Fall calls for warm flavors and cozy treats. If you love pumpkin, you’ll adore these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts! They’re soft, sweet, and easy to make from scratch. I’ll guide you through selecting fresh ingredients, creating the perfect batter, and coating your donuts in a heavenly cinnamon-sugar blend. Ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn and delight your taste buds? Let’s dive into the cozy world of pumpkin donuts!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavor: These donuts capture the essence of fall with the warm spices and pumpkin, making them a seasonal favorite.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it a convenient treat for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a lighter alternative that still satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories.
- Customizable Coating: The cinnamon sugar coating can be adjusted to your taste, allowing you to experiment with different flavors or add toppings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make these cinnamon sugar pumpkin donuts, you will need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas:
- Canned pumpkin puree: You can use fresh pumpkin or butternut squash puree if you want.
- All-purpose flour: Try whole wheat flour for more fiber or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated sugar: Coconut sugar works well, but it may change the color.
- Vegetable oil: You can use melted coconut oil or apple sauce for a lighter option.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk works, like almond or oat milk.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how to find the best:
- Pumpkin puree: Look for brands that list 100% pumpkin. Avoid those with added sugars or preservatives.
- Spices: Check the expiration date. Fresh spices have the best flavor.
- Flour: Make sure there are no lumps. Store it in a cool and dry place.
- Sugars: Brown sugar should feel soft and moist. Granulated sugar should be dry and free of clumps.
- Eggs: Choose eggs that are clean and have no cracks. Check the date on the carton to ensure freshness.
These tips help you pick the best items for your donuts. When you use fresh ingredients, your donuts will taste even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
How to Prepare the Donut Pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with oil or cooking spray. This step helps the donuts come out easily after baking. Make sure to coat each cavity well.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients first. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and set aside.
In another bowl, blend the sugars. Use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 2 large eggs and whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, mix in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts soft.
Baking Process
Baking Time and Temperature Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes.
Checking Donut Doneness To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool for 5 minutes.
Coating in Cinnamon Sugar
Best Practices for Even Coating While the donuts cool, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Do this while the donuts are still warm for the best flavor. Make sure to roll them well to achieve an even coating. Enjoy your cozy treats!
Tips & Tricks
How to Get the Perfect Texture
To make soft and fluffy donuts, use fresh ingredients. The right amount of baking powder and baking soda helps the donuts rise. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing makes donuts tough. Fill the pan only three-quarters full. This allows room for the donuts to rise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using too much flour. This can lead to dry donuts. Don't skip the cooling step after baking. Coating warm donuts in cinnamon sugar makes them stick better. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old ingredients can affect the rise and texture.
Making Donuts Ahead of Time
You can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best taste, coat them in cinnamon sugar just before serving. This keeps them fresh and delicious.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Spices: Using freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor of your donuts. Consider grinding your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger just before use for a more vibrant taste.
- Donut Pan Care: Ensure your donut pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. You can also use a non-stick spray for easy removal after baking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the donuts to cool adequately before coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This ensures the coating adheres better and doesn't melt away.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to thaw completely before enjoying.
Variations
Spiced Variations
You can change the flavor of your donuts by adding spices. Cloves and allspice are great choices. Just add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the dry mix. These spices give a warm, cozy taste. They work well with the pumpkin flavor. Try different amounts to find what you like best.
Glazed Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts
Want a sweet twist? Make glazed cinnamon sugar pumpkin donuts! After baking, let the donuts cool. Then dip them in a simple glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle this on top of the warm donuts. The glaze adds a nice shine and extra sweetness.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Options
You can easily make these donuts vegan or dairy-free. Use a flax egg instead of eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Instead of milk, use almond milk or oat milk. These swaps keep the donuts soft and delicious.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Donuts
To store leftover donuts, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. If you have a lot, try separating layers with parchment paper. This helps avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature. Donuts stay good for about 2-3 days this way.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these donuts for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Frozen donuts stay fresh for up to three months. When you crave them, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating Tips
To warm up donuts, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This brings back their soft texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. But be careful, as they can get chewy if overcooked. Enjoy your soft and cozy treats!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Start by cooking a pumpkin. Cut it in half and remove the seeds. Roast the halves in the oven until they are soft. Then, scoop the flesh out and mash it. You need one cup of pumpkin puree for this recipe. Fresh pumpkin gives a nice taste and texture.
How do I know when the donuts are baked?
To check if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. You should also see a light golden color on top. The edges may pull slightly away from the pan. This shows they cooked well.
Can I bake these donuts in a regular muffin pan?
You can bake these donuts in a muffin pan. Just fill each cup about halfway with batter. Keep in mind that baking time will change. Check them after about 15 minutes. They might need a few extra minutes to cook through. The muffins will be a bit thicker than donuts but will still taste great!
In this guide, we explored how to make delicious donuts at home. We covered the key ingredients, including fresh ingredient tips and substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and cinnamon sugar coating. We shared common mistakes to avoid and variations like vegan donuts. Finally, we discussed how to properly store and reheat your leftovers.
Making donuts can be fun and tasty. With practice, you’ll master this treat. Enjoy your baking journey!
