Baked Pumpkin Donuts: 7 Irresistible Fall Treats

When the leaves start to crunch underfoot and pumpkin spice sneaks its way into everything (yes, even your dog’s chew toy, probably), nothing says autumn quite like baked pumpkin donuts. Soft, tender, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are basically fall wrapped up in a bite.

If you’re juggling work, family, and the never-ending pile of laundry, don’t worry—this recipe is a lifesaver. No deep fryer, no scary oil splatters. Just an easy batter, a donut pan, and a little fall magic.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Cozy autumn vibes in every bite—thanks to pumpkin puree and warm spices.
• Healthier than fried donuts but still just as satisfying.
• Quick and easy—from mixing bowl to oven in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for family breakfasts, bake sales, or a midweek “I deserve this” moment.

And trust me, once you’ve made these, your kitchen will smell like a fall candle—but better, because you can actually eat the results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into our baked pumpkin donuts:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk (regular, almond, or oat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for coating)
• ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)

How To Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

1. Preparing the Donut Batter

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In one bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and milk until smooth.
• Slowly stir wet into dry ingredients until just combined. (Pro tip: Don’t over-mix, or you’ll end up with donuts tougher than your grandma’s Thanksgiving turkey leftovers.)
• Transfer batter to a piping bag—or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped—and pipe into donut pan cavities.

2. Baking Your Donuts

• Bake for 15–16 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. This patience saves you from donut heartbreak (aka broken shapes).

3. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Melt the butter.
• Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
• Dip each cooled donut lightly in butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar.
• Voilà! A golden, spiced halo of happiness.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

• Don’t skip the cooling step. Warm donuts will melt the sugar coating, and you’ll end up with sticky fingers instead of fluffy perfection.
• No donut pan? Try a muffin tin—your “pumpkin donut muffins” will taste just as magical.
• Spice swap: If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, add extra cinnamon and nutmeg—it’s a close second.

My Little Donut Story

The first time I made these baked pumpkin donuts, I left them on the counter to cool. By the time I came back, half were gone. My kids had declared them “better than Starbucks.” (Which is basically the highest compliment a fall treat can get, right?) Now, they’ve become our go-to Saturday breakfast when we want to kick off the weekend with something cozy and sweet.

FAQs About Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Fall’s Sweetest Bite

There you have it—baked pumpkin donuts that are soft, spiced, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them with family or sneaking one with your morning coffee, they’re the ultimate taste of autumn. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and let’s make fall a little sweeter, one donut at a time.

More Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If these cozy baked pumpkin donuts have you craving even more seasonal goodness, here are some delicious recipes from the blog that pair perfectly with fall flavors:

• Sweet meets spooky with this fun and festive Scarecrow Crunch Snack Mix — a kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for Halloween parties or cozy movie nights.
• Warm up on chilly evenings with a comforting bowl of Crockpot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup — hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make.
• Looking for a savory side to balance your sweet tooth? Try these golden, crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs — they’re bite-sized comfort food at its best.
• And don’t miss a fun seasonal favorite: Pumpkin-Shaped Sliders — adorable, tasty, and guaranteed to wow guests at your fall gatherings.

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