Name: Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: [object Object]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are everything you love about pumpkin spice season in one delicious bite. They’re baked (not fried), so they’re lighter than traditional donuts, but just as satisfying. The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves pair perfectly with the smooth pumpkin purée, and the maple cream cheese glaze adds a decadent finishing touch. They come together quickly and make your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donuts:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Ground cloves
Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk

For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:

Cream cheese (softened)
Maple syrup (pure)
Powdered sugar
Milk (as needed for thinning)
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

For the Donuts:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 13–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Thin with milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle over the top. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 baked donuts.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans, cinnamon sugar, or maple flakes on top of the glaze.
Make mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes.
Use a different glaze: Try a vanilla glaze, cinnamon glaze, or even chocolate drizzle.
Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese alternative, and oil instead of butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds to slightly warm the donut and soften the glaze.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced. Use 100% pure pumpkin purée for best results.

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes, for baked donuts, a donut pan is ideal. If you don’t have one, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin and adjust the time slightly.

Can I fry these donuts instead?

This recipe is designed for baking. For frying, you’d need a different dough (usually yeast-based).

Why are my donuts dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause dense donuts. Stir gently just until the flour is incorporated.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, they keep well for a couple of days. Store unglazed for best texture, and glaze just before serving.

Is the glaze too sweet?

The maple and cream cheese balance each other out, but you can adjust the sweetness by adding less powdered sugar.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes, use a flax egg or an egg replacer for a similar texture.

How do I get smooth, bakery-style glaze?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and beat it well before adding other ingredients. Thin the glaze as needed for smooth dipping.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll get a similar texture with a different shape.

What can I serve with these donuts?

Pair with coffee, chai, or warm apple cider for the perfect fall breakfast or treat.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze are the perfect fall baking project—easy, cozy, and full of seasonal flavor. The tender pumpkin-spiced donuts and sweet, tangy glaze make them irresistible for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Once you try them, they’ll become a yearly tradition you won’t want to skip.