Pumpkin Donuts: Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.

The Best Smell in the World

I think pumpkin and cinnamon baking is the best smell. It fills the whole house with warmth. It feels like a big, cozy hug.

When these donuts are in the oven, I just stand by the stove. I take deep breaths. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes everyone come running to the kitchen.

A Little Kitchen Magic

You mix the dry things first. Then you mix the wet things in another bowl. This matters because it makes everything combine smoothly.

Now for the fun part. You get to use a piping bag. It can be a little messy. I still laugh at the first time I used one.

I squeezed too hard. I had batter on my nose. What is your favorite messy baking memory?

A Sweet Little Secret

The glaze is what makes them extra special. It is sweet and spiced. You just stir it all together until it is smooth.

Fun fact: The vinegar in the donut batter is a tiny magic trick. It helps make them soft and fluffy! You cannot taste it at all.

This matters because little secrets make a recipe great. Do you like your donuts with glaze or just plain?

Sharing Warm Donuts

The recipe makes three dozen little donuts. That is a lot. It is the perfect amount for sharing.

I love to make a plate for my neighbors. Food tastes better when you eat it with others. It is a small way to show you care.

Who would you share a warm plate of donuts with?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Brown Sugar	½ cup	For donuts
Baking Soda	¼ tablespoon
Baking Powder	½ teaspoon
Flour	1 cup
Sugar	⅓ cup
Ground Nutmeg	⅛ teaspoon
Pumpkin Pie Spice	1 teaspoon
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Ground Cloves	⅛ teaspoon
Salt	⅓ teaspoon
Butter	1 tablespoon	Melted
Egg	1	Beaten
Vinegar	1 teaspoon
Heavy Whipping Cream	½ cup
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Pumpkin Puree	¾ cup
Brown Sugar	1 cup	For glaze
Powdered Sugar	1 cup	For glaze
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	For glaze
Pumpkin Pie Spice	1 teaspoon	For glaze
Half & Half	¼ cup	For glaze

My Cozy Pumpkin Donuts

Oh, these little donuts bring back such happy memories. My grandson, Liam, calls them pumpkin hugs. I think that’s just the sweetest thing. They are so creamy and soft. And that warm spice smell fills your whole kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

• Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350°F. Then, melt your butter in a small bowl. Let it sit for a minute so it’s not too hot. I still laugh at that time I used hot butter. It cooked the egg right in the bowl!
• Step 2: Now, grab a big mixing bowl. Put all your dry things in it. That’s the sugars, flour, and all those lovely spices. Use a fork to stir them all together. You’ll see little specks of spice everywhere. (A hard-learned tip: Mix your dry ingredients well before adding the wet. It stops those little baking soda lumps!)
• Step 3: In another bowl, mix your cooled butter, egg, and cream. Whisk it until it’s smooth. Then pour this into your dry ingredients. Stir it all up. It will look a bit lumpy, and that’s just fine.
• Step 4: Now for the star! Add the pumpkin puree. Stir until everything is a beautiful orange color. See how the mixture comes together? What’s your favorite thing to make with pumpkin? Share below!
• Step 5: Time to fill the donut pan. A piping bag makes this so neat. Just snip the end and fill each spot halfway. Don’t fill them too full. They like to puff up and become plump little rings in the oven.
• Step 6: Bake them for about 10 minutes. Let them cool for just a bit. Then, gently tap the pan. A warm donut will often fall right into your hand. It’s a cook’s treat! You have to try one plain, it’s a rule.
• Step 7: For the glaze, just stir everything in a bowl. You want it to be a bit thick. Use a spoon to drizzle it over your cool donuts. Let it set for a few minutes. Then, they are ready to share and enjoy.

Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 20mins
Yield: 36 mini donuts
Category: Dessert, Snack

Fun Twists to Try

You can make these donuts your own. It’s fun to play with the recipe. Here are a few ideas my family loves. I think you will like them, too.

• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter. The chocolate and pumpkin are a dream together.
• Cinnamon Sugar Crunch: Skip the glaze. Instead, roll the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. So simple and so good.
• Cream Cheese Drizzle: Mix a little powdered sugar into softened cream cheese. Thin it out with a splash of milk for a tangy topping.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Them Up

These donuts are wonderful all on their own. But you can make them extra special. For a cozy breakfast, serve them with a bowl of fresh fruit. The sweetness of the donuts and the tart fruit are perfect together.

For a real treat, put them on a big plate for everyone to share. Add some orange and white sprinkles for a festive look. They just make people smile. Now, what to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is my favorite. Or, for the grown-ups, a hot coffee with a dash of cinnamon.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pumpkin Donuts Perfect

These donuts are best eaten the day you make them. But I always make a double batch. I let them cool completely first.

Then I place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay fresh on the counter for about two days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s surprise visit. He was so happy to have a warm donut with milk. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Batch cooking saves you time on busy days. It means a homemade treat is always ready for guests. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Donut Disasters

Sometimes the donut batter can be too thick. If it is hard to pipe, add a splash more cream. This will make it smooth and easy to work with.

I remember when my first donuts stuck to the pan. I was so sad. Now I always spray the pan very well with cooking spray.

If your glaze is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, just add a tiny bit more half & half. Getting the texture right makes your food look beautiful.

Fixing small problems builds your confidence in the kitchen. It also makes your food taste even better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pumpkin Donut Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works wonderfully.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead? A: You can mix it and keep it in the fridge for an hour. Bake it when you are ready.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: Whole milk will work, but the donut will be less rich.

Q: Can I make bigger donuts? A: For larger donuts, just fill the cavities a bit more. Bake them for 12-14 minutes instead.

Q: Are the spices important? A: They give the donuts their warm, cozy flavor. A fun fact: nutmeg was once a very precious spice! Which tip will you try first?

Bake Some Happy Memories

I hope you love making these pumpkin donuts. They always make my kitchen smell like a happy autumn day.

Share your baking adventure with me. I would love to see your beautiful creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Your stories and photos make my heart smile. Thank you for baking with me today.

Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.