Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a standard donut pan with nonstick baking spray.

Make sure the center holes and all the edges are properly coated so the baked donuts release easily.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves

Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Set the dry ingredients aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.

Mix until smooth and well combined.

The pumpkin puree should be evenly incorporated with no large streaks remaining.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined.

Do not overmix.

A few small lumps are completely fine. Overmixing can develop too much gluten and make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or large zip-top bag.

Cut off one corner and carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity.

Fill each cavity approximately ⅔ to ¾ full.

Avoid overfilling because the batter will rise during baking and can cover the center holes.

Step 6: Bake

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, depending on the size of your donut pan.

The donuts should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed with your finger.

You can also insert a toothpick into the thickest part. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for approximately 5 minutes.

Carefully turn them out onto a wire cooling rack.

Allow them to cool slightly before adding the topping.

For cinnamon sugar, the donuts should still be slightly warm so the melted butter and sugar coating adheres properly.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Mix thoroughly.

Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.

Step 9: Coat the Donuts

Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter.

Immediately place it into the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently turn it until evenly coated.

Repeat with the remaining donuts.

The result is a delicious cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut with a buttery, sweet exterior and soft pumpkin-spiced center.

Step 10: Make the Glaze

If using vanilla glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Add the milk gradually until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

For a thick glaze, use less milk.

For a thinner drizzle, add slightly more milk.

Step 11: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze.

Allow the excess glaze to drip back into the bowl.

Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack and allow the glaze to set.

Step 12: Add Optional Toppings

For an extra fall-inspired finish, sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or a light caramel drizzle.