Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are tender, fluffy, and full of fall flavor thanks to cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and pumpkin puree. The Maple Cream Cheese Glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish that complements the spices perfectly. They’re homemade, cozy, and sure to become a seasonal favorite for family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Donuts:

2 sticks (227 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz / 395 g) pumpkin puree
2 ¾ cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup (55 g / 60 ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (60 g / 60 ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt

For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:

½ cup (113 g) cream cheese
½ stick (56 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (60 ml / 80 g) maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Bake donuts: Spoon batter into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cream cheese and butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze the donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple cream cheese glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack to set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sprinkle glazed donuts with crushed pecans, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate chips.
Substitute coconut oil for butter to change the flavor profile slightly.
Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the batter for extra spice.
Make mini donuts for bite-sized treats reduce bake time to 8–10 minutes.

Storage

Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the glaze and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly to thin before glazing.

Can I bake these in muffin tins instead of a donut pan?

Yes, simply reduce the bake time slightly and enjoy pumpkin spice muffins with the same glaze.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with non-dairy milk.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze are a cozy, festive treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Moist, flavorful donuts paired with a sweet and creamy glaze make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any seasonal gathering.