Name: Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 51 reviews

If you are craving a cozy, seasonal treat that is both simple to make and wonderfully satisfying, this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe is just what you need! These donuts are perfectly moist, infused with warm pumpkin pie spices, and finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that elevates every bite. Baking instead of frying makes them lighter but still indulgent, perfect for sharing or enjoying alongside your favorite fall cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these pumpkin donuts will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with two layers inside is placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth beige batter, thick but runny in texture. On top of it sits a mound of bright orange mashed sweet potato puree with a dense and slightly rough texture. A silver whisk is partially submerged in both layers, with its wires showing through the orange puree, ready to mix the two together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Each one plays a vital role in creating donuts that are tender, flavorful, and gorgeously spiced.

½ cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and the rich pumpkin flavor that makes these donuts distinctly autumnal.
¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter tender and ensures the right consistency.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds the necessary fat for moist, soft donuts without heaviness.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to your donuts.
½ cup brown sugar: Offers sweetness with a hint of molasses depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices that defines the flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your donuts rise and become delightfully fluffy.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Gives an extra layer of warm spice to the batter.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds complexity and warmth to the spice blend.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Used for the crunchy, sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: Creates a perfect sticky surface for the cinnamon sugar to cling to.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Combined with sugar for that irresistible cinnamon sugar glaze.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350ºF and greasing your donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts come out cleanly once baked. This step sets the stage for perfectly shaped donuts without any sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined. This blend not only melds the flavors but also creates a moist base that leads to tender donuts.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry components add the essential rise, spice, and structure for your donuts. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make your donuts dense.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off for easy, mess-free filling. Pipe the batter evenly into the six donut cavities, being careful not to overfill. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Cool and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping the pan upside down to release them onto a rack. Once cool, brush each donut with melted butter, then dip or roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture for that sweet, crunchy glaze that transforms these baked beauties into an extraordinary treat.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe

A dark gray metal donut baking pan with two donut shapes visible filled with smooth, light brown batter inside each ring. A woman's hand is pouring more of the batter from an orange piping bag into the top left donut mold, filling it up around the center circle. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, showing clear contrast with the pan’s texture and the batter’s creamy, soft look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your cinnamon sugar glazed donuts. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can also add a luxurious touch, perfect for impressing guests.

Side Dishes

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe pair wonderfully with warm drinks like chai tea, spiced lattes, or hot apple cider. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the spiced flavors, balancing the sweetness with a fresh, crisp bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for an inviting fall-themed display. You can also stack them high on a cake stand or arrange them in a festive wreath shape on your dessert table for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to grab a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze these pumpkin donuts for up to 3 months by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that freshly baked taste any time.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat donuts in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes. This modest heat refreshes their softness and makes the cinnamon sugar glaze even more delightful.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient choice for this recipe, delivering the same moistness and rich pumpkin flavor.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture and rise.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

You may replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but keep the quantity the same. The donuts might be slightly denser, but still delicious.

Is it necessary to use a donut pan?

While a donut pan is ideal for shape and even baking, you can use a muffin tin and fill halfway for donut holes or little cakes, though the texture and look will differ.

How long will these donuts stay fresh?

Enjoy your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe within two days for best flavor and texture, as they are best eaten fresh.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe is like inviting a little bit of fall magic into your kitchen. They are quick enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for sharing with friends and family. Once you bite into their tender, spiced crumb and sweet cinnamon sugar glaze, you’ll understand why this recipe is such a favorite. Go ahead and try it today, your cozy autumn mornings just got a whole lot sweeter!