Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

I absolutely love these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe because they capture all the cozy flavors of fall without the fuss of frying. They’re soft, moist, and delicately spiced, making them perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a sweet afternoon treat with your coffee. What I adore most is how easy they come together—you’ll find that baking these donuts is a total game-changer when you want that homemade feel without overheating the kitchen or the mess of oil splatters.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the cinnamon sugar coating adds that perfect sweet crunch, giving the donuts a little something extra. They’re also super versatile: perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a dessert at your next gathering. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delightful and approachable, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe are definitely worth trying—you won’t regret it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe work beautifully together to create that tender, flavorful donut base with an irresistible cinnamon sugar finish. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality spices and real pumpkin puree to get the best taste.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for your donuts to get a soft but sturdy texture.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners help your donuts rise just right without being too cakey.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (or allspice): Spices that bring the warm, cozy fall flavors—freshly ground is a game-changer if you can.
• Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: A blend that adds depth and sweetness to the donut.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, this keeps the donuts rich and tender.
• Large eggs: At room temperature, they help bind and add moisture.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Cinnamon sugar coating ingredients (granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter): These ensure each donut has that perfect sweet and spiced crunch on the outside.

Variations

I love customizing the Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to play around with the spices or try different coatings to match your taste preferences.

• Variation: I often swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a simple glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar—it’s a hit with the family and adds a lovely sheen.
• Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well here, just be sure to adjust baking time slightly and be gentle when mixing to keep the donuts tender.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cardamom to the spice mix gives the donuts a unique kick that I discovered while experimenting one fall.
• Add-ins: Chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips folded into the batter make these donuts extra special for a weekend treat.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F—getting the temperature just right helps your donuts bake evenly without drying out. Grease your donut pans thoroughly with nonstick spray; I use a pastry brush for an even coat to make sure the donuts release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those fragrant spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves or allspice. This aromatic mix is where much of your flavor starts, so I like to take a moment here to really blend everything well.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the butter is fully absorbed. Next, add your eggs—in my experience, whisking vigorously here ensures a smooth, fluffy batter. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree until it’s all nicely combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the dry and gently fold until there are no pockets of flour left—be careful not to overmix, or your donuts might turn out tough. I like to spoon or even pipe the batter into the prepared pans because it’s neater and helps you get an even donut shape every time.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let your donuts cool in the pan for a couple of minutes—that little rest helps them hold their shape when you transfer them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Coat With Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still slightly warm, brush them gently with melted butter—this helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly. Mix your granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for that classic coating, then toss or sprinkle it generously over each donut. That sweet crunch is what sets this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe apart.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple since the cinnamon sugar coating speaks for itself, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a lovely finishing touch when guests come over. Sprinkling a few toasted pumpkin seeds on top can also add a fun texture and highlight that pumpkin vibe.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or rich coffee. For brunch, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and make it a more filling spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties or Halloween, I like arranging these donuts on a rustic wooden board with mini gourds and autumn leaves around for a festive look. I’ve also tied a small bundle with a cinnamon stick and twine around a few stacked donuts as a charming gift idea that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the cinnamon sugar coating crisp, I place a paper towel beneath the donuts to absorb moisture, which really helps maintain their texture.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want one, I pop it out to thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds—it tastes almost as fresh as the day I baked them.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a toaster oven or oven at 300° F for about 5 minutes to restore that slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft and moist. Avoid microwaving for too long or they’ll get gummy—just a quick warm-up is plenty, especially if you like your cinnamon sugar coating a little crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe holds a special place in my heart as my go-to fall treat when I want something sweet but not overwhelming. I love sharing them with friends because they’re simple to make yet impressively flavorful. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the warm spices, tender crumb, and that addictive cinnamon sugar crunch that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

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