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Every fall when I start making these Pumpkin Spice Donuts my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma. They combine everything wonderful about autumn in one perfect treat those warm spices that rich pumpkin flavor and that irresistible coating of cinnamon sugar. I started making these when I wanted something special for weekend breakfasts and now they've become our favorite fall tradition.
What Makes These Special
These aren't your average donuts. They have this amazing cake-like texture that's somehow both fluffy and rich. The pumpkin makes them incredibly moist and that cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect sweet crunch. What I love most is how quickly they come together you can have fresh homemade donuts without spending all day in the kitchen.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it's pure pumpkin not pie filling the real stuff makes such a difference.
- Cake Flour: This is my secret for getting that perfect tender crumb.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: All those warm fall spices in one blend make these taste like autumn.
- Sour Cream: Trust me on this one it makes these donuts extra special.
- Vegetable Oil: Keep it at the right temperature and your donuts will be perfect.
- Cinnamon Sugar: That final coating that makes everyone smile.
Let's Make Some Donuts
- Getting Started
- First thing I do is prep that pumpkin puree. A quick blot with paper towels makes all the difference it gets rid of extra moisture for the perfect texture.
- Making Our Dough
- Then comes the fun part. When you cream the butter and sugar together it gets so light and fluffy. Adding those egg yolks and pumpkin creates this gorgeous orange color. The moment you mix in the spices your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
- Time to Chill
- This is where patience pays off. That hour in the fridge makes the dough so much easier to work with. I use this time to get my oil ready and mix up my cinnamon sugar coating.
- Shaping Time
- Rolling out the dough is like creating little circles of joy. I love watching them take shape as I cut out each donut. The holes make perfect little donut bites!
- The Big Moment
- When those donuts hit that perfectly heated oil it's like magic. They puff up and turn this beautiful golden brown. Just a minute or two per side is all it takes.
- The Final Touch
- While they're still warm I roll them in that spiced sugar mixture. Watching that sugar stick to the warm donuts is so satisfying.
My Best Tips
After making countless batches I've learned some important tricks. That candy thermometer isn't optional it helps keep your oil at the perfect temperature. Don't overwork the dough or your donuts will be tough. And always coat them in sugar while they're still warm it sticks so much better that way.
Keeping Them Fresh
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but they'll keep nicely in an airtight container for a couple days. A quick pop in the microwave brings back that fresh-made warmth. If you're planning ahead you can freeze them unfrosted then just warm them up and roll in cinnamon sugar when you're ready to serve.
Perfect for Fall Gatherings
Some of my favorite memories are sharing these donuts at fall get-togethers. When I bring them to brunch everyone's eyes light up. They're perfect with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider. Something about that combination of warm spices and pumpkin just brings people together it's like serving up a little piece of autumn on a plate.
Mix It Up
Over the years I've discovered so many delicious variations. When I can't find pumpkin I use mashed sweet potato it works beautifully. Sometimes I'll drizzle them with maple glaze or dip them in brown butter cream cheese frosting when I'm feeling extra indulgent. Each variation brings something new to love about these donuts.
A Family Affair
Making these donuts has become such a fun family activity. My kids love helping cut out the shapes and rolling the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar. Yes it gets a bit messy but those giggles and sugar-covered faces are worth every bit of cleanup. It's one of those recipes that creates memories while it creates something delicious.
Why These Are So Special
What really makes these donuts stand out is that perfect combination of textures a tender cake-like inside with that slightly crisp cinnamon sugar coating. Every bite is full of those warm autumn spices and real pumpkin flavor. Even people who say they don't like pumpkin treats end up loving these. They're like everything cozy about fall wrapped up in donut form.
Serving Them Up
I love serving these donuts while they're still slightly warm alongside a big pot of coffee or hot apple cider. For fall brunches I'll arrange them on a pretty platter with some caramel apples and spiced cookies. During pumpkin season I'll even pair them with pumpkin spice lattes it might seem like pumpkin overload but trust me it works!
Sharing the Love
These donuts make such wonderful gifts. I wrap them carefully in parchment paper and place them in pretty boxes tied with autumn-colored ribbons. Sometimes I'll include a little container of the cinnamon sugar mix so people can refresh the coating. The look on someone's face when they open a box of fresh homemade donuts is priceless.
A True Taste of Fall
There's something about these Pumpkin Spice Donuts that just captures everything wonderful about autumn. Maybe it's the warm spices or the rich pumpkin flavor or maybe it's just how they bring people together. Whatever it is they've become more than just a recipe in my collection they're part of what makes fall special in our home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to drain the pumpkin puree?
Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin helps achieve the right dough consistency and prevents the donuts from becoming too wet, ensuring proper texture when fried.
- → Can I make these without pumpkin?
Yes, you can omit the pumpkin puree and increase the sour cream to 1 cup. The donuts will still have pumpkin spice flavor from the seasonings.
- → Why chill the dough twice?
The first chilling helps firm up the dough for rolling, while the second brief chill helps the cut donuts hold their shape during frying.
- → What's the best way to maintain oil temperature?
Use a candy thermometer to keep oil at 350°F. Fry only 2-3 donuts at a time as adding too many will lower the oil temperature significantly.
- → Can I add different toppings?
Yes, you can use maple icing, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating for variety.