There’s something extraordinarily comforting about the scent of homemade donuts wafting through your kitchen, especially when those donuts are infused with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin and spices. Pumpkin donuts with cinnamon sugar coating are not just a treat for your taste buds; they are a celebration of the fall season, combining the superb sweetness of pumpkin with the cozy spices that remind you of cool autumn days. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cozy cup of coffee or as a delightful snack, these donuts bring joy and warmth with every bite.
Why We Love This Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
This pumpkin donut recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, using real pumpkin puree makes these donuts incredibly moist, ensuring that your baked goods don’t dry out. The spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—intertwine beautifully, creating that signature fall flavor profile. Secondly, baking instead of frying means you get the satisfaction of enjoying donuts without the extra grease. This recipe also gives you the freedom to share them with family and friends or savor them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love the warm, sugary crunch of cinnamon sugar? Rolling the freshly baked donuts in this delightful mixture transforms them from simple baked goods into an indulgent treat. Plus, they’re easy to make and require simple ingredients, making this recipe approachable for bakers of any level.
Ingredients about Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
To craft a batch of these delicious pumpkin donuts, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Directions
Creating these scrumptious pumpkin donuts is a straightforward task, perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their baking.
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Next, grab your donut pan and lightly grease it with nonstick spray. This step is crucial as it prevents the donuts from sticking and makes removal easy when they’re finished baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). Make sure everything is well mixed; this ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your donuts.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Incorporate the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Finally, add in the pumpkin puree, stirring gently to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined; be careful not to overmix here. You want a tender donut, and overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the donut cavities in your prepared pan. Make sure to fill them about three-quarters full to allow the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for around 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is important as it prevents sogginess.
- Prepare the Coating: While your donuts are cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush them with melted butter. This will help the cinnamon sugar adhere. Then, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
And there you have it—a batch of homemade pumpkin donuts that are ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Your pumpkin donuts with cinnamon sugar coating are delightful served fresh, but they also lend themselves to various serving options.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair these donuts with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea. The spices in the donuts enhance the warm flavors of your drink, creating a lovely moment of indulgence.
- As a Treat for Guests: If you’re hosting a gathering or a cozy brunch, consider serving these donuts on a beautiful platter. They make a charming centerpiece that can spark conversations and smiles.
- Drizzled with Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the top. A mixture of powdered sugar and milk can be whisked together and drizzled for a lovely shine.
- With Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve these warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is simply divine.
Expert Tips: Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Creating the perfect pumpkin donuts can be made easier with a few expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature when mixing them with the other ingredients. This helps in achieving a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser donuts.
- Check for Doneness: Always test for doneness with a toothpick but be careful not to open the oven door too frequently. This can cause the temperature to drop and may affect how your donuts rise.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love a bit more cinnamon, go ahead and increase the amount!
- Experiment with Toppings: Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider adding toppings like chopped nuts or drizzle some caramel for a fun flavor variety.
How to Store Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Storing your pumpkin donuts properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume them within a couple of days, store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to keep them away from light and heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For slightly longer storage, you can place them in the fridge. However, keep in mind that refrigeration may affect the texture, making them less moist.
- Freezing: If you want to store your donuts for a longer time, freezing is your best option. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.
Variation of Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Feel free to get creative with your pumpkin donut recipe! Here are a few variations to inspire you:
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter to elevate your flavor profile. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is irresistible.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled donuts for a sweet, sticky treat that compliments pumpkin perfectly.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Spiced Rum Glaze: For an adult version, add a spiced rum glaze for a kick of flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- Alternative Flours: For a gluten-free option, experiment by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
FAQ
What are Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating?
Pumpkin donuts with cinnamon sugar coating are soft, fluffy baked donuts made with pumpkin puree and warm spices. They are typically baked, coated in melted butter, and rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness.
How long do homemade pumpkin donuts stay fresh?
Homemade pumpkin donuts can stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider refrigerating for up to a week or freezing for up to 3 months.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, baked donuts can be made ahead, cooled, and stored for later enjoyment.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, you can roast a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, puree it, and then use it in the recipe. Just ensure it’s well-pureed for the best results.
How do I know when my pumpkin donuts are done baking?
The best way to check if your pumpkin donuts are done baking is to insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to be removed from the oven.
Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing Bowls:
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves Or allspice
- 0.75 cup Light Brown Sugar Packed
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar For the batter
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large Eggs Room temperature
- 2 cups Pumpkin Puree
- 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar For coating
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon For coating
- 6 tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter For coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Add eggs and pumpkin puree, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill the donut cavities about three-quarters full with the batter.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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