Fall Donut Recipes
These Fall Donut Recipes are the coziest way to celebrate Thanksgiving and autumn flavors. From homemade brioche doughnuts to baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze, these recipes are simple, festive, and absolutely delicious.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand Mixer
- Donut Pan
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Brioche Doughnuts
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg optional, for warmth
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
Pumpkin Donuts
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add eggs and milk, kneading until smooth. Incorporate butter until dough is pillowy. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down dough, roll out, and cut into rings. Let rise again until puffy. Fry or bake until golden.
- For pumpkin donuts: whisk pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combine and spoon into greased donut pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13–15 minutes until tops spring back. Cool slightly before glazing.
- Make maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a little milk until thick but spreadable. Adjust with sugar or milk for consistency.
- Dunk or drizzle donuts in glaze, top with cinnamon-sugar, nuts, or seasonal toppings.
Notes
Thanksgiving doughnut variations include apple cider, pumpkin spice, pecan pie, cranberry-orange, and maple glaze. Play with flavors—doughnuts are forgiving!