When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, nothing beats the warmth of homemade donuts, especially when they’re infused with the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are the perfect cozy treat for autumn mornings or a delightful afternoon snack. Whether you choose the traditional recipe or the vegan version, you’re in for a soft, fluffy, and flavorful experience.
Ingredients for Traditional Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (any type)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup almond milk
For the Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a donut pan to ensure your donuts don’t stick. This step is key whether you’re making the traditional or vegan version.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice. Whisk these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly spiced donuts.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter (or coconut oil for the vegan version), and milk (or almond milk). Ensure that these ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a smooth mixture.
4. Combine and Mix:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the donuts dense, so be gentle!
5. Fill the Pan:
Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This ensures your donuts will rise beautifully and have a nice, round shape.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-11 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back after being lightly pressed. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts cool, melt the butter (or coconut oil for the vegan version) and set it aside. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well blended.
8. Coat the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each one into the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donut, creating a delightful sweet crust.
9. Enjoy:
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, while they’re still warm. Their comforting flavors are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul.
Conclusion
In just 21 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or as a sweet treat after dinner, these donuts are bound to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea, and embrace the flavors of autumn!