Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts: Pumpkin Spice Latte Donut Recipe

The Cozy Idea

I had a funny thought last week. My grandson wanted a pumpkin spice latte. His sister wanted a donut. I looked at my coffee and my baking pan. I thought, why not both? So we tried it. We mixed them right up.

That’s how these donuts were born. They taste like a hug in a bakery. They have all the warm spices from my latte. They even have a little coffee in the batter. It makes the pumpkin flavor sing. Doesn’t that smell amazing just thinking about it?

Mixing the Memories

Let me tell you about the batter. It comes together so easily. You just mix the wet and the dry. The kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon and cloves. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She always had something spiced in the oven.

Here’s a little tip that matters. Beat the eggs in one at a time. It makes the batter smooth and happy. A lumpy batter makes a heavy donut. We want them light and fluffy. What’s your favorite smell from a baking kitchen? Mine will always be cinnamon.

The Sugar Hug

The best part is the sugar coat. You dip the warm donut in melted butter. Then you roll it in spiced sugar. The sugar sticks like a glittery sweater. It’s messy and perfect. I still laugh at the sugar fingerprints everywhere.

Fun fact: The mix of cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg is called “pumpkin pie spice.” But we can put it on anything! This matters because food should be fun. A special name makes it feel like a celebration. Do you have a favorite spice?

Why We Bake Together

Baking isn’t just about eating. It’s about the time together. My grandkids help me spoon the batter. We watch them puff up in the oven. We all wait for that first sweet bite. The kitchen gets warm and full of talk.

That time matters more than a perfect donut. A lopsided one tastes just as good. It has more love in it. What was the last thing you baked with someone you love? I’d love to hear your story.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you can make these. Your house will smell wonderful. Remember to let the donuts cool a bit before dipping. Too hot, and the sugar melts. Too cool, and the butter won’t stick. Just warm is perfect.

Share them with a friend. Or keep them all for yourself. I won’t tell. Would you try these with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea? Tell me how yours turn out.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
all-purpose flour	2 cups
baking powder	3 teaspoons
baking soda	2 teaspoons
salt	¼ teaspoon
ground cinnamon	4 teaspoons
ground ginger	1 ½ teaspoons
ground cloves	1 teaspoon
ground nutmeg	½ teaspoon
instant coffee granules	2 tablespoons
water	1 ½ tablespoons
granulated sugar	2 cups
vegetable oil	¾ cup
vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
pumpkin	16 ounces	canned pumpkin puree
eggs	4
butter, melted	½ cup	For Spiced Sugar Coating
granulated sugar	1 cup	For Spiced Sugar Coating
ground cinnamon	2 teaspoons	For Spiced Sugar Coating
ground ginger	1 teaspoon	For Spiced Sugar Coating
ground cloves	½ teaspoon	For Spiced Sugar Coating
ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon	For Spiced Sugar Coating

My Cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts

Hello, my dear! Come sit. The air is getting crisp outside. It makes me think of my grandson, Leo. He always asks for these donuts when he visits. They taste like a hug in a bakery. We mix pumpkin pie with a hint of coffee. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It fills the whole kitchen with warmth. I still laugh at that one time I used too much cloves. We all coughed! So let’s be careful with our spices. Ready to make some magic?

Ingredients

Donut Batter: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp instant coffee, 2 tbsp hot water, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 large eggs.

Spiced Sugar Coating: ½ cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice.

Instructions

Step 1: First, say hello to your oven. Turn it to 350 degrees. Grease your donut pan well. Give it a light dusting of flour, too. This stops the donuts from sticking. I learned this the hard way with my first batch. They looked more like puzzle pieces!

Step 2: Now, let’s mix our dry friends. Sift the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and all those spices. Sifting makes everything light and fluffy. It’s like giving the flour a little shake. In a tiny bowl, mix the water and instant coffee. Stir until it looks like dark tea. Set both bowls aside for now.

Step 3: Time for the wet ingredients. In a big bowl, mix the sugar and oil. Add your coffee mixture and vanilla. Then plop in the whole can of pumpkin. Blend it until it’s a lovely orange color. It reminds me of fallen leaves.

Step 4: Crack in the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each one. This makes the batter smooth. Now, slowly add your flour mixture. Mix just until it’s combined. (A hard-learned tip: over-mixing makes tough donuts!). Spoon the batter into your pan. Fill each circle about three-quarters full.

Step 5: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them sit for two minutes. Then move them to a wire rack. They need to cool a bit before their sugar coat. What’s your favorite fall smell? Share below!

Step 6: For the magical coating, melt the butter. Whisk sugar and spices in another bowl. Dip each warm donut in butter. Then roll it in the spiced sugar. Let them dry on the rack. The sugar will stick in a sweet, crunchy shell. Perfect with a glass of cold milk.

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 18 donuts
Category: Baking, Dessert

Fun Twists to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, you can play! Here are three fun ideas. They are like putting on a different cozy sweater.

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips. Drizzle it over the finished donuts. It’s so pretty.

Maple Glaze: Skip the sugar coating. Mix powdered sugar with a little maple syrup. Dip the donuts in that instead.

Nutty Crunch: After the butter dip, roll your donut in chopped pecans. It adds a wonderful crunch.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Them Up Right

These donuts are a treat all by themselves. But I love making a little moment. Stack two on a small plate. Add a tiny bowl of whipped cream for dipping. For a real party, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth and cold are wonderful together.

For drinks, a cold glass of apple cider is perfect. The tangy cider loves the sweet spices. For the grown-ups, a hot Irish coffee pairs beautifully. It echoes the coffee in the donut. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Donuts Fresh and Cozy

These donuts are best the day you make them. But I know life gets busy. Let’s talk about storing them. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay good on the counter for two days.

You can also freeze them for later. I wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then I tuck them all into a freezer bag. They keep for about a month. I once forgot a batch in my freezer for weeks. Finding them felt like a sweet surprise!

To reheat, just warm a frozen donut in the microwave for 15 seconds. This little trick brings back that fresh-baked feeling. Batch cooking matters because it gives you a ready-made treat. A homemade snack is always better than a store-bought one. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Donut Troubles? Here Are My Easy Fixes

Sometimes baking doesn’t go as planned. That’s okay. First, if your donuts stick, you didn’t grease the pan enough. Next time, be generous with that butter or spray. I remember when my first donut tore in half. I learned my lesson!

Second, if the batter seems too thick, don’t worry. This is normal. Just spoon it carefully into the pan. A thick batter makes a fluffy donut. This matters because texture is key for a good bite.

Third, if the spiced sugar isn’t sticking, your butter might be too cool. The donut should be warm, not hot. Dip it right after brushing with melted butter. A good coating means more flavor in every bite. Getting these steps right builds your kitchen confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Donut Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The results are just as tasty.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead? A: I don’t recommend it. The baking powder works best right away.

Q: What if I don’t have instant coffee? A: Use a tablespoon of strong, cooled brewed coffee instead. Fun fact: The coffee just adds a warm depth, not a strong coffee taste.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Just mix in a bigger bowl. You’ll have more to share!

Q: Is the sugar coating optional? A: The donuts are good plain. But the coating is the special part. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these pumpkin spice latte donuts. The smell alone will fill your home with joy. Baking is about sharing love and creating memories. I would love to see your beautiful creations.

Please share a photo of your donuts with me. It makes my whole week to see you in your kitchen. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see what you make. Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.