Delicious! Easy Pumpkin Spice Donuts – Ultimate Recipe

Okay, let’s dive into the wonderful world of pumpkin spice donuts!

I remember the first time I tried to make pumpkin spice donuts. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, leaves were falling, and I thought, “This will be the perfect Pinterest-worthy moment!” My kids were running around, covered in face paint from a school carnival, and I decided to surprise them. Let’s just say the surprise was on me! The first batch was a complete disaster – flat, greasy, and definitely not the fluffy, spiced treats I’d envisioned. The kids, bless their hearts, still tried them, but their faces said it all. That day, I learned a crucial lesson: baking is a science, and even the best intentions can lead to kitchen chaos. But I refused to give up. I tweaked the recipe, experimented with baking times, and finally, after several attempts, achieved pumpkin spice donut perfection.

These pumpkin spice donuts aren’t just a recipe; they’re a testament to persistence, a symbol of embracing imperfections, and a reminder that even kitchen fails can lead to delicious victories. It’s a recipe that fits perfectly into our busy family life – quick enough for a weekend treat, but special enough for a holiday brunch. They bring the taste of fall right into your kitchen!

If you’re a fellow kitchen warrior looking for a sanity-saving way to bring some seasonal joy to your family, then grab your apron and let’s get baking these pumpkin spice donuts!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mom Hack: No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1 ½ teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of regular milk, let it sit for a few minutes, and voila – instant buttermilk! This pumpkin spice donuts ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

For the Pumpkin Spice Donut Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

You can grab pumpkin puree at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.

This pumpkin spice donuts doesn’t have to break the bank – I often buy store-brand pumpkin puree, and it works perfectly. My family loves when I add extra pumpkin pie spice to the glaze. It gives it that extra cozy flavor!

Here’s a pumpkin spice donuts trick that saved my sanity: measure out all your dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a container. When you’re ready to bake, just whisk them together!

You can store leftover pumpkin spice donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan. (Don’t have a donut pan? No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead – your pumpkin spice donuts will just be donut muffins!)
   In my chaotic kitchen, this pumpkin spice donuts usually takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
   Whisking well ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your pumpkin spice donuts. Don’t skimp on this step!
3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
   Make sure your pumpkin puree is smooth before adding it to the wet ingredients. Nobody wants lumpy pumpkin spice donuts!
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are okay.
   Overmixing can lead to tough pumpkin spice donuts. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. This is where I used to mess up my pumpkin spice donuts – don’t make my mistake!
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. Cut off the corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
   Don’t panic if your pumpkin spice donuts looks a little uneven at this point. They’ll puff up nicely in the oven!
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Your pumpkin spice donuts should smell amazing by now! Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
7. Let the baked pumpkin donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   This prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan and breaking apart. While your pumpkin spice donuts is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
8. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
   If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Remember, we’re going for “good enough” here!
9. Dip each donut into the glaze and place back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. Add sprinkles if desired.
   Get the kids involved in this step! They’ll love decorating their own pumpkin spice donuts. Just be prepared for a little (or a lot!) of mess.

For those of you who prefer to buy your donut already made, check out Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

How We Love to Eat This!

My kids devour this pumpkin spice donuts when I serve it with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of apple cider. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! These pumpkin spice donuts are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert.

These pumpkin spice donuts are the perfect treat for a fall brunch, a Halloween party, or even a simple weekend breakfast. Presentation-wise, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra glaze makes these look like you spent hours on them, even when we know it took less than an hour.

Leftover pumpkin spice donuts can be crumbled and used as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. The kids never complain about this mom hack! This pumpkin spice donuts reminds me of another family favorite, so make sure you check out Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter.

For another delicious recipe that is also super easy to make, check out this Homemade Glazed Pumpkin Donuts – Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this pumpkin spice donuts?Absolutely! The pumpkin flavor is subtle, and the sweetness of the glaze usually wins them over. You can also adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to their liking. Remember, good enough is the goal, not perfection!
• What if I burn my pumpkin spice donuts? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)We’ve all been there, friend! If they’re just slightly burnt on the bottom, you can carefully trim off the burnt parts. But if they’re completely ruined, don’t beat yourself up. Throw them away, learn from the experience, and try again. Even the best bakers have their fails!
• Can I make this pumpkin spice donuts ahead for meal prep?You sure can! The baked pumpkin donuts can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to glaze them until you’re ready to serve.
• Can I freeze these pumpkin spice donuts?Yes, you can freeze the easy pumpkin donuts! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before glazing.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. I’ve had success with King Arthur’s gluten-free flour blend.
• What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own blend by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Use equal parts of each spice to create a similar flavor profile for your pumpkin spice donuts.
• My donuts are dry. What did I do wrong?Dry donuts are usually caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly (spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off) and don’t overbake the donuts. Check them frequently during baking and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

For even more baking inspiration check out this recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze – Katiebird Bakes. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll.

Final Thoughts:

These pumpkin spice donuts are special to my family because they represent more than just a sweet treat. They’re a symbol of cozy autumn days, family time in the kitchen, and the joy of creating something delicious together. These homemade pumpkin donuts are always a crowd pleaser!

My Pumpkin Spice Donut Mom Hacks:

• Embrace the Imperfections: Don’t strive for perfection! A few cracks or uneven edges just add character.
• Get the Kids Involved: Let them help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. It’s a great way to create memories and teach them valuable skills.
• Double the Batch: Make a double batch and freeze some for later. You’ll thank yourself on a busy weeknight when you need a quick and easy dessert.

Family-Tested Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist. My son, Alex, loves this version!
• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla extract in the glaze for a richer, more autumnal flavor. My daughter, Emily, is all about the maple!
• Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Skip the glaze altogether and toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This is a simpler, less sweet option that my husband prefers.

I hope you and your family enjoy these pumpkin spice donuts as much as we do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, try different glazes, or even add some chopped nuts for a little crunch. The most important thing is to have fun and create something delicious that your family will love.

You’ve got this, fellow kitchen warriors! Get ready to make some memories and some amazing pumpkin spice donuts!

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