Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Delicious Easy Fall Recipe

These soft, spiced glazed pumpkin donuts are baked, not fried making them an easy, family-friendly fall treat you’ll love sharing for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

If you love fall baking as much as I do, you’ll also enjoy these pumpkin spice muffin tops and this classic pumpkin bread recipe.

Why Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Are My Fall Obsession

Every year when the leaves start turning and the air gets just a little cooler, I crave the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. While pumpkin bread and lattes usually steal the spotlight, I think glazed pumpkin donuts deserve their moment too.

They’re light yet moist, filled with warm spices, and finished with a sweet glaze that makes them feel just a little more indulgent than your average muffin or loaf. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can whip them up without the mess of hot oil.

When I make these for my family, they rarely last more than a day. My kids love them for breakfast before school, and I love having one with a hot cup of coffee in the afternoon. This recipe has become a tradition in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you so it can become a tradition in yours too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.

For the donuts

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup milk (regular or almond milk works great)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a subtle twist)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be swapped in if needed)
• ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but I love the depth it adds)

For the glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

The glaze is simple, but don’t underestimate it. That glossy layer on top makes these donuts look bakery-worthy and adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Equipment That Makes Life Easier

I’m a big believer that you don’t need fancy tools to bake at home, but a few pieces of equipment make this recipe foolproof:

• Donut pan (a must-have for baked donuts)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off

If you don’t own a donut pan, don’t panic. You can use a muffin tin and bake them as “donut muffins.” They won’t have the traditional donut shape, but they’ll taste just as delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

I want you to feel confident when making these, even if you don’t bake often. So here’s a simple breakdown you can follow.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, and milk until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and don’t over-mix—it keeps the donuts tender.
5. Pour the batter into a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full.
6. Bake for 15–16 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and let it set.

When you bite into one, you’ll get that tender pumpkin donut with a sweet, slightly crisp glaze on top. It’s a perfect balance.

Why These Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Work Every Time

Baking can feel intimidating, but these donuts are very forgiving. The pumpkin puree keeps them moist, while the baking powder ensures they rise beautifully. The spices make your kitchen smell like autumn in the best way possible.

I’ve tested this recipe enough to know it’s reliable. Whether you’re baking for a Saturday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe has your back.

Variations and Creative Twists

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll feel inspired to experiment. Here are some ideas:

• Cinnamon sugar coating: Instead of glazing, dip warm donuts in melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Chocolate glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a chocolate one made with cocoa powder and milk.
• Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
• Maple glaze: Replace some of the milk with maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness.

Want to switch things up? Try these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins or bake mini pumpkin loaves for gifting.

Don’t be afraid to make these your own. Recipes should feel like a starting point, not a rulebook.

Family-Friendly Tips for Baking Donuts Together

When I bake these with my kids, I let them help mix the dry ingredients and fill the donut pan with batter. They love dipping the cooled donuts into the glaze, and yes, it gets messy—but that’s half the fun.

If you’re baking with little ones, lay down parchment paper on the counter before glazing. Cleanup will be a breeze, and you’ll enjoy the process more.

Baking together is such a joy, and simple recipes like pumpkin cream cheese muffins are another fun way to get everyone involved.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make them ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them without the glaze, then thaw and glaze before serving.

They also taste amazing slightly warmed in the microwave for 10 seconds. The glaze softens, and it feels like you just baked them.

If you’re into savory fall flavors, don’t miss my pumpkin curry recipe or this comforting pumpkin risotto

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

For me, glazed pumpkin donuts are more than just a seasonal treat. They’re a way to slow down, gather around the table, and share something homemade with people I love.

They’re easy enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for holidays. And honestly, they beat store-bought donuts every time.

Once you make them, you’ll see why I keep this recipe in rotation all fall long.

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try:

• Pumpkin Streusel Bread
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi
• Stuffed Pumpkin with Rice and Sausage

FAQs About Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Final Thoughts on Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly recipe that captures the flavor of fall, these glazed pumpkin donuts are it. They’re easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. And if you try them, don’t forget to share your creations I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own.

Save This Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Recipe on Pinterest

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make these more than once this season. Pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever the craving for pumpkin spice hits.

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