As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness hangs in the air, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a warm batch of glazed pumpkin donuts to welcome the season. The moment you pull these beauties from the oven, the subtle scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy autumn day. I remember the first time I made these; it was a cozy Sunday morning when I was craving something sweet yet comforting. The joy of soaking up the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices can be relished in every bite — who said homemade treats can’t be simple and satisfying?
Best of all, these glazed pumpkin donuts come together quickly and require just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply want to enjoy a delightful treat with your morning coffee, this recipe will become a favorite. Just imagine the excitement as you pull these donuts from the oven and dip them into creamy glaze — a delightful finish to a perfect autumn day! Grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure.
Why are Glazed Pumpkin Donuts So Irresistible?
Delightful aroma: The warm scent of pumpkin spice fills your kitchen, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for fall.
Quick to make: With only 15 minutes of baking, you can have these delicious donuts ready in no time.
Unforgettable flavor: The rich pumpkin pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze, giving a tempting taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these donuts are sure to satisfy any craving.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, everyone will adore these homemade goodies!
Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• Canned pumpkin puree – essential for the moist texture and rich flavor of these glazed pumpkin donuts.
• Brown sugar – adds a deep caramel-like sweetness that beautifully complements the pumpkin.
• Vegetable or avocado oil – keeps the donuts tender and fluffy; avocado oil is a healthy alternative.
• Eggs – provide structure and richness to the donuts, ensuring they’re perfectly baked.
• Vanilla extract – adds a fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour – the base for the donuts; be sure to measure it correctly for the best results.
• Baking powder – ensures a light and airy texture as the donuts rise in the oven.
• Pumpkin pie spice – a delightful blend that infuses the donuts with the quintessential taste of fall.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – the key ingredient for a smooth, sweet glaze that complements each donut.
• Pumpkin pie spice – a pinch is all you need to elevate the glaze with a touch of festive flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream – using warmed cream gives the glaze a luscious consistency that beautifully coats the donuts.
• Vanilla extract – for an extra layer of flavor that rounds out the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
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Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Don’t forget to grease your donut baking pan well, ensuring every little nook is ready for the batter!
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable or avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is blended wonderfully.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Next, sift in your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture, creating a smooth batter.
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Prepare Piping Bag: Scoop your delightful batter into a large piping bag. Remember to snip off the tip, leaving a 1/2 to 3/4 inch opening for easy pouring.
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Fill the Pan: Squeeze the batter into the donut cups of your greased pan with one smooth motion, filling each cup almost to the top for that perfect donut shape — no one wants flat donuts!
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Bake: Place your donut pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The donuts should be golden brown when they’re ready! Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
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Cool on Rack: Transfer the donuts to a wire rack for cooling to room temperature. Spread a sheet of parchment paper underneath to catch any glaze drippings — trust me, you don’t want to miss out on that sweetness!
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Make the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Heat the heavy whipping cream and whisk in the vanilla extract, then pour this mixture into the bowl with powdered sugar. Whisk until completely smooth.
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Glaze the Donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, coating the top and sides evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set beautifully!
Optional: Sprinkle a bit of extra pumpkin pie spice on top for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
Alternate Flours: Use whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier option; just be mindful of the texture difference with gluten-free blends.
Perfect Pumpkin: Ensure your pumpkin puree is not too watery; excess moisture can lead to dense donuts. Use pure pumpkin for optimal flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can result in tough donuts. You want a tender crumb for these glazed pumpkin donuts.
Cooling Time: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing; otherwise, the glaze will melt and won’t stick as well.
Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
How to Store and Freeze Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your glazed pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days; just ensure they’re well-covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back their delightful softness!
What to Serve with Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?
Experience the joy of elevating your cozy fall mornings with perfectly paired accompaniments for your delicious treats.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai beautifully complement the cozy flavors of your donuts, creating a comforting drink experience.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that enhances the pumpkin and spice throughout the donut.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit brings a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the donuts and adds a pop of vibrant color to your plate.
- Crispy Bacon: Savory, crispy bacon contrasts excellently with sweet donuts, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness.
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Enhance the pumpkin flavor with a fragrant cup of pumpkin spice coffee; it’s a match made in autumn heaven!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream elevates the indulgence factor and adds an airy touch that balances the dense donuts.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: For an extra treat, serve slices of warm toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, tying in those cozy fall flavors.
- Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider warms the soul and is the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside these sweet donuts.
- Chocolate Sauce: Dip half the donut in warm chocolate sauce for an irresistible twist that takes indulgence to another level!
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola offers crunchy textural contrast, making each bite of donut even more delightful.
Make Ahead Options
These glazed pumpkin donuts are perfect for those busy mornings when you want a delicious treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the wet and dry ingredients and store the batter in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, pipe the batter into the donut pan and bake as directed. Additionally, the glaze can be made ahead and kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it slightly before dipping the donuts to maintain that silky smooth texture. With these tips, you can savor homemade glazed pumpkin donuts any day with minimal effort!
Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delightful donuts your own with just a few easy swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a rich, plant-based glaze.
For those who prefer dairy-free options, using coconut cream not only keeps it creamy but also adds a gentle coconut twist to the flavor. -
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising warmth.
If you enjoy a little heat, this spicy touch will tantalize your taste buds while balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin perfectly. -
Nutty Flavor: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Adding nuts will not only introduce a delightful crunch but also enhance the warmth of the donut, making each bite richer and more satisfying. -
Chocolate Lover: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise.
The melty chocolate mingling with the pumpkin flavor creates a decadent treat that will have chocolate fans coming back for seconds! -
Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a unique sweet glaze.
This simple switch brings a delightful depth of flavor, channeling the essence of autumn in every bite while perfectly complementing the pumpkin. -
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Enjoying these donuts without gluten means no one has to miss out on the cozy flavors of fall, and they’ll still be incredibly delicious! -
Candied Pumpkin: Top with crushed candied pumpkin or mini pumpkin candies for a festive look.
Adding a sweet crunch not only beautifies the donuts but also invites a playful twist that’s perfect for sharing during the season’s gatherings. -
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Drizzle with a coffee-flavored glaze made by adding brewed espresso to the creamy mixture.
If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, this addition will truly elevate your donut experience, making each one feel like a delicious indulgence.
Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting canned pumpkin puree, check for quality labels that indicate 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Ideally, the puree should be a deep orange color, indicating ripeness and flavor. Look for cans with no dark spots or dents, as these can indicate spoilage.
How should I store glazed pumpkin donuts?
To keep your glazed pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze glazed pumpkin donuts?
Very! To freeze your glazed pumpkin donuts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their fluffy texture.
What if my donuts turn out too dense?
If your glazed pumpkin donuts are too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To avoid this, gently mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A good tip is to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly with the cup to prevent packing.
Are these donuts suitable for kids or those with allergies?
Absolutely! You can make these glazed pumpkin donuts kid-friendly by using allergen-free substitutions. For example, swap out the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Additionally, you can substitute gluten-free flour blends if you have someone who is gluten-sensitive. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and preferences!
How long will the glaze last on the donuts?
The glaze typically sets well and retains its sweetness for about 2 days at room temperature, provided they are stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, the donuts may still taste great, but the glaze may start to soften and lose its texture. If you’re making these ahead for a gathering, consider glazing them the day of to keep them looking their best!
Irresistible Glazed Pumpkin Donuts for Cozy Fall Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your donut baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until blended.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until smooth.
- Scoop batter into a piping bag and snip off the tip.
- Fill donut cups with batter almost to top.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
- Transfer donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Heat cream and whisk in vanilla, then add to sugar and mix until smooth.
- Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and place back on the rack to set.