Pumpkin Doughnuts with Powdered Sugar Glaze and Spiced Sugar Doughnut Holes

Pumpkin Doughnuts: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

As a busy mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. These pumpkin doughnuts fit the bill perfectly. They're a delightful autumnal treat, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or even a quick pick-me-up after a long day. The recipe itself isn't overly complicated, and the end result is incredibly rewarding – warm, fluffy doughnuts with a delicate powdered sugar glaze and a delightful spiced sugar coating for the doughnut holes. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with the comforting scents of fall.

What truly sets these doughnuts apart is the balance of flavors. The pumpkin adds a warm, subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg perfectly. The powdered sugar glaze provides a light, delicate sweetness that doesn't overpower the other flavors, while the spiced sugar on the doughnut holes offers a delightful textural and flavor contrast. The process of making them is therapeutic, too. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about the rhythmic mixing, the careful cutting of the dough, and the anticipation as the golden-brown doughnuts emerge from the hot oil.

I've made these doughnuts countless times, tweaking them slightly each time to perfect them. I've found that chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect texture – it helps prevent the doughnuts from becoming too oily and ensures they rise beautifully. And the use of a deep-fry thermometer is a game-changer; maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to preventing soggy or burnt doughnuts. It’s all about attention to detail, but honestly, it’s totally worth the effort. The smiles on my kids' faces as they bite into these warm, delicious doughnuts make all the work worthwhile.

Making it a Family Affair

Making these doughnuts often becomes a family affair. My children love to help with the simpler tasks – measuring ingredients, sprinkling the spiced sugar, and of course, enjoying the final product! It's a wonderful opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. And let’s be honest, the cleanup is much easier with extra hands.

Beyond the Kitchen

The deliciousness of these pumpkin doughnuts extends beyond the kitchen. I've taken them to potlucks, shared them with neighbors, and even packed them for school lunches (though they rarely make it that far!). They're always a hit, and they’re a great way to share a little bit of homemade happiness with others. There's something special about giving someone a warm, freshly made doughnut. It’s a simple gesture, but it always seems to brighten someone’s day.

Variations and Adaptations

While I love the classic pumpkin spice combination, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices, glazes, and even add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless!

So, gather your family, put on some cozy music, and get ready for a delicious baking adventure. These pumpkin doughnuts are more than just a recipe; they’re a chance to create special memories and savor the simple joys of homemade goodness. Trust me, they're worth every minute of effort.

Step-by-step

• Preparation For spiced sugar: Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
• For doughnuts: Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until blended (mixture will be grainy). Beat in egg, then yolks and vanilla. Gradually beat in buttermilk; beat in pumpkin in 4 additions. Using rubber spatula, fold in dry ingredients in 4 additions, blending gently after each addition. Cover with plastic; chill 3 hours.
• Sprinkle 2 rimmed baking sheets lightly with flour. Press out 1/3 of dough on floured surface to 1/2- to 2/3-inch thickness. Using 2 1/2-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out dough rounds. Arrange on sheets. Repeat with remaining dough in 2 more batches. Gather dough scraps. Press out dough and cut out more dough rounds until all dough is used.
• Using 1-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out center of each dough round to make doughnuts and doughnut holes.
• Line 2 baking sheets with several layers of paper towels. Pour oil into large deep skillet to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer and heat oil to 365°F to 370°F. Fry doughnut holes in 2 batches until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Fry doughnuts, 3 or 4 at a time, until golden brown, adjusting heat to maintain temperature, about 1 minute per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Cool completely.
• For powdered sugar glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons whipping cream to blend. Whisk in additional cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, to form medium thick glaze. Can be made up to 3 hours ahead. Add doughnut holes to bowl of spiced sugar and toss to coat. Spread doughnuts on 1 side with Powdered Sugar Glaze. Arrange doughnuts, glazed side up, on racks. Let stand until glaze sets, at least 30 minutes.