Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are a seasonal favorite that combines the warmth of autumn spices with the soft, tender texture of baked donuts. Each donut is infused with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a comforting and aromatic treat. Topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

They offer a homemade alternative to store-bought versions, allowing for fresh flavors, light texture, and a touch of indulgence. The combination of spiced pumpkin and rich glaze makes them irresistible and cozy, perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of fall in every bite. The donuts are soft and moist, with a delicate sweetness balanced by aromatic spices. The cream cheese glaze adds a creamy tang that complements the warm pumpkin flavor perfectly. Baking the donuts instead of frying makes them lighter while retaining all the comforting flavors.

This recipe is simple to make yet produces a bakery-quality treat that feels special and celebratory. Every bite delivers a perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and richness.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These donuts are a must-try because they transform simple ingredients into a festive, flavorful treat. They capture the quintessential flavors of autumn with pumpkin and spices, paired with the luxurious cream cheese glaze. They are perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or as a gift.

The soft, tender donuts and sweet glaze make them visually appealing and delicious. Whether served at home or shared with friends and family, they are sure to impress and evoke cozy seasonal feelings.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per donut
Course: Breakfast / Dessert
Cuisine: American / Bakery-Style

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed.
8. Dip cooled donuts into glaze or drizzle on top. Allow glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure tender donuts.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan
Spoon batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops with a spoon.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Adjust milk to achieve a pourable consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle generously on top. Allow glaze to set for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve donuts warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced latte for a seasonal treat. For presentation, sprinkle additional cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top of the glaze.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain soft, tender donuts.
• Use a piping bag to fill donut cavities for a more uniform appearance.
• Let donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
• Adjust glaze thickness with more or less milk depending on preference.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the glaze.

Variations

• Maple Glaze: Replace cream cheese glaze with maple syrup glaze for a fall twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over glazed donuts for added indulgence.
• Spiced Nuts: Top with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and non-dairy cream cheese and milk for a vegan-friendly donut.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack
• Spoon or piping bag for batter

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, use plain pumpkin puree. Pie filling contains added sugar and spices that may affect texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q3: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and whisk before using.

Q4: Can I bake in a muffin tin instead of a donut pan?
Yes, but the shape will be different. Baking time may increase slightly.

Q5: Can I add more spices?
Absolutely, adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your taste for a stronger spice flavor.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Soft, tender donuts infused with warm spices and topped with a creamy, tangy glaze make them a versatile dessert or breakfast option. Easy to prepare at home, these donuts provide a homemade alternative to bakery treats with the satisfaction of fresh, seasonal flavors. Whether for a special occasion, brunch, or a seasonal indulgence, they are a delightful, comforting, and irresistible recipe.