Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that wraps you in all the warm flavors of autumn, then these Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze will absolutely become your new favorite indulgence. Soft, tender donuts bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger come to life under a luscious, slightly sweet maple cream cheese glaze that perfectly balances spice and sweetness. These donuts bring that quintessential fall comfort into every bite and are surprisingly easy to make, making them ideal for cozy mornings or impromptu gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward pumpkin-flavored bliss. Each component is simple, yet essential—offering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that make these donuts unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that adds moisture and a delicate crumb.
• White sugar and golden sugar: The combination creates a deep sweetness and subtle caramel notes.
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together, adding structure and fluffiness.
• Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient delivering natural moisture, a lovely orange hue, and earthy sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and adds depth of flavor.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: The signature pumpkin spice trio that brings cozy warmth and a little something special.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the donuts structure while keeping them tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the donuts rise perfectly fluffy with a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the donuts soft without heaviness.
• Milk: Makes the batter easy to mix and adds a subtle creaminess.
• Cream cheese: For the glaze, providing a tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with sweet maple.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect coating.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and that unmistakable maple flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly greasing your donut pan to ensure your donuts come out cleanly. Cream together the softened butter with both white and golden sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—a process that helps incorporate air for the perfect tender bite. Then, add the eggs, one by one, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Mixing in the pumpkin purée and vanilla fills your kitchen with that unmistakable cozy scent and gives the batter a velvety texture.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Dry Ingredients

Next, mix in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt—these spices make every bite reminiscent of crisp autumn days. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to avoid any lumps. Incorporate half of this dry mixture into the wet batter, folding gently to keep the batter light. Then add the vegetable oil and milk; these will keep your donuts moist and tender as they bake.

Step 3: Combine and Fill Your Donut Pan

Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until fully combined, scraping down the bowl to ensure an even mixture. Transfer the smooth batter to a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling. Fill each cavity in your donut pan about two-thirds full—this allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts spring back gently after you press on them. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture and preparing the donuts for glazing.

Step 5: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

While the donuts cool, whip up the glaze. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and just a little runny. This luscious glaze will be the crowning glory of your Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze, adding a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced donuts.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Once the donuts have cooled, dip each one into the glaze, letting excess drip off. If you want to add an extra touch of texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans on top while the glaze is still wet. Allow the glaze to set slightly before enjoying these delightful autumn treats.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the glazed donuts can add texture and an inviting extra layer of flavor. For those who appreciate a little sparkle, a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup on the side adds a shiny finish and a sweet treat with each bite.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or your favorite spiced latte. For brunch, they shine alongside crunchy bacon or sausage links, balancing sweet and savory. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can add a refreshing contrast to the donuts’ richness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Make these donuts the centerpiece of a festive fall dessert board. Arrange them artfully with small bowls of whipped cream, extra maple syrup, and seasonal nuts for dipping and decorating. For a playful twist, stack donuts into a donut cake and drizzle glaze over the layers—it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any uneaten Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the glaze from getting sticky, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

If you want to extend their life, these donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave before glazing or re-glazing.

Reheating

Warm donuts in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes for that fresh-baked feeling. Reapply glaze if needed to freshen up the coating and enhance their irresistible flavor once more.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can pipe the batter into a muffin tin to create pumpkin spice muffins or use a silicone donut mold if you want to keep the donut shape. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin purée?

For this recipe, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is very convenient. Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Can I substitute the maple syrup in the glaze?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be good substitutes, but keep in mind the flavor and sweetness level will change slightly.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Adjustments to moisture and baking time might be necessary.

How spicy are these pumpkin spice donuts?

The spices are well balanced to offer a warm and cozy flavor without being overpowering. If you love more spice kick, feel free to add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making these Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze is like capturing the essence of fall in a single, delightful bite. The combination of tender pumpkin-infused dough and the sweet, tangy glaze is pure magic that never gets old. If you’re looking for a special treat that’s both comforting and impressively delicious, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe — it’s sure to brighten up any chilly day and fill your home with irresistible aromas.

Print