Easy Thanksgiving doughnuts transformed my holiday mornings from stressful to magical. I still remember the year I spent hours making complicated pies and elaborate centerpieces, only to realize guests were too full to enjoy dessert. The next morning, I found myself craving something sweet but simple something that could capture the warmth of Thanksgiving without the fuss. That’s when I discovered the beauty of baked pumpkin doughnuts.
I’m Emeli, and at FoodFansy, I believe the best holiday recipes are the ones that bring joy without the overwhelm. These easy Thanksgiving doughnuts deliver that soft, spiced warmth everyone craves during the holiday season, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, as an afternoon treat, or even as a creative dessert alternative, they’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
In this guide, you’ll discover why this recipe works every time, how to choose the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions for perfect results, and creative variations to match any taste. Let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable one doughnut at a time.
Why This Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts Recipe Works
These easy Thanksgiving doughnuts succeed where many holiday treats fail: they’re foolproof, fast, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s what makes them special:
- Baked, not fried – No hot oil, no mess, no stress. Just mix, bake, and glaze for bakery-quality results at home.
- Pumpkin purée adds moisture – These doughnuts stay soft for days, unlike dry fried versions that go stale by evening.
- Warm fall spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg create that cozy Thanksgiving flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- 15-minute active time – Perfect for busy holiday mornings when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
- Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – From kids to grandparents, everyone loves a fresh doughnut with sweet glaze.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
The magic of these doughnuts lies in quality ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Best Pumpkin Purée for This Recipe
Pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) is essential. Look for 100% pumpkin with no added sugars or spices you want full control over the flavor. Libby’s is my go-to brand, but any organic purée works beautifully. The pumpkin adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature autumn color.
Flour and Leavening Tips
All-purpose flour creates the perfect tender crumb, while the combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures they rise beautifully without becoming cakey. Don’t skip the pinch of salt it balances the sweetness and enhances the warm spices.
Spice Selection Matters
Freshly opened cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable difference. If your spices have been sitting in the cabinet for over a year, grab new ones. The aromatic oils fade over time, and you want that immediate warmth when guests bite in.
Ingredients & Prep for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Dough Prep Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative like oat milk or almond milk)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Sweet Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Prep Work Before You Start
Bring your eggs to room temperature for better mixing. Measure your pumpkin purée accurately too much makes the batter too wet, too little makes them dry. Have your doughnut pan ready and greased before you mix the batter, so you can pour immediately.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Pre-Cooking Prep for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial too hot and the doughnuts brown before cooking through; too cool and they become dense. Grease your doughnut pan generously with butter or neutral oil, making sure to coat every ridge. This ensures easy release and beautiful golden edges.
Cooking Method for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and milk until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing creates tough doughnuts.
Pour or pipe the batter into your prepared doughnut molds, filling each about ¾ full. This allows room for rising without overflow. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly touched.
Doneness Check for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of a doughnut. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. The tops should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking even one extra minute can dry them out.
Resting for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before glazing warm doughnuts will cause the glaze to slide off instead of creating that beautiful glossy coating. While they cool, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Avoiding Dense or Dry Doughnuts
Don’t overmix the batter. Stirring too vigorously develops gluten, making the texture tough instead of tender. Fold gently with a spatula in broad strokes. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag, which compacts it.
Tool Recommendations for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
A silicone doughnut pan works wonderfully and releases the doughnuts easily. If using metal, grease it thoroughly. A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut makes filling the molds cleaner and faster. Keep a meat thermometer handy to verify your oven temperature many ovens run hot or cold.
Storage & Reheating for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Store glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed doughnuts in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze when ready to serve. To refresh day-old doughnuts, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Flavor Variations for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Maple Pecan Twist
Replace the vanilla glaze with maple glaze (powdered sugar + pure maple syrup + pinch of salt) and top with toasted chopped pecans. This adds a nutty crunch and deeper autumn flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee.
Chai Spice Version
Add ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper to the batter alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. This creates a warming, complex spice profile reminiscent of chai tea.
Chocolate Drizzle Delight
After the vanilla glaze sets, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top. The slight bitterness of chocolate balances the pumpkin sweetness perfectly.
Flavor Pairing Guide
| Glaze Flavor | Topping Suggestion | Best Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Vanilla | Cinnamon sugar | Thanksgiving brunch |
| Maple | Candied pecans | Holiday dessert table |
| Cream Cheese | Dried cranberries | Afternoon tea |
| Brown Butter | Sea salt flakes | Sophisticated gathering |
| Caramel | Toffee bits | Kids’ breakfast treat |
Serving Suggestions for Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Arrange these easy Thanksgiving doughnuts on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for visual impact. Serve them warm alongside hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or strong coffee. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving morning breakfast, afternoon snacking while watching football, or even as a creative alternative to pie at dinner.
Pair them with whipped cream cheese spread, apple butter, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a complete brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. The doughnuts’ sweetness balances savory breakfast items beautifully.
Consider beverage pairings: hot chai tea enhances the spices, while cold milk cuts through the sweetness for kids. For adults, try pairing with a dessert wine like late-harvest Riesling or even bourbon-spiked coffee.
FAQs About Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
The batter works best when baked immediately after mixing because the leavening agents activate right away. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then combine and bake in the morning for faster prep.
What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?
Use a muffin tin instead and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll get pumpkin muffins with the same delicious flavor just no hole in the middle. You can also use a mini bundt pan for individual cakes.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but roast and purée the pumpkin first, then drain any excess liquid through cheesecloth. Fresh pumpkin tends to be more watery than canned, which can make the batter too thin.
How do I fix overmixed batter?
Unfortunately, once gluten develops from overmixing, you can’t reverse it. The doughnuts will be denser but still tasty. Next time, stop mixing the moment you no longer see flour streaks.
Are these doughnuts safe during pregnancy?
Yes, as long as the eggs are fully cooked (which they will be after baking). There are no raw ingredients in the final product, making them completely safe for pregnant women.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use any non-dairy milk (almond, oat, coconut) and replace the butter for greasing with coconut oil. The recipe works perfectly with these substitutions.
Conclusion
These easy Thanksgiving doughnuts prove that holiday baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With simple ingredients, minimal active time, and maximum flavor, they’re about to become your new Thanksgiving tradition. The warm pumpkin spice aroma filling your kitchen, the golden-glazed perfection, and the smiles on your guests’ faces this is what holiday cooking should feel like.
Fire up your oven and try this recipe tonight! Join the thousands of home cooks at FoodFansy who’ve discovered that the best holiday memories happen when we keep things simple and delicious.
Once you’ve mastered these doughnuts, explore more festive favorites like our [Spiced Apple Cider Cake] or [Cranberry Orange Scones] perfect companions to your Thanksgiving spread. Don’t forget to share your doughnut creations with me @FoodFansy. I can’t wait to see how you make them your own!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!
Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts to Impress Every Guest
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts to Impress Every Guest – soft, fluffy, and spiced with warm holiday flavors. A perfect treat for family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin purée
2 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a doughnut pan with oil or butter.
3. Whisk together eggs, pumpkin purée, sugar, and milk.
4. Fold in flour, spices, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Pour batter into doughnut molds, filling 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
7. Cool completely before glazing.
8. Mix glaze ingredients and dip cooled doughnuts.
9. Let set before serving.
Notes
You can substitute sweet potato purée for pumpkin.
For a crunchier texture, toss in cinnamon-sugar instead of glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Easy Thanksgiving Doughnuts to Impress Every Guest, holiday doughnuts, pumpkin doughnuts