Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts (The Coziest Fall Treat You’ll Bake This Year)

I don’t know about you, but the very first cool breeze of fall has me craving one thing: pumpkin spice everything. From lattes to cookies, it’s like my kitchen transforms into a little pumpkin-scented bakery every September. But my all-time favorite? These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts.

They’re soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced, and covered in the most irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried. So you still get that donut shop flavor but without the heavy oil or messy cleanup.

This is one of those recipes that makes your home smell like autumn itself. It’s family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves simple comfort baking. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from ingredients to variations, plus tips for storage and making ahead.

So grab your favorite cozy sweater, a mug of hot coffee, and let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

When I first started testing this recipe, I wasn’t sure if baked donuts could stand up to fried pumpkin donuts. But let me tell you — once you taste these, you won’t even miss the fryer.

Here’s why they’re a keeper:

• Healthier twist: No deep-frying, just light baking.
• Perfect texture: Soft and cakey on the inside with a sweet, spiced sugar coating.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-approved: My kids grab these faster than cookies!
• Seasonal magic: Pumpkin spice + maple syrup = instant fall happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

I love how simple these are — most of the ingredients are pantry staples. If you bake even occasionally, you probably have everything on hand already.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling — just pure pumpkin)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Pan

• Non-stick cooking spray

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

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

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

I promise this recipe is as easy as it looks. You don’t need fancy tools — just a donut pan and a mixing bowl.

1. Preheat and prep your pan

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray so nothing sticks later.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• flour
• brown sugar
• pumpkin pie spice
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt

This step ensures your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed.

3. Mix the wet ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk together:

• pumpkin puree
• maple syrup
• eggs
• melted coconut oil
• vanilla extract

The pumpkin makes the batter moist while the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness.

4. Combine gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick, almost like muffin batter. Don’t overmix or your donuts could turn dense.

5. Fill the donut pan

The easiest way? Scoop the batter into a gallon-sized ziplock bag, snip the corner, and pipe it into the donut molds. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full. If you don’t have a bag, just spoon it in carefully.

6. Bake until fluffy

Bake for 18 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick — if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

7. Coat in cinnamon sugar

Mix together sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. Brush each donut lightly with melted coconut oil, then dip into the spiced sugar mixture. Do one side or both — totally up to you.

Pro tip: Coat them while still slightly warm so the sugar sticks beautifully.

Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Donuts

I’ve made these dozens of times, and here are some things I’ve learned along the way:

• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
• Don’t skip the oil brush before sugar coating — it helps the topping stick.
• Make ahead tip: Bake the donuts, freeze them plain, then coat in sugar before serving. They taste fresh every time.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Healthier swaps: Try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or half whole-wheat flour for more fiber.

Variations You’ll Love

Once you master the base recipe, you can play around with flavors!

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Donuts: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Glaze: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in a powdered sugar glaze.
• Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Donuts: Use nutmeg and cloves for a more classic bakery-style flavor.
• Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Reduce sugar slightly and use applesauce in place of some oil.

FAQs About Pumpkin Donuts

Can donuts be baked instead of fried?
Yes! These pumpkin donuts prove that baking is an easy, mess-free way to enjoy donuts at home.

Do baked donuts taste the same as fried donuts?
Not exactly — fried donuts are crispier, while baked pumpkin doughnuts have a soft, cakey texture. Personally, I love the lighter feel of baked ones.

Can donuts be cooked in the oven?
Absolutely. A donut pan is key for that classic shape, but you can also bake this batter in a muffin tin if that’s what you have.

What are the ingredients in Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice donuts?
Krispy Kreme uses pumpkin spice flavoring in a yeast-based dough. My recipe uses pumpkin puree and warm spices for a fresher, more homemade taste.

Serving Ideas

These donuts are at their best when warm and fresh. Serve them with:

• A hot latte or chai tea
• A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• Fresh apple cider for the ultimate fall pairing

They’re also perfect for brunch spreads, after-school snacks, or even as a Thanksgiving breakfast treat.

Storage and Leftovers

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Cozy Fall Baking Connections

If you’re loving these donuts, you’ll also want to try:

• Cozy pumpkin spice flavors in fall treats
• Baking the perfect pumpkin bread with fall spices
• Celebrate the season with cozy pumpkin-themed desserts

Each one is filled with fall magic and perfect for family baking days.

Final Thoughts

Every fall, I come back to this Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts recipe again and again. It’s simple, fun, and makes me feel instantly cozy. Whether you’re making them for your family, sharing with friends, or just baking for yourself (no judgment here!), they’re guaranteed to bring a little autumn joy into your day.

If you give these donuts a try, I’d love to see your creations. Tag me on Pinterest @sophiadecorstyle so we can celebrate your cozy kitchen moments together.

Happy baking, friends — may your home always smell like pumpkin spice this season!

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