Autumn's arrival brings crisp air, vibrant colors, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of warm, fluffy pumpkin spice doughnuts? This recipe delivers the perfect blend of comforting spice and delightful sweetness, making it a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for easy recipes, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, resulting in delicious dishes the whole family will adore. Get ready to dive into a world of fall flavor!
Ingredients:
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, resulting in perfectly risen doughnuts.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the egg, pumpkin puree, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise allows the flavors to develop fully.
Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts
Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a small round cutter) to cut out doughnuts.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy!
Dip each warm doughnut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the doughnuts. This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy doughnuts.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Let the doughnuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Glaze: Replace the pumpkin spice glaze with a chocolate glaze.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the glaze for extra fun!
- Different Spices: Experiment with other fall spices like cardamom or ginger.
Nutritional Information (per doughnut, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Saturated Fat: 4-6g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 4-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe offers a quick dinner idea or a delightful afternoon treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy your pumpkin spice doughnut adventure!