There’s nothing quite like the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon during the fall season, and these Pumpkin & Cream Cheese Donuts are the perfect way to enjoy those cozy autumn vibes. Shaped like mini pumpkins, these donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich, creamy pumpkin and cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling. Fried to perfection and sprinkled with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm drink on a crisp fall day or sharing them at a seasonal gathering, these donuts will bring a touch of autumn magic to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are the ultimate fall indulgence, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese in a soft, doughy package. The yeast-based dough creates a light and fluffy texture, while the rich cream cheese filling brings a delightful creaminess with a hint of pumpkin spice. The donuts are shaped into adorable pumpkins using a simple thread technique, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin desserts or just looking for a fun seasonal treat, these donuts are sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion
These Pumpkin & Cream Cheese Donuts are perfect for any autumn occasion. They make a great addition to a fall-themed brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive dessert for Halloween or Thanksgiving. Their unique pumpkin shape and delicious filling make them a showstopper at any gathering, and they’re a fun project to make with family or friends. These donuts are also perfect for sharing, whether you’re bringing them to a fall party, gifting them to neighbors, or simply enjoying them with loved ones on a chilly autumn day.
Decoration Tips
To elevate these pumpkin-shaped donuts, you can decorate them with some extra fall flair. After sprinkling with powdered sugar and cinnamon, consider drizzling melted chocolate or a cinnamon glaze over the top for an extra indulgent touch. You can also garnish the donuts with tiny pretzel sticks or cloves to mimic pumpkin stems, giving them an even more realistic and festive look. For a final touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts over the tops for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 280ml warm milk (not hot)
- 50g sugar
- 12g dry yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 50g soft butter
- 500-520g all-purpose flour (reserve 20g for kneading)
For the Filling:
- 250g cream cheese
- 60g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 50ml heavy cream
- 150g pumpkin puree
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is activated and the surface is foamy. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Whisk in the egg and softened butter until fully combined. - Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or using a dough hook attachment on a mixer. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly sticky but easy to handle. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10-12 small balls. Using a piece of thread or kitchen twine, gently tie the dough balls to create 4 equal sections, forming a pumpkin shape. Be careful not to tie too tightly, as the dough will expand during the second rise. Let the pumpkin-shaped dough balls proof for another 20 minutes. - Fry the Donuts:
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180-190°C (350-375°F). To check the temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and turn golden within 1-2 minutes. Fry the donuts for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. - Dust with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Allow the donuts to cool completely before filling with the cream cheese mixture. - Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and stir until fully combined. Set aside. - Make the Pumpkin Puree (Optional):
If making your own pumpkin puree, bake the pumpkin with a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until soft. Mash with a fork into a smooth puree and let it cool. - Fill the Donuts:
Once the donuts have cooled, fill a piping bag with the cream cheese mixture. Insert the piping bag into the side or bottom of each donut and fill with the pumpkin cream cheese mixture.
Enjoy!
These Pumpkin & Cream Cheese Donuts are the perfect treat for fall, combining the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese in a light, fluffy donut. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite!