Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving all the magical fall flavors in one perfect, pillowy treat, let me introduce you to these Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze. Imagine everything you love about pumpkin spice and cozy autumn mornings, now in the form of soft, baked donuts wrapped in a warm, buttery glaze. These beauties strike the ideal balance between sweet and spiced, making them an instant favorite for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, the brown sugar glaze melts into every craggy bite, ensuring pure bliss with each mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze is how remarkably simple the ingredients are, yet each one pulls its weight in flavor, moisture, and texture. You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already, but together, they work magic.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation for tender donuts with just the right structure.
• Baking powder: Gives the donuts their much-loved lift and lightness.
• Baking soda: Teams up with the baking powder for extra fluffiness and helps the crumb stay soft.
• Kosher salt: Balances all the warm spices and intensifies the sweet flavor of the donuts.
• Ground cinnamon: Packs a punch of classic autumn warmth.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend ensures every bite tastes like a cozy October day.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps your donuts moist and light without overpowering flavors.
• Brown sugar (for donuts): Adds deep caramel notes and a touch of molasses for richness.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a fluffy, cakey texture.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The star! Pumpkin gives color, moisture, and, of course, all that earthy autumn flavor.
• Milk (for donuts): Helps smooth the batter and keeps the donuts soft and tender.
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting, sweet note.
• Brown sugar (for icing): Turns the glaze into something to swoon over. It gives a sticky, luxe finish to the donuts.
• Milk (for icing): Creates the perfect consistency for dipping and glazing.
• Butter: Lends the glaze richness and a bit of extra shine.
• Pure vanilla extract (for icing): Elevates the sweetness in the glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Makes the glaze wonderfully smooth and gives it body.
• Pinch of salt: A tiny amount pulls all the sweet and creamy flavors together in the glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Give your donut pan a generous coat of nonstick spray (trust me, it makes taking them out a breeze later!). If you don’t have a donut pan, no worries—you can always reach for a muffin tin instead. The results will still be scrumptious.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Give it all a good stir, making sure the spices are distributed evenly. This little step ensures every donut is evenly spiced and perfectly fluffy.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Stir just until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. You’ll notice the beautiful orange hue—this is the color of pure autumn joy.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently mix until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—you want to keep the texture tender and light. You should end up with a thick, fragrant batter ready for shaping.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

You can spoon the batter into your donut pan cavities, but here’s a fun trick: transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it into the pan instead. This keeps things tidy and gives you beautiful, consistent rings every time.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The donuts should be puffed, golden, and spring back when gently pressed. Let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

For the trademark Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze, melt butter, brown sugar, and milk together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer—just a quick minute is plenty. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, then whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until you have a silky, pourable glaze. If it’s a little lumpy, don’t fret! Pop it back on low heat and whisk until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Set your wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch drips. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the warm glaze and place them back on the rack to set. If the glaze gets too firm, simply re-warm it on low heat and keep dipping away!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze

Garnishes

For a sweet touch, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed donuts. Chopped toasted pecans or a few pumpkin seeds pressed into the glaze before it sets add lovely crunch and color. A light drizzle of white chocolate can take these Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze to bakery-level gorgeousness.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a strong cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a big mug of creamy hot chocolate for peak coziness. If you’re going for a brunch spread, they pair beautifully with a fruit salad or tangy yogurt parfait that balances their sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze high on a rustic cake stand for a dramatic breakfast centerpiece. Wrap them in bakery paper and tie with twine for charming party favors or thoughtful gifts. For autumn gatherings, serve them alongside small cups of caramel sauce or apple butter for dunking—your guests will think you’re a culinary genius.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze keeps the donuts moist, and there’s no need to refrigerate unless it’s especially warm in your kitchen.

Freezing

To freeze, place unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stash them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature, then whip up a fresh batch of brown sugar glaze when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, pop donuts (with or without glaze) in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly warmed. If they’re glazed, a quick zap in the microwave (just a few seconds) brings the sweetness and softness right back.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin instead. The shape will be different, but the flavors and texture are just as delicious. Keep an eye on the baking time, as muffins may need a minute or two longer.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just make sure your homemade puree is thick (not watery). If it’s overly moist, blot with paper towels before using to avoid soggy donuts.

How do I keep the brown sugar glaze from hardening while glazing?

If the glaze starts to stiffen, return it to low heat and stir gently until it’s smooth and fluid again. This makes it easy to dip and ensures every donut is perfectly covered.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another fat?

You can swap in canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even melted butter for slightly different flavors and textures. Just be sure to use a neutral-flavored oil if you want the pumpkin spice to shine.

Are these donuts good for a special occasion or party?

Definitely! Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze are great for breakfast gatherings, fall parties, or gift baskets. Their festive look and irresistible taste make them the star of any autumn celebration.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking up a batch of Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze—your kitchen fills with the aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin, and every bite is like wrapping yourself in your favorite sweater. I hope you give these a spot in your fall (or anytime!) baking rotation and share them with the people you love. Happy baking!

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