There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze wafting through your kitchen. Picture it: the spices dancing in the air, the sweetness mingling with a hint of nuttiness, and those golden donuts just begging to be devoured. roasted pumpkin seeds snack It’s like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Now, let me take you back to that fateful morning when I decided to whip up these delightful treats. I had friends over for brunch, and I thought, why not impress them with something cozy yet delicious? Little did I know that these donuts would steal the show and become my go-to recipe for every gathering. cinnamon roll casserole recipe Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze are easy to make and bursting with fall flavors
- Their warm colors and inviting aroma create an irresistible treat for any occasion
- The versatility of this recipe means you can enjoy them at breakfast or as a delightful dessert
- Once you taste that brown butter glaze, you’ll be hooked!
I still remember when my friends took their first bite—there were gasps followed by happy dance moves!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use freshly sifted flour for a light texture that makes the donuts airy.
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned or homemade; just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives for rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Choose dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes in your donuts.
- Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly grated nutmeg adds an aromatic punch; cinnamon gives warmth and familiarity.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise; double-check expiration dates for best results. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help batter mix smoothly.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter enriches flavor; keep some aside for browning later!
- Milk: Whole milk yields moist donuts; substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Powdered Sugar: For that dreamy glaze that transforms these donuts from good to extraordinary.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors beautifully—don’t skimp here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly. This ensures your donuts pop out easily once baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. The aromas will make you swoon!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should feel like a cozy fall hug.
Combine Mixtures with Care: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter should look thick yet inviting.
Fill the Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter. Leave space for rising but don’t skimp on goodness!
Bake & Cool Down : Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks—your kitchen smells like heaven right now!
Brown Butter Glaze Time!: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Dip Those Donuts!: Once cooled slightly but still warm, dip each donut into the glaze. You can sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Feel free to enjoy these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze any time of year; they’re perfect for brunches or cozy nights in! Just remember that sharing is caring… unless they’re too delicious to part with! skinny pumpkin pancakes recipe. homemade pumpkin butter.
You Must Know
- Baked pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall
- Their moist texture and warm spices make them irresistible, especially when topped with a rich brown butter glaze that adds a nutty depth
- Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before mixing your ingredients. This ensures even baking and perfectly fluffy donuts. Prepare your donut pan while the batter rests for optimal results.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pumpkin puree for mashed bananas or sweet potatoes. You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor, making these donuts your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a fresh taste, briefly warm them in the microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect baked pumpkin donuts, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep them light and fluffy
- Lastly, let the glaze cool slightly before drizzling for a beautifully smooth finish
Baking these donuts always brings back fond memories of my friends raiding my kitchen while they were still warm. The smiles on their faces as they bit into the soft, spiced goodness were priceless.

FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just ensure it’s pureed smoothly for the best texture.
How do I know when my donuts are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean if they’re fully baked.
Can I freeze baked pumpkin donuts?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 donuts 1x
Description
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze are the quintessential autumn treat, blending warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. These easy-to-make donuts are baked to perfection and topped with a luscious brown butter glaze, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Your kitchen will be filled with a delightful aroma, making every bite feel like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for browning glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown; whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let them set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. - Swap pumpkin puree with mashed bananas or sweet potatoes for a different twist.