Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

If you’re a fall flavor fan like me, you’re going to absolutely adore this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe. The combination of warm pumpkin spice and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating just hits all the cozy notes without the greasy mess of frying. I’ve found these donuts perfect for a weekend brunch or a tasty afternoon treat that’s both comforting and not overly sweet.

What makes this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe really stand out is how light and tender the donuts are, thanks to baking instead of frying. Plus, you can whip them up quickly with simple ingredients, making a batch any time pumpkin cravings strike. Honestly, the smell while baking is enough reason to make these again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice give these donuts that seasonal magic. Using fresh pumpkin puree and good-quality spice mix will really make your donuts sing.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without heaviness.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the pumpkin’s earthiness nicely.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This classic spice mix is key for that warm autumn taste.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise just right for a fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that compliments pumpkin amazingly.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds your donut together with a soft crumb.
• Sugar for Coating: Simple granulated sugar makes a crunchy sweet crust.
• Cinnamon for Coating: Blended with sugar, it gives that perfect spicy finish.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe to suit different occasions. Feel free to tweak spices or add-ins to make it your own and keep things exciting every time you bake.

• Gluten-Free: I swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend once, and it worked surprisingly well—just be sure to check the blend for baking powder included.
• Spice It Up: I’ve added a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth, and my family loved the deeper flavor.
• Frosted Variation: Sometimes I spread a simple cream cheese glaze over the cinnamon sugar coating for extra indulgence.
• Mini Donuts: Using a mini donut pan makes these bite-sized treats perfect for parties—though they bake super fast, so keep a close eye.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your donut pan and preheat your oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your donut pan a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray—this is key to getting your baked donuts out cleanly. I once skipped this step and had a donut drama trying to pry them out; trust me, don’t make that mistake.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients together first

Whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. I like to mix these before adding flour because it helps with even distribution of flavors and keeps the batter smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the flour carefully

Slowly stir in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth – no lumps, but don’t overmix. The trick here is gentle folding; too much stirring can make your donuts tough instead of tender. Just mix until combined and you’re good.

Step 4: Fill the donut pans up about three-quarters full

Using a spoon or piping bag makes this easier and less messy. Filling them about 3/4 full leaves enough room for the donuts to rise perfectly without spilling over the edges. If you’re anything like me, this part feels a little like medicine dosing — precision counts!

Step 5: Bake for 15-17 minutes

Pop them in the oven and set a timer—you want to watch closely around 15 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. For larger donuts, you’ll want to add extra baking time, about 23 to 35 minutes, but I usually stick with the smaller ones for that tender crumb.

Step 6: Cool and toss in cinnamon sugar

After removing from the oven, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before popping them out. While they’re cooling, mix sugar and cinnamon in a big plastic bag. One at a time, place a donut in the bag, shake lightly to coat evenly, then lay them out to cool completely. This sugar coating gives a delightful crunch and spice that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple: a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra cinnamon sugar for an added sparkle. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for some crunch, which pairs beautifully with the soft pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

These donuts taste fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a bigger brunch spread, I often serve them with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holiday gatherings, I arranged the donuts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping—always a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting! Wrapping a couple individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a sweet gift, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves that tender crumb I love so much.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully if you want to save some for later. I wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, they thaw quickly on the counter, just about an hour or so.

Reheating

To warm the donuts up without drying them, I use a quick burst in the microwave—15 seconds does the trick. It revives the softness and enhances the cinnamon sugar coating’s aroma perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe holds a special place in my autumn baking routine. I love how easy and fuss-free it is—plus the comforting flavors never fail to bring smiles. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, I promise these donuts will deliver that warm, cozy hug in every bite. Go ahead and give them a try; once you do, I bet this recipe becomes a fall favorite in your kitchen too!

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