills the top layer completely.
- Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully remove them from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze and Finish: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and cinnamon until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled donuts. Let the glaze set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Bake a fresh batch of these moist pumpkin donuts topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel and sweet cinnamon glaze, ready in just 30 minutes total.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, spoon the batter carefully into the donut cavities and smooth tops with a spoon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; glaze may harden slightly but remains delicious.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 50 g
- Sodium: 266 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg