Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
Soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these adorable pumpkin-shaped holiday treats are perfect for autumn gatherings. Enjoy the flavors of fall with our easy homemade pumpkin donuts! Discover the simple recipe and tips for making the best pumpkin spice donuts today!

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to welcome autumn than with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pumpkin donuts. These delightful fall treats combine the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the indulgent sweetness of fried dough, creating a perfect fall comfort food.
This recipe for homemade pumpkin donuts will have your kitchen smelling like a quaint bakery and your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for fall breakfasts and brunches!

Our recipe yields pumpkin-shaped donuts that are as adorable as they are delicious, making them perfect for fall gatherings or simply as a weekend treat for your family.
Of course, the star of the show is the pumpkin puree, which lends a rich, earthy flavor and moist texture to the donuts. Combined with warm spices and a cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
Donut Dough:
- 1⁄2 cup milk, warm (about 110°F)
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2⁄3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar, divided
- 3 1⁄2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1⁄2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon Sticks
How to make the Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
In a small bowl, add the active dry yeast and a couple of tablespoons of white sugar (taken from the 3/4 cup sugar) to the warm milk. Mix and set aside for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles and becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to use. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, softened butter, and sugar. Mix well until smooth.


Add the frothy yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Use a rubber spatula to fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.



Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Knead until it resembles its original size. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces; roll each piece of dough into a tight ball.


Take some thick string and cut a long piece. Tie around each dough ball like a present, wrapping around 4 times to create 8 equal pumpkin indentations. Please do not wrap the strings too tight, as they will still expand during the second proofing. Place the pumpkin-shaped donut dough balls on a prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a thin towel. Let them rise again in a warm area for about 30 minutes to 1 hour or until they have nearly doubled in size.


In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop in a few donuts at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.


Cut the twine wrapped around the donuts. While the donuts are still hot, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Once all the donuts have been coated in cinnamon sugar, take cinnamon sticks and press them into the center of each pumpkin to act as the stem to finish these festive desserts. Serve and enjoy!
Serve these delicious pumpkin-shaped fried donuts warm with a side of maple syrup or your favorite sweet dipping sauce! They make an excellent treat for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or just because you want something sweet.



Why These Pumpkin Donuts Stand Out
What sets these donuts apart is their attention to detail. The pumpkin shape isn’t just cute; it also creates more surface area for that delightful cinnamon sugar coating. The use of real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice delivers authentic fall flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin donuts are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated even further. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn indulgence. For a decadent dessert, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storing Your Pumpkin Donuts
While these donuts are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh them, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
While this recipe is designed for frying, you could adapt it for baking. However, the texture and flavor will be different. For best results, follow the recipe as written.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that could throw off the balance of flavors in the recipe.
Q: How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
You could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that this may affect the texture of the donuts.
Q: Can I freeze these pumpkin donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

These homemade pumpkin donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of autumn’s flavors and a delightful way to embrace the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at donuts for the first time, this recipe will surely become a fall favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice goodness!


Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- ½ cup milk warm
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon Sticks
Instructions
Donut Dough
- In a small bowl, add the active dry yeast and a couple of tablespoons of white sugar (taken from the 3/4 cup sugar) to the warm milk. Mix and set aside for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles and becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, softened butter, and sugar. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing until a dough forms. Use a rubber spatula to fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Knead until it resembles its original size. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces; roll each piece of dough into a tight ball.
- Take some thick string and cut a long piece. Tie around each dough ball like a present, wrapping around 4 times to create 8 equal pumpkin indentations. Please do not wrap the strings too tight, as they will still expand during the second proofing. Place the pumpkin-shaped donut dough balls on a prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a thin towel. Let them rise again in a warm area for about 30 minutes to 1 hour or until they have nearly doubled in size.
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop in a few donuts at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.Cut the twine wrapped around the donuts. While the donuts are still hot, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture by adding the cinnamon into the sugar in a small bowl. Whisk together until combined.
- Once all the donuts have been coated in cinnamon sugar, take cinnamon sticks and press them into the center of each pumpkin to act as the stem to finish these festive desserts. Serve these delicious pumpkin-shaped fried donuts warm with a side of maple syrup or your favorite sweet dipping sauce! They make an excellent treat for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or just because you want something sweet.
Nutrition
Last updated on November 12th, 2024 at 01:14 pm