Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the ultimate fall treat – soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They perfectly capture the cozy flavors of autumn, making them a favorite for seasonal gatherings, weekend brunches, or simply as a comforting snack with your morning coffee. These donuts offer all the goodness of pumpkin pie but in a handheld, donut form that feels both nostalgic and festive.
The rich flavor of pumpkin puree pairs beautifully with the blend of spices, creating a moist and tender texture that’s hard to resist. The donuts are typically baked rather than fried, which makes them lighter while still delivering that satisfying donut experience. Their beautiful orange color and comforting aroma fill the kitchen, instantly setting the mood for the season.
One of the best parts of pumpkin spice donuts is the variety of ways to finish them. A simple coating of cinnamon-sugar gives them a delightful crunch and extra sweetness, while a maple glaze adds a rich, silky finish that complements the pumpkin perfectly. For those who love a bit of decadence, a cream cheese drizzle or chocolate glaze turns these donuts into an irresistible dessert.
Pumpkin spice donuts are also surprisingly easy to make and adapt. You can swap in gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk to fit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. They are perfect for making ahead since they stay moist for days and are just as delicious the next morning.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven, paired with a pumpkin spice latte, or packed into a fall picnic basket, pumpkin spice donuts bring all the cozy, comforting vibes of autumn. Their sweet, spiced flavor and soft, cakey texture make them a must-have treat as soon as the leaves start to change.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs large
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate frosting for decorating
- 48 candy eyeballs for decorating
- 144 pretzel sticks for legs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread chocolate frosting on top of each donut.
- Decorate each donut with candy eyeballs and pretzel sticks to resemble spider legs.
Mine didn’t really “set” as donuts—more like mini cakes. Not sure if I overmixed or my pan is different. The flavor is good, but the texture was off for me.
Hmm that does happen sometimes with donut pans. I’d check two things: don’t overmix once the flour goes in, and make sure you’re not overbaking—12–15 can go dry/“cake-y” depending on your oven. Mine set better when I pulled them right at 12 min.
These donuts are super cute! My kids loved them. Gonna make them again for Halloween!
Cute? More like a spider party gone wrong. Not sure I’d want my kids eating that. 🤔
I’m so glad your kids loved them! They really are adorable, especially for Halloween. Can’t wait to see your version!
I used store-bought pumpkin pie spice because I didn’t have “pumpkin spice” exactly, and it turned out sweet and warm. Not bad!
Yum, pumpkin spice! My favorite flavor. Also the spiders look funny! 🕷️
These are the best donuts ever! So cute and tasty! 🍩
I can’t believe how easy these were to make! Everyone was impressed at the party!
Way too much sugar for me tbh. The batter was sweet and the frosting pushed it over the edge. Flavor is good, but I’d cut sugar or use less frosting.
Worst part was cleaning the donut pan after frosting everywhere lol. Still, I’d make them again. 350°F is right, don’t overthink it.
Cool idea.
Cool idea, but 48 eyeballs and 144 pretzel sticks feels like overkill lol. Also “just combined” is hard when batter is sticky—might mess up.
These sound adorable! Pumpkin spice + chocolate makes such a great combo—love the spider theme too.
What? Pumpkin in donuts? Sounds gross. I’d rather just have regular jelly donuts.
Honestly, pumpkin in donuts? No, thank you! Just give me a classic jelly donut any day!
I get where you’re coming from, but pumpkin adds a unique flavor! You gotta try it at least once!
I’m skeptical about pumpkin puree in donuts—does it make them taste more like pie? Mine tasted kinda bland until I added extra vanilla.
Just made these and they are DELISH! My kiddos loved helping decorate them. Will be making again!
Really? I’m not sure about putting pumpkin in donuts. Seems weird. But if your kids liked it, maybe it’s worth a try.
That sounds amazing! I love that your kids helped out. Makes it even more special! 🎃
Not bad. But I think too much pumpkin spice. Maybe less next time.
Not sure the baking time is right—mine took closer to 18 minutes. Toothpick still came out clean but it was definitely longer than 12-15.
These look soooo cute. The combo of pumpkin + chocolate is already a win, and the spider legs make it perfect for Halloween. I might add a pinch more pumpkin spice though.
lol spiders on donuts?? That’s funny. I might try it just for a laugh.
Mine stuck to the pan even though I greased it. Next time I’m definitely adding a light flour dusting—does anyone else do that?
These are the cutest donuts ever! My kids loved making them
These are ridiculously cute—like holiday Halloween brunch vibes. The pumpkin puree gives such a cozy flavor, and the spider decorations make them instantly fun.
Not gonna lie, I forgot to preheat the oven fully. They still tasted okay but looked weird (like lopsided donuts). Decorating saved it. Would try again properly.
Honestly that sounds exactly like something that would happen to me 😅 Lopsided donuts are still donuts though—your decorating fix is genius. I’d try again too, and yeah, preheating matters a lot for texture.