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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Spider donuts? Uhhh, very creative idea! Just called them pumpkin donuts at my party, haha. Tasted great tho!
Spider donuts? LOL! I showed this to my friends and we just laughed 😂
I tried to make these and they turned out really weird. They didn’t rise much?
Um, how do you even use pumpkin puree? Does it have to be the canned one or can I use fresh? Asking for a friend.
Honestly, I think canned is way better. Fresh can be watery and nobody wants soggy donuts! Just get the can, saves time.
You can definitely use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure to cook and blend it well so it’s smooth. Canned is easier though, and it’s what most recipes call for. Good luck!
I made these for a school bake sale, but uhhh, I forgot the eggs. Still sold!
That’s impressive! Donuts without eggs and they still sold? Must’ve been good! 😂
Yummy 😋!!!
These look absolutely adorable! I can’t wait to make them for Halloween! 🎃
I dunno, spiders on donuts? Sounds kinda gross to me. 😕
I don’t really see the point of the pretzels for legs. Seems weird. But the donuts taste good.
I think the pretzels are cute! They add a fun touch, though I get that it might seem weird. But who doesn’t love a themed treat, right?
I was skeptical at first, but these turned out great! The pumpkin spice adds a nice flavor. Just make sure you use fresh pumpkin puree, not the canned stuff!
48 eyeballs sounds like a lot… but honestly, once you start decorating you realize you need them. The pretzel legs were my favorite part.
I don’t get why you’d want to mix candy eyeballs with donuts? Sounds weird. 🤔
Here’s a tip: skip the pumpkin puree and use icing instead! Much sweeter. 🤷♂️
These donuts were a hit at my Halloween party! Everyone loved the creepy look and they tasted amazing! Will definitely make again.
Creepy look? I don’t know… donuts should be sweet not scary. I doubt my kids would eat them.
Sounds amazing! I love that they were a hit. Gotta try making them for my next gathering!
Just made these with my kids for Halloween, they had a blast decorating! Definitely gonna make again.
Looks fun, but donuts are a lot of work, right? Just stick to regular ones and save time. Who needs fancy Halloween stuff? 😂
That sounds amazing! I love doing holiday baking with my kids too. These donuts will definitely be a hit at our Halloween party!
Spider donuts? honestly i just wanted regular donuts 😅 but the decoration was fun. Would make for Halloween parties.
Mmm, sweet and spooky! The frosting was a bit too rich for me tho.
I totally get what you mean! Maybe try a lighter frosting next time? Like whipped cream or something? 🤔
Rich frosting is like, the best part! But I guess it’s a personal taste thing. I loved it! 🍩❤️
Um, why candy eyeballs? Seems a bit much. I just skipped that part and they still looked fine. Also, donut pan? I just used a muffin tray.
Donut pan? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Muffin tray is just as good, I always do that too! Don’t need all that fancy stuff.
I actually think the candy eyeballs add a fun touch! It makes them so festive for Halloween. But hey, whatever works for you! 🕷️
The batter felt a bit thick compared to what I expected, so I had to coax it into the donut wells. End result was still solid.