Delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Easy Recipe!

Okay, my kitchen warriors, let’s talk donuts! Not the drive-thru kind, but the kind you can whip up with a little help from your trusty oven. We’re diving headfirst into a batch of Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that are so easy, even the most sleep-deprived mama can manage. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a lifesaver when that 3 PM slump hits or when the kids are begging for a “special” breakfast.

I remember the first time I made Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. It was a chilly October evening, the kids were finally asleep (a miracle!), and I was determined to conquer my baking fears. The scent of pumpkin and cinnamon filled the house, and for a moment, everything felt… peaceful. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts quickly became a family favorite.

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts fit into my family life because they’re quick, easy, and everyone loves them. It’s a win-win! Plus, anything that involves pumpkin is a hit during fall. If you’re searching for an easy recipe that brings warm smiles, you’ve come to the right place. I know we can do this together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, mama, grab your grocery list! This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have. And remember, don’t sweat it if you need to make a swap or two. We’re all about making it work here.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. If you want to use whole wheat flour, go for it!
• 1 tsp baking powder: This will give your donuts that nice, fluffy rise.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Helps with browning and flavor in our Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy flavor we all love in Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: A little nutmeg goes a long way in these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts!
• ¼ tsp ground cloves: Adds a touch of spice.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of this easy pumpkin donut recipe.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness!
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor to our Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil if you’re dairy-free for these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• ½ cup milk: Adds moisture. Almond milk or oat milk works great too in these baked pumpkin donuts.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar: For coating the fall donuts.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Because you can never have too much cinnamon!
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: To help the cinnamon sugar stick to our baked pumpkin donuts.

Trust me, this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! You can grab most of these ingredients at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. Buying store-brand spices and canned pumpkin puree can really save you some cash. My family loves when I add extra cinnamon to the sugar coating. It makes them even more irresistible!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, friend, let’s get baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts in no time. Don’t worry if you’re not a perfect baker – we’re going for delicious, not flawless!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin – they’ll be pumpkin cinnamon sugar muffins instead of donuts!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed in our homemade donuts.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay in your easy pumpkin donut recipe.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This helps keep your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts from overflowing.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is crucial for perfectly baked pumpkin donuts.
7. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
8. Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
9. Coat the Donuts: Dip each donut in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they’re completely coated for maximum flavor for these fall donuts!
10. Enjoy: Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – I would overmix the batter. Don’t make my mistake! This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe usually takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. While your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts should smell amazing by now. Don’t panic if your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts looks a little uneven. They’ll still taste amazing! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a quick and simple recipe, perfect for busy moms.

How We Love to Eat This!

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are amazing on their own, but we love to jazz them up sometimes. Here are a few ways my family enjoys them.

The kids devour this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts when I serve it with a side of fresh fruit. Berries and sliced apples are always a hit. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy treat.

• With a Glass of Milk: Classic and simple.
• With Yogurt: A healthier option for breakfast.
• Drizzled with Maple Syrup: Adds extra sweetness.

These homemade donuts are perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend treat. Last Thanksgiving, I brought these to my family’s gathering and they were gone in minutes! For a festive touch, you can add a sprinkle of orange or yellow sanding sugar on top of the cinnamon sugar coating.

If you have any leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get asked about my easy pumpkin donut recipe.

Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Yes! The cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible, even to the pickiest eaters. My youngest, who usually turns her nose up at everything, loves these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.

What if I burn my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If they’re just slightly burnt, you can try scraping off the burnt parts. But if they’re too far gone, it’s okay to toss them and start again. We’re not aiming for perfection, just deliciousness! It’s an easy pumpkin donut recipe so you can easily start over.

Can I make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ahead for meal prep?

Yes, you can! Bake the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Coat them with the cinnamon sugar mixture just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I freeze these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?

Yes, you can freeze these fall donuts! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and recoat with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Baker by Nature has a recipe that is fully vegan, if you want a completely vegan option.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Dash of Sanity has a great recipe if you’re looking for a spice blend tutorial.

My batter is too thick! What do I do?

Add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the right consistency. It should be thick enough to pipe, but not so thick that it’s difficult to mix.

Final Thoughts:

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are special to my family because they represent cozy fall evenings, sweet treats, and happy memories. They’re a simple pleasure that brings us together.

Here are some of my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Mom Hacks:

• Pre-mix the dry ingredients: This saves time on busy mornings.
• Use a cookie scoop to fill the donut pan: Ensures even portions.
• Let the kids help with the cinnamon sugar coating: Makes it a fun family activity.

Family-Tested Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My son loves this version!
2. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar coating and drizzle with a maple glaze instead.
3. Nutella-Filled Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Pipe Nutella into the center of each donut after baking. Baking Mischief has an amazing Cinnamon Sugar Baked Pumpkin Donuts recipe.

My daughter prefers the chocolate chip version, while my husband is a fan of the maple glaze. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and experiment with different flavors and toppings! I hope you and your family enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts as much as we do. Remember, cooking is about love and sharing, not perfection. Go into it with open arms and open heart!

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other delicious pumpkin recipes. My family loves when I make cinnamon sugar baked pumpkin seeds; they are so easy to make! You can also try my pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls. They taste delicious on a cold morning. Also, don’t forget my Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread. These *Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts* remind me of that bread, I love it so much!

Now go forth and bake some happiness! I can’t wait to hear how your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts turn out. You’ve got this, mama!

 

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