Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts – Easy, Healthy Fall Donut Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something magical about fall mornings—especially when your kitchen smells like Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts. These cozy, spiced treats are soft, baked (not fried!), and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet crunch. And the best part? They’re so easy to make and come together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing lunchbox treats, or simply treating yourself with a pumpkin-spiced moment, this is your new go-to donut recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

• Healthier than fried donuts – no oil splatter, no deep fryer!
• Baked pumpkin doughnuts with cinnamon sugar topping
• Made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• No glaze needed, but totally optional if you want to go extra

If you’re craving more pumpkin-packed desserts, this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts (Makes 12)

Donut Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Non-stick cooking spray

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

These donuts are quick, cozy, and beginner-friendly. You’ll only need about 30 minutes and a donut pan to pull this off.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

I use a Nordic Ware Donut Pan, and it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

1. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin puree
• Maple syrup
• Eggs
• Melted coconut oil
• Vanilla extract

And Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
2. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Overmixing can make your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

1. Pour the batter into a large zip-top bag.
2. Snip one corner to create a piping bag.
3. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.

You can spoon the batter in if you prefer—no pressure!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 18 minutes.
2. Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
3. Use a spoon to gently remove the donuts from the pan.
4. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow bowl.
2. Lightly brush each donut with melted coconut oil.
3. Dip or twist in the cinnamon sugar. Coat one or both sides.

These donuts are best served warm and fresh—seriously, they melt in your mouth!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts Every Time

• Don’t overbake – pull them out as soon as the toothpick is clean
• Freeze without the topping and coat after reheating for best texture
• Customize the flavor with chocolate chips, nuts, or glaze
• Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix

Looking for cozy fall flavors beyond donuts? These Apple Cinnamon Morning Buns are soft, spiced, and irresistible.

Flavor Variations to Try

Switch things up with these fun ideas:

• Pumpkin chocolate chip baked donuts – Fold in mini chips before piping
• Healthy baked pumpkin donuts – Sub whole wheat flour and reduce sugar
• Pumpkin donuts with glaze – Use vanilla or maple glaze on cooled donuts
• Cookie pumpkin spice donuts – Add crushed spiced cookies to the topping

For more festive seasonal donuts, try these Gingerbread Sourdough Donuts – a perfect holiday treat!

FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Donuts

What do pumpkin donuts taste like?
They’re soft, warmly spiced, and slightly sweet with a cozy fall flavor.

Are these donuts fried?
Nope, they’re baked. So much easier and cleaner!

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

What’s the difference between pumpkin donuts and pumpkin pie?
Donuts are light, cakey, and handheld. Pie is rich and creamy.

How long do they stay fresh?
2–3 days in an airtight container. Best eaten warm.

Final Thoughts on These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are the perfect way to bring fall into your kitchen. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and loved by adults and kids alike.

If you make these, I’d love to see your version! Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest so we can bake and share together.

Happy baking and thanks for being here!

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