Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for an irresistible treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn, these Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze will be your new favorite indulgence. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices, these donuts bring together the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar in a smooth glaze that’s simply divine. Every bite feels like a hug in donut form, making them perfect for a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or festive gathering.

Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the tender crumb to the deep, warming flavor. These straightforward pantry staples come together beautifully, creating donuts that are fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

All-purpose flour: Provides the soft yet sturdy base for these tender donuts.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise for that light, airy texture.
Baking soda: Adds lift and balances the acidity of the pumpkin and brown sugar.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Brings signature warm spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that deepens the seasonal flavor profile.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without weighing them down.
Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute to the structure.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Milk: Smooths out the batter for optimal texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the creamy, silky brown sugar glaze.
Butter: Adds richness to the glaze, creating a luscious finish.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze perfectly.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease your donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure your donuts release easily once baked. If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry — a muffin tin works just fine and still delivers delicious results!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until fully blended. This mixture creates the perfect seasoned base that will infuse every bite of your donuts with fall goodness.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. The creamy, rich mixture will bring moisture and sweetness that complement the spices in the dry mix.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense, so a light hand is key for keeping them tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, or for a more precise and consistent fill, transfer the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the batter neatly into each mold. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a slow simmer. Let it simmer gently for about a minute to thicken slightly, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. If lumps remain, warm gently over low heat while whisking until silky.

Step 7: Glaze Your Donuts

Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment and dip each cooled donut into the glaze, coating the tops generously. Let excess glaze drip off, then place back on the rack to set. If your glaze thickens before you’re done, just warm it again to restore its perfection for dipping.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the brown sugar glaze adds a satisfying crunch and extra warmth. Fresh whipped cream or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate these comforting donuts even further.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or even a rich cup of coffee. For a light meal, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze on a rustic wooden board lined with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks. They also make an impressive gift when stacked and tied with twine in a decorative box for friends and family to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pumpkin donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within two days to savor their soft texture and fresh glaze.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts before glazing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature and then dip in the brown sugar glaze for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Warm donuts gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their softness and revives the flavor, especially if you glaze them just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well-drained and thick like canned pumpkin to maintain the right batter consistency for your donuts.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to capture the same warm, cozy flavor.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.

Is it possible to bake these as muffins instead?

Yes, these donuts work perfectly as muffins. Just bake in a muffin tin for about 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I get a smooth, lump-free brown sugar glaze?

Whisk the glaze continuously over low heat if it starts to get lumpy. This gentle warming dissolves the powdered sugar completely, giving you a silky finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like homemade Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze to bring a little extra warmth and sweetness into your day. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), these donuts are guaranteed to become a beloved seasonal classic. So grab your ingredients and enjoy every bite of fall’s perfect pastry delight!

Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Donuts with a rich Brown Sugar Glaze, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or snack. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin puree, and a sweet cinnamon-spiced glaze makes these donuts irresistibly delicious and easy to bake at home.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure the donuts don’t stick. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can be used as a substitute.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until they are well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Mix only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which helps keep your donuts tender.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities. Alternatively, place the batter into a ziplock bag, clip off a corner, and pipe the batter into the pan for easier and more uniform donut shapes.
Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Brown Sugar Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, packed brown sugar, and milk. Whisk continuously and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. If the glaze has lumps, return it to low heat while stirring until smooth.
Glaze the Donuts: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch any drips. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the brown sugar glaze, then place back on the rack to let the glaze set. If the glaze hardens, gently reheat it on low to soften before continuing to dip.
Store the Donuts: Once the glaze has set, store the donuts in an airtight container. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh as they do not keep long.

Notes

If you don’t have a donut pan, muffin tins are a great alternative.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
Use canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
If glaze becomes thick or hard, gently warm it again to maintain a smooth dipping consistency.
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
For a dairy-free glaze, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar while mixing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American