Pumpkin Donuts Baked 【entity-Starbucks¦canonical_name=Starbucks】 Copycat Fall Baking Easy Moist Cozy

Fall is finally here, and nothing says cozy like the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. If you are a fan of those iconic seasonal treats from Starbucks, you are going to fall in love with this homemade version. These baked donuts are incredibly moist, packed with warm spices, and significantly easier to make than waiting in a long drive-thru line. They offer that signature cake-like texture without the mess of deep-frying, making them the ultimate autumn breakfast or dessert. Grab your apron and get ready to fill your home with the most comforting aroma of the season!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 32g

Why Make This Pumpkin Donuts Baked 【entity-Starbucks¦canonical_name=Starbucks】 Copycat Fall Baking Easy Moist Cozy

Making these donuts at home is a total game-changer for your fall baking routine. First, you save a significant amount of money by skipping the coffee shop prices. Second, because these are baked rather than fried, they are much lighter and less greasy, yet they maintain a perfect, moist crumb thanks to the real pumpkin puree. This recipe captures that specific Starbucks flavor profile—heavy on the warm spices and perfectly sweet. It is a fantastic activity for kids or a quick way to impress guests at a cozy weekend brunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

Step 1: Preparation and Preheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two standard 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of butter. Ensuring the pans are well-lubricated is key to getting that perfect donut shape without any sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these thoroughly ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is vibrant and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine into a Batter

Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture using a spatula. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, rubbery donut rather than a tender, cakey one.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. For a cleaner look and easier filling, you can transfer the batter into a large piping bag or a plastic storage bag with the corner snipped off and pipe the batter into the rings.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Cooling them slightly in the pan helps them set so they don’t break.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While the donuts cool, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin spice together in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Once the donuts are mostly cool, dip the tops into the glaze and set them back on the rack to harden. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts Baked 【entity-Starbucks¦canonical_name=Starbucks】 Copycat Fall Baking Easy Moist Cozy

To achieve the best results, always use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure they emulsify properly with the oil and sugars. If you find your glaze is too thin, add a tablespoon more of powdered sugar; if it is too thick, add a few drops of milk. Finally, do not skip the cooling step; a hot donut will simply melt the glaze, causing it to run off rather than creating that beautiful white coating.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize these donuts to suit your cravings. For a “Pumpkin Spice Latte” vibe, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. If you love texture, fold in half a cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans. Instead of a glaze, you can toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic donut shop finish. For a vegan-friendly version, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a neutral coconut oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in a muffin tin?

Yes! If you do not have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin. Increase the baking time to approximately 18–22 minutes. They will taste exactly the same, just in a different shape.

How do I store leftover pumpkin donuts?

Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though the glaze may become slightly tacky due to moisture.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Absolutely. These donuts freeze very well. I recommend freezing them without the glaze. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree is 100% cooked pumpkin with no additives. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and pre-spiced. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe to maintain control over the flavor and sweetness.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

The most common cause of dense donuts is overmixing the batter. Once the flour is added, mix only until just combined. Overworking the flour develops gluten, which creates a bread-like texture instead of a light cake texture.

Conclusion

These baked pumpkin donuts are the perfect way to embrace the fall season without having to leave your house. With their moist texture and warming spices, they truly rival the Starbucks original. Whether you are hosting a festive brunch or just want a cozy treat to pair with your morning coffee, this easy recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!