As I pulled the warm and fragrant Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts out of the fryer, the golden-brown exterior glistened like autumn leaves kissed by the sun. This cozy recipe captures the essence of fall, bringing together the rich flavors of pumpkin and a medley of spices that embrace your senses. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or an afternoon treat, these delectable donuts are surprisingly easy to make and are sure to become a family favorite. Not only do they provide a delightful alternative to store-bought pastries, but they also offer a nostalgic warmth that enriches any moment, especially when paired with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. What’s your favorite way to enjoy a homemade donut?

Why Are Pumpkin Spice Donuts a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: These donuts deliver a perfect blend of warm spices and pumpkin, making each bite a celebration of fall flavors!

Homemade Goodness: Say goodbye to store-bought treats; this recipe lets you craft wholesome donuts from scratch, bringing warmth to your kitchen.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, these donuts require minimal baking skills. You’ll impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat!

Warm and Cozy: Best served fresh and warm, they pair wonderfully with coffee or hot apple cider for that ultimate cozy experience.

Endless Variations: Feeling adventurous? Experiment with chocolate chips or different spices to create your own unique twist! Check out our Flourless Pumpkin Muffins for another delightful pumpkin treat.

Pumpkin Spice Donut Ingredients

For the Donuts

Cake Flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture.
Baking Powder – Essential leavening agent that helps the donuts rise beautifully.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
Pumpkin Puree – Adds delightful moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue; both fresh or canned work perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger – These classic fall spices give your donuts that warm, spiced flavor; you can swap with pumpkin pie spice for a quick shortcut.
Butter – Infuses richness and moisture into the donuts; vegetable oil can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
Sugar – Sweetens the donuts; using brown sugar will lend a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Egg Yolks – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients; for a vegan option, use applesauce as a substitute.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste!
Sour Cream – Contributes moisture and a tangy note; feel free to use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Milk – Used for the glaze to achieve that smooth, shiny finish.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Essential for creating a sweet glaze; adjust quantity to reach your desired consistency.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
Milk – Adjust this as needed to create a smooth texture for the glaze.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Step 1: Prep Dough
Begin by sifting together 2 cups of cake flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of melted butter and ¾ cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree until well combined. Slowly add the flour mixture, blending until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Chill Dough
Once your dough is prepared, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is crucial for the flavors to meld and for achieving a firmer texture, making it easier to roll out later. This short wait will ensure that your Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts turn out perfectly while you clear your kitchen prep space and gather your frying equipment.

Step 3: Shape Donuts
After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a larger round cutter, approximately 3 inches in diameter, to cut out donut shapes. Then, take a smaller cutter—around 1 inch—to remove the hole from the center, creating your classic donut shape. Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry Donuts
Heat up vegetable oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare Glaze
For the glaze, gently warm 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, adjusting the milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. This simple glaze will beautifully enhance the flavor of your Pumpkin Spice Donuts.

Step 6: Glaze Donuts
Once your donuts have cooled for a few minutes, dip each one into the warm glaze, ensuring an even coating. Allow any excess glaze to drip off and place them on a wire rack to set. The glaze will create a shiny, sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the spiced flavors of your homemade Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts.

What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Indulging in these warm, spiced delights is perfectly complemented by a few delightful pairings that elevate your experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery smoothness offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the donuts, making for a comforting meal.
Hot Apple Cider: The spiced sweetness of apple cider echoes the flavors of your donuts, creating a heartwarming fall atmosphere.
Maple Glazed Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, these pecans add a wonderful texture and a nutty flavor that pairs delightfully with the pumpkin spice.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side brings a light, airy element that balances the density of the donuts beautifully.
Coffee: A rich cup of coffee acts as the perfect companion, enhancing the warm spices while cutting through the sweetness of your donuts.
Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge your sweet tooth with a thick and creamy milkshake. The chocolatey goodness offers a delightful contrast to the pumpkin flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop on the side for a delightful contrast of temperatures, as the cold creaminess complements the warm donuts perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of freshness with apples, pears, and citrus will add a refreshing note, balancing the sweetness of your treats.

Make Ahead Options

These Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Spice Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the dough chills in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to indulge, simply roll out the chilled dough, shape the donuts, and fry them as directed. For optimal freshness and texture, be sure to store any glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just reheat them gently in the oven to enjoy the warm, spiced goodness that’s just as delightful as when freshly made.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with these Pumpkin Spice Donuts and give them your own special twist!

Chocolate Twist: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to your batter for a delightful chocolaty surprise. The combination of chocolate and pumpkin will elevate your autumn experience.
Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. These add a lovely contrast to the soft donut while infusing extra nutty flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with 1/2 cup of applesauce and substitute butter with coconut oil. This makes the donuts friendly for vegan diets while keeping them just as tasty.
Different Spices: Experiment with cardamom or cloves in place of some spices for a unique flavor profile. It’s a fun way to explore the warm spices that pair beautifully with pumpkin.
Glazed with Maple: Swap out the vanilla extract in the glaze for pure maple syrup. This will give your donuts a deliciously sweet, autumn-inspired glaze. It tastes amazing alongside your favorite beverage!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend instead of individual spices for convenience. It gives a delightful flavor punch that captures the essence of your favorite fall dessert.
Red Velvet Version: Add red food coloring and a hint of cocoa to make a festive red velvet pumpkin donut. This vibrant twist will be a fun surprise for any gathering.
Baked Version: If you prefer a lighter option, bake instead of fry. Pour the batter into donut molds and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They will still be deliciously moist and flavorful like they came from a bakery!

Ready for more pumpkin delights? Try our Chai Pumpkin Scones for a cozy treat, or whip up our Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread for a slice of fall heaven!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Room Temperature: Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and tasty.

Fridge: For slightly longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze your Pumpkin Spice Donuts for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper for easy access.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds each or warm in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Avoid Overmixing: Don’t overmix your dough; it can lead to tough donuts instead of the tender texture you desire.

Chill for Success: Chilling the dough is essential. It helps with easier rolling and shapes donuts that fry perfectly without losing their form.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at 350°F. Too low will make them greasy, and too high will burn the donuts outside while leaving them raw inside.

Glaze Wisely: Adjust the milk in your glaze for the perfect consistency. A thicker glaze works well for a rich layer, while a thinner glaze provides a lighter touch on your Pumpkin Spice Donuts.

Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste. Cardamom and allspice can give a unique flavor twist to your donuts.

Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed warm and fresh. If storing, reheat gently to bring back that delightful warmth and soft texture before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe pumpkin for my Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for pumpkins that feel heavy for their size and have a firm, unblemished skin. A pumpkin’s hue should be a deep, rich orange, indicating it’s ripe and sweet. Avoid pumpkins with dark spots or signs of decay.

What is the best way to store leftover donuts?
To keep your Pumpkin Spice Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option for up to 5 days, but be sure to wrap them to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze the Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
Yes! To freeze your donuts, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between donuts to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

What if my donut batter is too wet or dry?
Very often, if your batter seems too wet, try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a doughy consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry, a splash of milk or water can help. Just be gentle—overmixing can lead to tougher donuts!

Are these donuts safe for pets or those with allergies?
These Pumpkin Spice Donuts contain common allergens including eggs and dairy. Keep them away from pets, as ingredients like sugar can harm them. For those with allergies, consider substituting with egg replacers and dairy-free alternatives to create a safe version of this recipe.

Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg yolks with unsweetened applesauce (about ¼ cup for each yolk) and use vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of butter. Also, switch out the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or use additional applesauce for moisture. These little swaps will allow everyone to enjoy a delicious Pumpkin Spice Donut!