Pumpkin donuts are the perfect way to celebrate the cozy vibes of fall. There’s something about their warm, spiced aroma that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet Sunday morning or hosting a gathering, these donuts bring joy to any occasion. Made with pure pumpkin puree and a blend of spices, they not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with that heartwarming scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut, all while sipping your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. It’s a match made in culinary heaven! Plus, making these pumpkin donuts from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. Join me as we whip up these tasty treats and savor every lovely moment they bring. You won’t just be baking; you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime!
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of wet and dry ingredients creates a perfectly moist donut. The combination of spices provides a savory warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pumpkin. Deep frying ensures a light, airy texture that contrasts with the rich glaze, making these donuts stand out at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Donuts
These homemade pumpkin donuts are not just a seasonal treat; they bring comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Bursting with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy morning with coffee, a festive gathering, or a simple dessert to brighten your day. Plus, they’re a great way to embrace fall flavors, regardless of the season!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached or bleached)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup half & half
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1/2 lb powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for glaze)
- Milk (as needed for glaze consistency)
Preparing the Pumpkin Donuts
Heat the Oil for Frying
To start, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 370°F. You might want to aim for 380°F initially; remember the temperature drops a bit when you add the donuts.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, and brown sugar until everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial as it ensures the spices are distributed throughout the dough.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Next, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, whole egg, egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and half & half. Take your whisk and gently mix these ingredients until the eggs are just incorporated. It should look somewhat like a thick batter by now.
Form the Dough
Gradually mix in your dry ingredients to form a thick dough. You might find it takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Once it’s all combined, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for about 10-20 minutes. This helps the dough chill, making it easier to handle later.
Roll Out the Dough
On a generously floured countertop or board, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Don’t be shy with the flour to prevent sticking! Now, use a donut cutter to cut out 3-inch donuts. You can also use a smaller cutter for adorable donut holes if you like those bites.
Fry the Donuts
Before you fry, make sure to brush off any excess flour from the cut donuts. Then, gently place them into the hot oil, one by one. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side; for donut holes, 15-20 seconds should do. Keep an eye on them; they fry quickly! When done, drain on paper towels until cool enough to handle.
Prepare the Glaze
While your donuts are cooling slightly, whisk together your powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a consistency slightly thinner than school glue. It should be pourable but still stick to the donuts nicely.
Glaze the Donuts
Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on a cooling rack. For a thicker glaze, you may want to let them cool completely and then give them a second dip. This creates a lovely, luscious coating.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve your delicious pumpkin donuts, think about pairing them with a comforting side of coffee, hot chocolate, or even apple cider. They also shine when drizzled with whipped cream or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination will take your taste buds on a delightful journey!
Tips for Success
- Keep a close eye on your oil temperature. Properly heated oil is key for perfectly fried donuts.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying. This could cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to less-than-ideal donuts.
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing. This results in a thicker glaze coating.
Variations
- For a rich twist, consider adding chocolate chips to your dough for a chocolatey surprise.
- Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous. They can create unique flavor profiles.
- Top your donuts with crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles for added texture and fun.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftover pumpkin donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can refrigerate them for longer freshness but be aware that they might lose some of their delightful crispiness.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Canned pure pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe!
Q2: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
A2: While frying gives a unique texture, you can definitely try baking them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Q3: How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A3: Using a thermometer is best; if you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles vigorously, you’re good to go.
Q4: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A4: While brown sugar enhances the flavor, feel free to substitute granulated sugar if that’s all you have.
Q5: What is the best way to reheat leftover donuts?
A5: Just microwave them for a few seconds or briefly warm them in an oven to enjoy a fresh-tasting treat again.
These delightful pumpkin donuts promise to elevate your dessert game and create lasting memories. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to bring warmth to your heart and sweetness to your day. Enjoy the delightful texture and flavor, and share the joy with family and friends!
Print
Pumpkin Donuts
Homemade pumpkin donuts filled with flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg are a comforting treat. Perfect for mornings or gatherings, they bring warmth to any occasion.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached or bleached)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup half & half
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1/2 lb powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for glaze)
- Milk (as needed for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable or canola oil to 370°F in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
- Mix melted butter, whole egg, egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and half & half into the dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes.
- Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into donuts.
- Fry donuts in hot oil for 30 seconds on each side.
- Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place on a cooling rack.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent for optimal frying.
Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying to maintain oil temperature.
Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing for a thicker coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 40
