Introduction

These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze are the perfect autumn treat. The warm pumpkin spice flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich maple glaze, creating a delightful baked good that’s perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. For more seasonal pumpkin inspiration, try this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe or these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars Recipe.

Ingredients

These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze combine warm autumn spices with rich pumpkin flavor, creating a tender baked treat that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Context: These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Gather all ingredients for your soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze. Measure flour, pumpkin puree, spices, and leavening agents accurately. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Having everything ready before mixing ensures your batter comes together smoothly and bakes evenly.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spices in a medium bowl. Properly aerating these ingredients helps create light, tender soft, spiced pumpkin donuts.

Use fresh spices for the best flavor—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves should smell fragrant.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, milk, and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with no streaks of egg visible.

Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and more consistent texture in your finished donuts.

Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make your soft, spiced pumpkin donuts tough rather than tender.

The batter should be thick but pourable—similar to muffin batter consistency.

Step 5 — Fill Donut Pans and Bake

Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped off. Pipe batter into prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full to allow for rising.

Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until donuts spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 6 — Cool Donuts Properly

Remove pans from oven and let donuts cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack. This prevents steaming and ensures your soft, spiced pumpkin donuts maintain their texture.

Donuts must be completely cool before glazing to prevent the sweet maple glaze from melting off.

Step 7 — Prepare Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable—add more milk by teaspoons if too thick.

Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor in your sweet maple glaze.

Step 8 — Glaze Donuts

Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, twisting slightly to coat evenly. Allow excess glaze to drip off before returning to wire rack.

Place a baking sheet under the wire rack to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Step 9 — Let Glaze Set and Serve

Allow the sweet maple glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving. The glaze will form a slight crust while keeping the donuts soft underneath.

These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze are best enjoyed the same day but will keep in an airtight container for 2 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	210mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole wheat pastry flour — Adds fiber while maintaining the soft texture of these pumpkin donuts
• Greek yogurt or applesauce — Replaces oil for a protein boost or lower-fat option
• Almond or coconut flour — Creates gluten-free, lower-carb pumpkin donuts
• Oat flour — Provides a whole grain alternative with natural sweetness
• Coconut oil or avocado oil — Dairy-free substitutions that add healthy fats
• Monk fruit or stevia — Low-carb sweetener alternatives for the maple glaze
• Reduced-sodium pumpkin pie spice — Maintains the spiced flavor with less sodium
• Plant-based milk — Dairy-free option that works perfectly in both batter and glaze

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot coffee, chai tea, or cold milk for a comforting beverage combination.
• Serve warm alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday brunches, or cozy weekend breakfasts.
• Arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks for seasonal charm.
• Dust with extra cinnamon or chopped pecans before the glaze sets for added texture.
• Offer with apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes for a complete fall-themed treat.

These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze are versatile enough for casual snacking or festive occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery canned pumpkin. Fix: Drain excess liquid or blot with paper towels to prevent soggy dough.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter. Fix: Gently fold until just combined to maintain a tender, cake-like crumb.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong temperature. Fix: Preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time for the glaze. Fix: Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes to achieve that perfect drizzle.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the donut pan. Fix: Fill cavities only 2/3 full to allow for proper rising and shape.
• Mistake: Using expired spices. Fix:
  Check your spice dates for maximum flavor in your soft, spiced pumpkin donuts.
• Mistake: Applying glaze to hot donuts. Fix: Cool completely so the sweet maple glaze adheres without melting off.
• Mistake: Not greasing the pan adequately. Fix: Use baking spray with flour to ensure easy, clean release every time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated donuts in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always allow donuts to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain that perfect soft texture.

Conclusion

These soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze deliver perfect fall flavor in every bite. For more pumpkin treats, try this A fall favorite youll want on repeat Soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched with sweet cream filling sweet cozy and perfect for sharing or this This Pumpkin Coffee Cake shines with warm fall spices and a simple streusel topping No mixer needed. Share your results and leave a review below!

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Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

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Soft, spiced pumpkin donuts baked to perfection and topped with a sweet, smooth maple glaze.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a donut pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Beat in pumpkin and vanilla until just combined. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture at low speed, beating just until incorporated.
4. Scoop the batter evenly into the donut pan. Place into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched.
5. To make the glaze, heat maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes. Whisk in butter, vanilla and salt until the butter has melted. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
6. When the donuts are done, cool for 10 minutes and dip the tops into the glaze. Allow glaze to set before serving.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use canned pumpkin puree and ensure the glaze is smooth before dipping. Donuts can be served warm or at room temperature and are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

FAQs

Can I bake these pumpkin donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them. Use a donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This method helps maintain the soft texture of these soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with sweet maple glaze.