Name: Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for dipping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall any time of the year, this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is your ticket to happiness. Imagine soft, fluffy donuts infused with the gentle warmth of pumpkin and spices, then perfectly coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture that makes every bite a celebration of flavors. These donuts are not only irresistibly delicious but also wonderfully easy to make, bringing a little piece of autumn kitchen magic right to your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pile of golden brown donuts stacked in a loose pyramid with seven donuts visible, each donut is covered with a sugar and cinnamon coating that gives a textured, slightly grainy look. The donuts have a soft, fluffy appearance with a light crisp outer layer. They rest directly on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting their warm, inviting color and texture. The background is softly blurred in neutral tones, keeping the focus fully on the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple ingredients that together build amazing texture, flavor, and seasonal charm. Each element has its part to play—from the velvety pumpkin that adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the fragrant cinnamon that tops these treats with a satisfying crunch.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light fluffiness essential for donuts.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning during baking.
Baking powder: Leavens the donuts, ensuring they’re airy and soft.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm, spicy note, both inside and out.
Nutmeg and ground cloves: These complementary spices boost the classic pumpkin spice flavor.
Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, tenderness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
Egg: Binds ingredients to create a smooth batter.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and a slight density to the donuts.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its warm and sweet aroma.
Cinnamon sugar (for coating): A simple blend of sugar and cinnamon that creates a crispy, flavorful crust.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your donut pan. This ensures your donuts will bake evenly and release easily from the pan. Also, gather and measure all your ingredients before you begin to keep the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Combining these early lets the spices distribute evenly, so every bite bursts with balanced pumpkin-spice goodness.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, egg, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture and a tender crumb, while the egg and oil enrich the batter for soft, delectable donuts.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, gently folding them until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the donuts dense rather than light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing by now, with that pumpkin-cinnamon scent filling the air.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip each one into a bowl of melted butter, then roll them generously in cinnamon sugar. This step creates the signature sweet and crunchy crust that finishes off these Pumpkin Donuts perfectly.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

A stack of eight golden brown donuts covered in a layer of sugar and cinnamon sits on a white marbled surface. Each donut has a round shape with a smooth, slightly crispy texture on the outside and soft inside. The donuts are piled unevenly, with one donut placed on top in the center, showing the sugary coating that sparkles under soft light. The background is softly blurred with neutral tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar over the cinnamon sugar coating makes for an elegant touch if you’re serving these at a gathering. For a bit of contrast, you could also drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or add chopped nuts like pecans for crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even hot apple cider to make an inviting breakfast or snack moment. They also go wonderfully alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or a smear of cream cheese frosting if you want to indulge a bit more.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe into a charming dessert by stacking a few on a plate with fresh berries and a sprig of mint. Or create a donut board with various toppings and dipping sauces, letting everyone customize their perfect autumn treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their soft texture without drying out the pumpkin moisture inside.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the delight of these donuts later on, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, ready to bring pumpkin-spice comfort whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This gently reheats them without toughening the crumb, plus it refreshes that warm cinnamon sugar coating to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here, just make sure you use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra spices and sweeteners.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for baking, making it a lighter, fuss-free treat without sacrificing that delightful softness and flavor.

How do I store leftover cinnamon sugar coating?

You can keep extra cinnamon sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for months. It’s handy for sprinkling on toast, oatmeal, or any time you want a quick cinnamon-sugar fix.

What’s the best way to prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease your donut pan well with oil or non-stick spray, or use a silicone pan if you have one. Also, letting the donuts cool slightly but not completely before removing helps them release smoothly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Recipe that brings not just incredible flavor but cozy memories with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this recipe welcomes you to fall in a truly delicious way. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-sprinkled joy of pumpkin donuts any day you please!