These pumpkin spice donuts are fluffy, sweet, and full of fall flavors! With a warm mix of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they’re perfect for a cozy morning treat.
I’ll be honest, I can never eat just one! They’re great with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making breakfast feel like a special occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for these donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It may alter the texture slightly, but they should still taste delicious!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is a go-to for convenience. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast it, scoop it out, and puree it until smooth. Both options will give you that rich pumpkin flavor.
Spices: The classic pumpkin spice mix is essential. If you don’t have all the individual spices, a pre-made pumpkin spice blend will work just fine. Just use about 2 teaspoons total.
Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but feel free to substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you’re dairy-free. Both add nice moisture to the donuts.
How Can I Get the Oil Temperature Right for Frying?
Getting the oil temperature just right is key to perfectly fried donuts. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cool, your donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Here’s how to achieve that perfect temperature:
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature; aim for 350°F (175°C).
- Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in. It should sizzle and rise immediately.
- Fry just a few donuts at a time to maintain the temperature. If the oil drops too low, allow it to heat back up before frying more.
With the right temperature, your donuts will cook evenly and come out perfectly golden and fluffy! Happy frying!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes for frying. You’ll want to set aside about 30-40 minutes total to make, fry, and coat these delicious donuts. You’ll be enjoying them in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This mix of dry ingredients will create the perfect base for your donuts!
2. Preparing the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t skip this part—it’s where most of the yummy flavor comes from!
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together just until combined; be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we want them fluffy!
4. Heating the Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the donuts. You can test it by dropping a small bit of dough in; it should sizzle right away.
5. Shaping the Donuts:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to create your donut shapes.
6. Frying the Donuts:
Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them, and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Coating in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl. Toss the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar until they are well coated.
8. Serving the Donuts:
These pumpkin spice donuts are best served warm. Enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience!
These donuts are fluffy and moist with a wonderful crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior. They’re perfect for fall mornings or whenever you’re craving something sweet and spicy! Enjoy!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying Them?
Yes! To bake the donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Fill the donut cavities about 3/4 full with the batter, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They may be slightly less moist compared to fried donuts, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture. Another option is mashed banana, which will add some banana flavor but still keeps the donuts moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Glaze Instead of Cinnamon Sugar?
Absolutely! If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream and a splash of vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over warm donuts for an extra sweet treat.
