Okay, get ready, mis amigos! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! I’m talking about Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, that are so good, they’re practically a love letter to fall.
I’ve been obsessing over this recipe, tweaking it, and testing it until it reached absolute perfection. See, the first few batches were okay but lacked that oomph, that bold kick that Cuba Queen recipes are known for.
The breakthrough came when I decided to amp up the spices and add a secret ingredient that I’ll share with you later. The result? Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that are tender, moist, and coated in a sweet, spicy hug. Trust me, this pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts recipe is about to become your new obsession.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a taste of pure joy. They represent everything I believe in: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. I am beyond excited to share this recipe with you and help you create Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that will knock everyone’s socks off! These fall donut recipes will be a show stopper!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ingredient list is short but mighty! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect flavor and texture, these are the best easy pumpkin donuts!

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For that perfect rise and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and helps with browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warmth and spice that defines these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A touch of warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: A little zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a caramelly depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect sweet crunch.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: More cinnamon! Because you can never have too much, especially in a cinnamon sugar donut recipe!
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: To help the cinnamon sugar stick to the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.
Now, here’s the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts game-changer that will blow your mind: a pinch of cardamom! Just a tiny pinch, about 1/8 of a teaspoon, will elevate the flavor to a whole new level. You can find the best ingredients for this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts at your local supermarket or spice shop. If you can, splurge on good-quality spices – trust me, it makes a difference! I use locally sourced vanilla extract for this pumpkin donut recipe. As for storing, make sure your pumpkin puree is fresh and refrigerated after opening.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into the most amazing Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts you’ve ever tasted.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan. Don’t stress – your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are going to be incredible!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Pro tip for Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts perfection: make sure all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. In my kitchen, this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts batter takes exactly 2 minutes to come together.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this will result in tough Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts batter should look thick and slightly lumpy.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. You can use a piping bag or a spoon. Here’s where most people mess up their Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – but not you! Don’t overfill those cavities!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts should smell like a warm, spicy dream.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Once the donuts are done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is where your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts transforms into pure magic.
- Brush each donut with melted butter and then dredge it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure every inch is coated!
- Enjoy your warm, delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! While your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are working their magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is everything, mis amigos! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts deserve to be showcased in a way that screams, “Eat me now!” For maximum impact, arrange them on a pretty platter, maybe with some fall foliage around them. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts at brunch parties.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts absolutely slay at Thanksgiving! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra touch of decadence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you have any leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (which is highly unlikely!), try crumbling them over yogurt or using them to make a Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bread pudding.
For a seasonal twist, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. I’ve even experimented with a chocolate glaze – talk about a flavor explosion! You can also try using these with the glaze for these Pumpkin Spice Donuts and these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.
FAQs:
Here are some answers to those burning questions that might be swirling in your flavor-adventuring brains!
- Can I make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts spicier?
- ¡Absolutamente! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra kick.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- No problem! You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- How do I know when my Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts is perfectly done?
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Also, the donuts should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
- Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts gluten-free?
- Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I’ve tested it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it worked great!
- Can I freeze these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts?
- Yes, you can! Let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
- No! Canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will throw off the balance of the recipe. Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree.
- What if I don’t have a donut pan?
- You can use a muffin tin instead! Just fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full and bake for a few extra minutes. You’ll have pumpkin cinnamon sugar donut muffins instead!
Remember, cooking is an adventure! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts your own.
CONCLUSION:
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. They’re not just donuts; they’re a celebration of fall, of spice, and of the magic that happens when you combine a few simple ingredients with a whole lot of love.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Power Tips:
- Spice it up! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. Cardamom, allspice, or even a pinch of black pepper can add a unique twist.
- Don’t overmix! Overmixing will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Get creative with toppings! Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a chocolate glaze.
I’ve created and loved a few variations, including Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with a maple glaze, Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with a chocolate drizzle, and Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with a pecan crumble. The pecan crumble version gets the biggest reactions! This baked pumpkin donuts recipe is sure to please anyone!
I have complete confidence in your cooking success! This easy pumpkin donuts recipe is foolproof, and I know you’re going to create Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that will impress everyone. Make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts your signature dish and share it with everyone you love. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts reminds me of these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Baking Mischief.

Now go forth and create some Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts memories! Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Check out these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Includes vegan version) – Baker …
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are so good that after trying them, you might not go back to other fall donut recipes!
Enjoy this treat, mis amigos, and let the flavors transport you to a world of warmth and spice!
You MUST also try these Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Brooklyn Farm Girl, they’re so yummy too!If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These baked pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts are a delicious fall treat! Soft, cakey, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag. Cut off the tip of the bag.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush each donut with melted butter and then dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

