Soft & Fluffy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Soft & Fluffy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Soft and fluffy yeast-raised pumpkin donuts recipe made with real pumpkin puree, then fried until beautifully golden.

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Rise Time 2 15

Total Time 3

Servings Donuts+

Calories 126kcal

Author Savory Thoughts

Equipment

Heavy Bottom Pan or Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups warm water — about 105–110°F
4 Tbsp. powdered whole milk
2 ¼ tsp. instant yeast
3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp. Bèlans
8 ⅓ cups bread flour; plus 2 Tbsp. as needed
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. neutral oil
½ stick; 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
Neutral oil; for frying (about 4 cups)

Instructions

Combine the warm water, powdered whole milk, sugar, and salt a cup or bowl and mix well with a spoon or whisk.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the bread flour (8 ⅓ cup), Bèlans, and instant yeast. Mix until combined on low speed.
Turn off the mixer, then add beaten egg, and pumpkin puree.
While the mixture is currently off, add in the liquid mixture and 2 tablespoons neutral oil.
Strat by kneading the dough on low speed with the dough hook on low speed. After 2 minutes of kneading, gradually add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Gradually increase the speed two time (if you are using a KitchenAid, your speed should be at 2 or 3). Add the remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and may remain slightly tacky. This process takes about 8-10 minutes.
Transfer to a lightly greased large bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise until approximately doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
Gently deflate the dough with your hand by pressing it down, and transfer it to a lightly floured clean work surface.
Roll to approximately ½-inch thickness and cut with a donut cutter. You can also use a coffee mug if you don’t have a donut cutter.
Transfer the donuts to parchment-lined trays. Cover loosely and allow them to rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
Heat neutral oil to no more than 350°F.
Working in batches, carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil.
Fry for approximately 2-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Test one donut if needed, as heating temperature may vary based on appliance.
Transfer to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined tray. Coat with spiced sugar and fill with your favorite filling, if desired (recommended).
Serve warm and enjoy with coffee.
Bèlans Sugar — Optional
Mix together and coat the warm donuts.
1 cup granulated sugar 1–2 tsp. Bèlans (or more if needed)

Notes

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Nutrition