Ah, pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts! Just the mere thought of them takes me back to those crisp autumn mornings when the world is kissed with a cool breeze and the leaves are splashed in hues of gold and crimson. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; my kitchen was filled with the warm, fall-spice aroma, and I couldn’t help but sneak a bite while they were still hot. They are not just donuts; they are tiny bites of seasonal joy, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a steaming cup of coffee.
What I love most about these pumpkin donuts is how easy they are to make and how they effortlessly bring that cozy pumpkin spice flavor right to your home. Whether you’re celebrating the harvest season or just indulging in a sweet craving, these donuts are a winner. Let’s dive into how to create these fluffy gems that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
What’s in Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives these donuts their velvety texture and rich flavor! I always opt for pure pumpkin puree—just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin for the best results, not the pie filling.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our donut batter, providing structure and fluffiness to make each bite heavenly.
Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar for the batter and confectioners’ sugar for that delightful topping. Sweetening them just right is crucial!
Cinnamon: The warm, comforting spice that makes these donuts scream autumn. I love using fresh ground cinnamon when I can—it really boosts the flavor.
Baking Powder: This is our magic ingredient that helps the donuts rise perfectly, giving them that soft, light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Eggs: They add moisture and richness, helping bind everything together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds a lovely layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin wonderfully!
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a lovely golden color to our donuts. I often go for unsalted butter for better control of flavor.
Is Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health. While pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts are definitely a treat, they do offer some nice perks!
Pumpkin: This is not just a flavor; it’s packed with vitamins A and C, and it’s a solid source of fiber. It’s like giving your body a little hug, even when you’re indulging.
Cinnamon: Beyond its warm flavor, this spice is known for potential anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
However, they are still donuts, so like with all treats, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Savoring one (or two—I won’t tell!) alongside a healthy breakfast can keep things balanced.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 12 scrumptious donuts.
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon + more for coating
– 2 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup melted unsalted butter
– ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended.
4. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. While they’re still slightly warm, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then coat each donut by rolling it in this mixture. I like to do this right away to ensure the topping sticks nicely.
7. **Enjoy!** Maybe top it off with a light drizzle of glaze or enjoy as is—there isn’t a wrong way!
Donut Delight: Tips and Variations
– Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to your batter for an extra kick of flavor!
– If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t panic! You can use a muffin tin to make scrumptious pumpkin cinnamon sugar muffins instead.
– Feeling fancy? Top your donuts with a maple glaze or a cream cheese icing for that little extra indulgence.
These pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts are an absolute hit. From breakfast to dessert, I encourage you to fill your kitchen with their inviting smells and share them with those you love. Life’s too short to skip out on delightful treats, so get ready to savor every single bite—and let me know how it goes! Happy baking!