Gingerbread Pumpkin Muffin Donuts

Featured in: Sweet Escapes

Experience the comfort of warmly spiced donuts infused with classic gingerbread notes and pumpkin purée. Simple mixing of wet and dry ingredients yields tender muffins or donuts, baked to golden perfection and optionally coated in cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. These treats make ideal companions to spiced chai or hot apple cider. Suitable for breakfast or dessert, easy to prepare, and can be made in a muffin tin if donut pans are unavailable. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze to enjoy later.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:15:00 GMT
Warm gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts with cinnamon sugar, perfect for autumn enjoyment.  Save
Warm gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts with cinnamon sugar, perfect for autumn enjoyment. | lickjoke.com

Warmly spiced, tender donuts combining classic gingerbread flavors with pumpkin for a cozy, baked treat perfect for autumn mornings.

I first made these Gingerbread Pumpkin Muffin Donuts on a rainy October morning and their irresistible aroma filled my kitchen. They instantly became the treat my family expects whenever the leaves start to turn.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Canned pumpkin purée: 1 cup
  • Dark brown sugar (packed): 2/3 cup
  • Unsalted butter, melted & cooled: 1/2 cup
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Molasses: 1/4 cup
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • For Coating (Optional):
  • Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Prepare Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Batter:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill Pans:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake:
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Coating:
For the optional coating, brush each donut with melted butter while still warm, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Deliciously baked gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts topped with melted butter and spices.  Save
Deliciously baked gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts topped with melted butter and spices. | lickjoke.com

My kids love dusting the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar while chatting about their day. It&s a little tradition that brings comfort and joy every time.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair beautifully with hot apple cider or spiced chai for a cozy breakfast or special snack.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze to enjoy later.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Cozy gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts served warm, ideal for a chilly morning treat. Save
Cozy gingerbread pumpkin muffin donuts served warm, ideal for a chilly morning treat. | lickjoke.com

A mug of cider and these donuts will make any autumn morning feel extra special. Enjoy baking and sharing them all season long!

Recipe Guide

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin purée can be used. Ensure it's well-drained for similar texture.

Is whole wheat flour an option?

Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and a hearty taste.

How do I achieve the donut shape without a donut pan?

A muffin tin works perfectly; bake to create round muffins with the same flavors.

What’s the best way to coat the donuts?

Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish.

How long can these treats be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for extended storage.

What beverage pairs well with them?

Spiced chai or hot apple cider complement the warm flavors beautifully.

Gingerbread Pumpkin Muffin Donuts

Spiced pumpkin donuts baked with gingerbread flavors, ideal for warm autumn breakfasts or desserts.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
02 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 2 large eggs
05 1/4 cup molasses
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan or line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly distributed.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk pumpkin purée, packed dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly blended.

Phase 04

Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixes: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender donuts.

Phase 05

Fill Baking Pan: Spoon batter evenly into prepared donut pan or muffin cups, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Phase 06

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

Phase 07

Cool: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Phase 08

Apply Optional Coating: While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture for a classic finish.

Phase 09

Serve: Enjoy warm or allow to reach room temperature before serving.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Donut pan or muffin tin
  • Wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Always confirm ingredient labels for allergy concerns.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g