If you are craving a cozy, utterly delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you have to try this Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe. These donuts are soft and tender, infused with warm pumpkin pie spice, and finished with a luscious, spiced glaze that’s perfectly sweet and just a little bit tangy. Each bite bursts with comforting autumn flavors, making them the ideal snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or share with friends and family during the holidays or any chilly day. Once you try this Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a heartwarming favorite you’ll return to season after season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to create these stunning Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and color, ensuring that every donut is soft and spiced just right.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your donut dough, providing structure and that perfect chewy bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for those golden donuts.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The magic leavening agent that makes your donuts fluffy and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing tastes flat or dull.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning that brings warmth and festive flavor to every bite.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps keep the donuts tender and moist.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and help with richness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: A touch of indulgence that improves softness and flavor depth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds sweet aroma and complexity to the dough.
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: The base for a sweet, smooth glaze that glistens adorably on top.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (for glaze): Creates a glaze with a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Brings warmth and enhances the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices so that your donuts will rise beautifully and have consistent flavor throughout.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This combination brings moisture, richness, and that lovely pumpkin taste that is the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough will be sticky and thick, which is exactly how it should be. Avoid over-mixing so your donuts stay tender and cakey after frying.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts
Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface to prevent sticking and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Keep in mind the donuts will puff up while frying, so don’t roll them too thin. Use a donut cutter to cut out both donuts and donut holes for a delightful variety.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully slide a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown, which should only take a few minutes. This method delivers that beautiful crispy outer layer with a soft, pillowy center.
Step 6: Let the Donuts Cool
Once fried, transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly. This resting period helps the glaze stick better later and lets the donuts firm up just a bit.
Step 7: Prepare the Spiced Glaze and Dip
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This glaze is the perfect complement to the warm spices in the donuts, creating a shiny, indulgent coating. Dip each warm donut into the glaze, then return it to the wire rack and let any excess drip away.
How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle the glazed donuts with crushed pecans, cinnamon sugar, or even a pinch of nutmeg. These simple garnishes add texture and highlight the cozy fall flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pumpkin Donuts with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, a bold cup of coffee, or a velvety latte to elevate the experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the donuts in a festive autumn-themed basket for a cozy brunch or stack them on a tiered stand for a party centerpiece. You can even thread donut holes onto skewers and drizzle extra glaze for a playful and shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the donuts tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing their glaze charm.
Freezing
To freeze donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They stay delicious for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when you are ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your donuts in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes to bring back that just-fried softness. This step makes the glaze glisten freshly and the pumpkin spice pop brilliantly.
FAQs
Can I bake these pumpkin donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, bake the donuts at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake, and you can still dip them in that amazing spiced glaze for full flavor impact.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and makes the recipe even easier. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra spices and sweeteners that could alter the flavor balance.
What is pumpkin pie spice exactly?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s what gives the donuts their signature fall flavor and can usually be found in the spice aisle or made at home easily with your own spice mix.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a splash more buttermilk. Adjust gradually until you reach the desired consistency for dipping or drizzling.
Are these donuts suitable for kids?
Definitely! These donuts are soft, sweet, and have a fun spice flavor that kids often love. Just ensure the glaze sets before serving to avoid messiness, and enjoy sharing this cozy recipe with the whole family.
Final Thoughts
There is something so incredibly comforting about homemade donuts that pair perfectly with the flavors of fall, and this Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe delivers exactly that with warm spices, tender texture, and a dreamy glaze. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself midweek, I hope you enjoy every single bite as much as I do. Don’t wait to bring a little pumpkin spice happiness into your kitchen and share this recipe with those you love!
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Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy pumpkin donuts with a spiced glaze, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat. These fried donuts combine pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spice for a comforting flavor, then are dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
- Roll and cut: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out donuts and donut holes for frying.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil and fry each side until lightly browned, then remove and drain. Repeat in batches until all donuts are cooked.
- Cool the donuts: Place the fried donuts on a wire cooling rack to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and return to the cooling rack to allow excess glaze to drip off and set.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure oil stays at 350°F for perfectly fried donuts.
- The dough is sticky, so flour your surface and tools well to prevent sticking while rolling and cutting.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and texture.
- Keep fried donuts on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, increase the buttermilk slightly.
