Baked Pumpkin Donuts (Printable Recipe)

Warmly spiced pumpkin donuts with soft texture and glossy brown sugar icing, perfect for cozy fall mornings.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
08 - 2/3 cup light brown sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1/4 cup milk
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Brown Sugar Icing

13 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
15 - 2 tablespoons milk
16 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
17 - 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
18 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Garnish

19 - Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sprinkles

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into prepared pan about halfway full.
06 - Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until donuts bounce back when lightly pressed. Cool slightly before glazing.
07 - In a saucepan, simmer butter, brown sugar, and milk until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until creamy.
08 - Dip warm donuts into icing, let excess drip off, then set on a rack. Add nuts or sprinkles if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored airtight for up to 3 days.
02 - Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
03 - Bounce-back test ensures proper doneness; lightly press the donut top to check if it springs back.