Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between cozy fall flavors and a tender, fluffy texture. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that pairs so well with the warm spices in the pumpkin batter. It’s the kind of treat that instantly makes your kitchen smell amazing and fills your home with those classic autumn vibes.

You’ll find that these donuts work great for everything from weekend brunches to afternoon coffee breaks, and they’re surprisingly easy to make even if you don’t bake often. Plus, the glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the subtle pumpkin flavor. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to fall desserts.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that rich pumpkin flavor combined with aromatic spices and a buttery streusel crunch. When shopping, look for fresh pumpkin puree and fresh spices for the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content.
• Granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• Large egg: Adds structure and helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and warmth.
• Pure pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right texture and taste.
• All-purpose flour: The base that keeps these donuts tender and light.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the donuts a nice rise.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon: The essential pumpkin spice combo that makes these donuts special.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the streusel.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that ties everything together.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.

Variations

I like to mix things up a bit depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe to make it your own – the spice blend and toppings are great places to start experimenting.

• Use Pumpkin Pie Spice: Sometimes I swap out the individual spices with store-bought pumpkin pie spice for convenience — it’s still delicious and saves time.
• Make Mini Donuts: I’ve made donut holes using a mini muffin pan by baking them a bit shorter. Perfect for bite-sized treats at parties.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the glaze for a dairy-free twist.
• Glaze Variations: Try a maple glaze or cream cheese drizzle to add a new flavor dimension.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray your donut pan with baking spray so nothing sticks. Then, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. This step is key for a tender, light donut texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then add the pure pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated. The batter will start to look thick — that’s exactly right!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and spices (cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon). Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the donuts tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan and Add Streusel

Spoon the thick batter into a large resealable plastic bag. Snip off a small corner to create a piping bag, then fill each donut cavity about halfway. This helps the donuts bake evenly and prevents spills. In a small bowl, mix together the streusel ingredients until crumbly, then generously sprinkle and press it gently on top of each donut cavity until it’s level with the dough below.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut part comes out clean. Let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — this step is crucial for the glaze to stick properly later.

Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to make a smooth glaze. Start with less milk and add more as needed to get that perfect pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over cooled donuts and let set for at least 5 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle or a few little toasted pecans on top of the glaze for some extra crunch. Fresh whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also brightens them up nicely when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

My family loves these donuts with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee—both complement the pumpkin spices perfectly. If you want to make brunch special, try pairing with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I’ve dressed these donuts up on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves, small pumpkins, and a drizzle of extra glaze on the side for dipping. You can also stack mini donut holes with a toothpick skewer for a playful donut pop display kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and glazing, I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I put them in the fridge wrapped well to maintain freshness but find they’re best enjoyed within a couple days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen solid—this keeps them from sticking together. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw easily overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly in a low-heated oven to freshen up the texture. If glazed, just be gentle so the coating doesn’t melt away completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe has become a favorite in my family, especially when the crisp fall air rolls in. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make treat that I’m always excited to pull out for special mornings or whenever I want to brighten someone’s day. I encourage you to try it out — you’ll love how these donuts combine sweetness, spice, and that delightful streusel crunch just like I do.

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