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- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating) When making cinnamon sugar pumpkin donuts, the right ingredients make all the difference. You need canned pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor. The blend of granulated and brown sugar gives the donuts a sweet taste and rich color. Vegetable oil keeps the donuts soft and tender. You will use two large eggs for binding and structure. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor that complements the spices. All-purpose flour forms the base of the donut. Baking powder helps the donuts rise as they bake. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring warmth and spice to each bite. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, you will need extra sugar and cinnamon for coating the warm donuts. This creates that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust. Gather these ingredients ahead of time. This helps you move smoothly through the recipe. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. - In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - Mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Do not overmix. - Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. - Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. - While the donuts bake, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. Combine: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - Once baked, cool the donuts in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - While still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating generously. Enjoy the sweet aroma! You can switch out sugar for honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add a unique flavor. If you want to make it gluten-free, try oat flour or almond flour. They work well in this recipe. Just remember, the texture might change slightly. To check if your donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Be careful not to overmix your batter. Mixing too much can make the donuts dense and tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture. When serving, arrange the donuts on a pretty plate. You can sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top for a nice touch. Pair these donuts with a warm chai or coffee. The flavors go perfectly together and make for a cozy treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground ones. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before rolling in the cinnamon sugar to ensure it sticks better. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make these donuts even more fun! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. These add-ins give a nice crunch and flavor. You can also switch up the spices. Adding allspice or cloves can deepen the taste. Each option brings a new twist to your pumpkin donuts. Want to make your donuts even sweeter? Consider a cream cheese frosting. It adds creaminess and pairs well with the pumpkin flavor. If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk. This simple glaze can add a shiny finish. Both options make your donuts look and taste amazing! Donuts can fit any season! For holidays, use fun sprinkles as toppings. They bring color and joy to your treats. You can also think about different flavors for summer or winter. For summer, lemon zest can add a bright note. In winter, a hint of peppermint can make them festive. Each season brings a chance to get creative! To keep your cinnamon sugar pumpkin donuts fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and tasty for a few days. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as that can make them dry. For longer storage, you can freeze your donuts. Make sure they are completely cool. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, take a donut out of the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to thaw. If you want, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This makes them taste fresh again. Homemade donuts last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to check for any signs of freezer burn or off smells before eating. Enjoy your delicious treats while they are still fresh! You can use gluten-free flour blends. They often have a mix of flours, like almond and coconut. You can also try oat flour or rice flour. Just make sure the blend has xanthan gum. This helps give the donuts a good texture. Yes, fresh pumpkin can work well! Start by roasting a small pumpkin. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake it face down for about 45 minutes. After it cools, mash it until smooth. This fresh pumpkin will add a great flavor to your donuts. Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use almond milk instead of vegetable oil. If you lack a donut pan, use a muffin tin instead! Simply spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Bake for about 15-18 minutes. You can also use a baking sheet and pipe the batter into donut shapes. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed. These pumpkin donuts are easy to make and full of flavor. We covered key ingredients, needed tools, and simple steps for baking. You also learned tips for variations, storage, and serving ideas. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors and make it your own. Enjoy these delicious treats fresh or saved for later. Baking should be fun and rewarding. So grab your tools and start making these tasty donuts!

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts

Delicious pumpkin donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
  • While the donuts are baking, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish for the coating.
  • Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While still slightly warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat generously.
  • Allow the coated donuts to cool on the wire rack for a few more minutes before serving.

Notes

Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate, perhaps dusting an extra pinch of cinnamon sugar over the top for a visual garnish. Pair with a warm cup of chai or coffee for the perfect fall treat!
Keyword cinnamon, dessert, donuts, fall, pumpkin