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Pumpkin Donuts with Pumpkin-Shaped Indentations and Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 donuts

Description

These Pumpkin Donuts are a cozy, fall-inspired treat crafted with real pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spice. Shaped creatively like miniature pumpkins using kitchen string, they are fried to golden perfection, finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating, and decorated with cinnamon sticks for a festive autumn look. Soft and tender on the inside with a crisp exterior, these donuts are perfect for seasonal breakfasts, Halloween celebrations, or Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients

Dough

  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for yeast mixture)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active yeast
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Decoration

  • Cinnamon sticks (for decorative pumpkin stems)

Instructions

  1. Proof the Yeast: Combine the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and active yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture appears slightly foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, ½ cup granulated sugar, egg, and softened butter until well combined.
  3. Combine Yeast Mixture and Pumpkin Mixture: Once the yeast has proofed, add it to the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until a thick dough forms.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
  6. Knead the Dough: After chilling, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for several minutes until it becomes firm, smooth, and stretchy.
  7. Shape the Donuts: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. To create the pumpkin shape, loosely wrap thick, food-safe kitchen string around each ball four times, forming eight indentations. Place shaped dough on a prepared surface.
  8. Heat the Oil and Fry Donuts: Heat frying oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 375°F, monitored with a thermometer. Fry the donuts in small batches, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Drain and Cool: Remove donuts from oil using a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack. Repeat frying with remaining dough.
  10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F while frying is finishing.
  11. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  12. Remove Strings and Bake Donuts: After donuts have cooled a couple of minutes, carefully cut and remove the strings. Arrange donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes to ensure the centers are fully cooked.
  13. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, gently roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  14. Decorate: Press a cinnamon stick into the center of each donut to create a decorative pumpkin stem. Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.

Notes

  • Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for better control of sweetness and flavor.
  • Chilling the dough for 1 hour firms it up and makes it easier to knead and shape.
  • Ensure oil temperature remains at 375°F to prevent greasy donuts.
  • Remove kitchen string after frying and before baking to avoid burns.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze donuts uncoated and without cinnamon sticks for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating and coating.
  • Reheat gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes to preserve texture.
  • For variations, try maple or vanilla glaze, extra spices, or chocolate drizzle for different flavors.
  • Adjust frying and baking times if making mini donuts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cookinginspirations.com/pumpkin-donuts-with-pumpkin-shaped-indentations-and-cinnamon-sugar-coating-recipe/