Pumpkin Spice Donuts

It started on one of those golden autumn afternoons when the sunlight filters through the trees just right, turning everything it touches to amber. I was in my kitchen, craving something warm and sweet the kind of treat that makes the whole house smell like fall. I remembered the pumpkin spice donuts I once had at a tiny café tucked down a quiet street, their aroma filling the air like a cozy blanket. The memory alone was enough to send me rummaging through my pantry for pumpkin purée and spices.

After a few messy experiments (and a fair share of delicious failures), I finally perfected this recipe soft, cake-like donuts bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, finished with a silky vanilla glaze. Every bite feels like autumn on a plate, comforting and nostalgic in the best way. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect fall baking moment, this is it your kitchen is about to smell absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Trust me when I say these homemade donuts are absolutely irresistible. First, they’re surprisingly approachable – you don’t need fancy equipment or pastry school training to make them shine. The pumpkin puree creates the most tender, moist texture that’s neither too dense nor too light, just perfectly balanced.

What really sets these apart is how the pumpkin pie spice blend creates layers of flavor without being overwhelming. Each bite delivers warmth from cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg’s earthiness, and just enough spice to make your taste buds dance. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making fresh donuts from scratch the house fills with the most incredible aroma that’ll have your family gathering in the kitchen before you even finish glazing them.

Most importantly, these donuts are perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, they create those special moments that bring people together around good food made with love.

What You’ll Need

Let me walk you through the simple ingredients that make these Pumpkin Spice Donuts so special. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect texture and flavor we’re after.

• All-purpose flour forms our foundation – I always use unbleached when possible for the best flavor
• Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb
• Baking powder gives us the perfect lift without making them too airy
• Pumpkin pie spice is our flavor superstar – if you don’t have it, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
• Salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) adds moisture and that gorgeous autumn flavor
• Sour cream might seem unusual, but it creates incredible tenderness
• Large eggs bind everything together and add richness
• Melted butter brings flavor and helps create that perfect texture
• Vanilla extract complements the pumpkin beautifully
• Neutral vegetable oil for frying – canola or safflower work perfectly
• Vanilla donut glaze for that classic finishing touch

Let’s Bake It Together

Making these fall Pumpkin Spice Donuts is easier than you might think. Just follow along, and you’ll have bakery-quality treats in no time!

1. Combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
2. Whisk your wet ingredients in another bowl: pumpkin puree, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined – don’t overmix! Cover and chill the dough for 15 minutes to firm up.
4. Set up your frying station: heat oil to 3-inch depth in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Place a thermometer in the oil and set up your cooling rack nearby.
5. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to ¾-inch thickness. Cut circles using a 3-inch round cutter, then reroll scraps for more donuts.
6. Cut center holes using a 1-inch cutter – save those donut holes for frying too!
7. When oil reaches 350°F, carefully drop 2-3 donuts into the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. Remove to your wire rack and immediately dip both sides in vanilla glaze while still warm.
9. Enjoy when cool enough to handle – these taste like pure joy!

Serving Suggestions

These glazed Pumpkin Spice Donuts are absolutely perfect on their own, but here are some delightful ways to make them even more special. Serve them alongside hot coffee or spiced cider for the ultimate autumn experience. For special occasions, try dusting them with cinnamon sugar instead of glaze, or drizzle with maple glaze for extra fall flavor.

I love arranging them on a vintage cake stand for weekend brunch – they look so inviting and disappear quickly! For afternoon tea, cut them in half and serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional pumpkin pie spice.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Donuts recipe is how adaptable it is to your preferences and dietary needs:

• For gluten-free donuts, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Make them dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of sour cream and plant-based butter
• Try different spice blends – chai spice or apple pie spice work wonderfully
• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for extra texture

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These fresh Pumpkin Spice Donuts are absolutely best enjoyed the day they’re made, but I understand life happens! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might soften slightly, but they’ll still taste amazing.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before rolling and cutting. Unfortunately, these don’t freeze well after frying, but the raw cut donuts can be frozen on a baking sheet, then stored in freezer bags for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make More Fall Recipes

• Easy 2-Ingredient Protein Bagels
• Homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie Recipe
• Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Muffins

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin spice donuts truly capture everything I love about fall baking they’re warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The combination of tender cake-like texture with that perfect spice blend creates something really special that brings people together.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different glazes or add-ins. Baking is all about joy and creativity, and these donuts are the perfect canvas for your imagination. You’ve got this I promise!

Thanks for baking with me today! I’d love to hear how your donuts turn out, so please share your experiences in the comments below.

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