Easy Baked Pumpkin Roll Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze: Your Perfect Fall Treat
Get ready to embrace the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn with these incredibly easy-to-make Pumpkin Roll Donuts. Imagine bite-sized, warmly spiced pumpkin donuts, each delicately baked and then generously topped with a luscious, creamy cinnamon cream cheese glaze. They are perfectly poppable, unbelievably moist, and guaranteed to become your new favorite fall delight, whether for a special breakfast, a delightful brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re anything like me, a true donut enthusiast, you’ll quickly discover that once you taste homemade, fresh-baked donuts, there’s simply no turning back. These aren’t just any ordinary baked pumpkin donuts; they are lovingly dubbed “Pumpkin Roll Donuts” because they perfectly capture the essence of that beloved classic fall dessert: the pumpkin roll. Just like its cakey counterpart, these mini delights boast a moist, tender pumpkin base generously infused with warm, inviting spices.
The Irresistible Charm of Pumpkin Roll Donuts
The true magic of these pumpkin donuts lies in their unique topping: a decadent cinnamon cream cheese glaze. This isn’t your typical thin, firm donut glaze; it’s intentionally designed to remain wonderfully soft and creamy, mirroring the rich, tangy filling found in a traditional pumpkin roll. This delightful consistency adds an extra layer of indulgence, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The sweet, tangy glaze perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin cake, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is undeniably enjoyable, especially when paired with your morning coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk.
Why Baked Mini Donuts Are a Game-Changer
One of the best things about this recipe is how incredibly quick and simple it is, largely thanks to the use of a mini donut pan. If you don’t already own one, I highly recommend investing in this inexpensive kitchen gadget – it opens up a world of easy, healthier donut possibilities! These handy pans allow you to bake a dozen perfectly formed mini donuts in under 10 minutes, transforming donut making from an arduous task into a fun, effortless activity. For anyone who adores donuts as much as I do, this speed and simplicity are absolute game-changers.
The absence of messy frying is a major bonus, making cleanup a breeze and the entire process far less intimidating than traditional fried donut recipes. This means you can whip up a batch of warm, fresh homemade donuts on a whim, satisfying those sudden cravings without the hassle. The donuts themselves require just a handful of readily available ingredients, primarily a spice cake mix and canned pumpkin puree, which helps ensure a consistent flavor and moist texture every single time.
While vanilla extract in the donut batter is technically optional, I always include it. A touch of vanilla seems to enhance the overall spice profile, adding a subtle depth that makes these treats feel even more special and well-rounded. However, feel free to adjust to your personal preference. The star of the show, the creamy glaze, is crafted to emulate the beloved filling of a pumpkin roll, staying soft and rich, providing that signature luscious experience with every bite of these delightful mini pumpkin donuts.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Donuts
This recipe shines in its simplicity, relying on common pantry staples to create something extraordinary. For the donuts, a box of spice cake mix is your secret weapon, providing a perfectly spiced base with minimal effort. Pair this with a can of pure pumpkin puree (be sure to grab pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar) for that signature fall flavor and incredible moisture. A dash of vanilla extract ties all the flavors together, though you can omit it if you prefer a simpler spice profile.
The cinnamon cream cheese glaze, the crowning glory of these donuts, requires softened cream cheese and butter for that velvety smooth texture. Powdered sugar provides sweetness and body, while ground cinnamon infuses it with warmth. A touch of corn syrup helps create that desirable creamy consistency that won’t fully set, just like the filling of a pumpkin roll. Having all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and butter, is key for a lump-free, perfectly emulsified glaze.
Pumpkin Roll Donuts Recipe
These bite-sized, spiced-just-right pumpkin donuts are topped with a cinnamon cream cheese glaze to create perfectly poppable pumpkin roll donuts. A delightful treat for any occasion!
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 9 minutes
- Total Time:
- 24 minutes
- Servings:
- 60 mini donuts
- Author:
- Amy D
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 box Spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 Tablespoon butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon corn syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make Donut Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well until the ingredients are completely combined and there are no dry spots. Prepare your mini donut pans by lightly coating them with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
- Pipe and Bake Donuts: Transfer the donut batter into a disposable pastry bag or a large ziploc bag with one corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-9 minutes, or until the donuts are puffy, set, and spring back lightly when gently touched.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the pans from the oven and let the donuts cool on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans. Allow them to cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese glaze. In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Finish Glaze: Add the ground cinnamon and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the glaze is smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the cinnamon cream cheese glaze. Place them back on the wire rack for a few minutes to allow any excess glaze to drip off. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Roll Donuts!
Notes
These baked pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made when they are at their freshest and most tender. However, they will keep well for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition (Approximate per mini donut)
Serving Size: 1 of 60 mini donuts
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Pro Tips for Donut Perfection
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix and pumpkin puree, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher donuts.
- Perfect Piping: Using a pastry bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) makes filling the donut cavities incredibly easy and mess-free. Aim to fill each cavity about two-thirds full to prevent overflow.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Glaze: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and creamy glaze. If they are too cold, your glaze will be clumpy.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to glaze warm donuts! The heat will melt the cream cheese glaze, making it runny and messy. Allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before dipping.
- Even Dipping: For a beautiful, even glaze, dip the tops of the cooled donuts smoothly into the glaze, then gently lift and allow any excess to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.
- Parchment Paper Under Rack: Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper under your cooling rack when glazing to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Pumpkin Roll Donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a fantastic addition to any fall breakfast or brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or bacon. For a cozy treat, serve them warm with a steaming mug of coffee, a frothy latte, a spiced chai, or hot apple cider. They are also perfect as an afternoon snack with tea or a delightful dessert after a family meal. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for entertaining or for packing into lunchboxes for a special surprise.
Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Roll Donuts
While these donuts are definitely best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, any leftovers can be stored for 2-3 days. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer to extend their freshness slightly, you can store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor. The cream cheese glaze might firm up a bit in the fridge, but it will soften again as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these without a mini donut pan?
- Yes! While a mini donut pan is recommended for the classic shape, you can also bake the batter in mini muffin tins. The baking time might need a slight adjustment (usually around 10-12 minutes), and they’ll be more like pumpkin muffin bites, but still delicious with the glaze!
- Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
- It’s not recommended. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would alter the flavor and sweetness of the recipe, potentially making it too sweet or overpowering the spice cake mix. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for the best results.
- My glaze is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
- If your glaze is too thick, add milk (a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) until it thickens up. Remember, this glaze is designed to be creamy, not set hard.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. You can also make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature and whisk it vigorously before glazing.
- What other spices can I add to the donuts?
- The spice cake mix already provides a great spice blend, but if you want to enhance it, you could add an extra pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of ground ginger to the batter.
Beyond the Recipe: More Donut Delights
If these easy pumpkin roll donuts have awakened your inner donut fiend, then you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of homemade donuts to explore. Donut enthusiasts, unite! You’ll definitely want to check out my “Go Nuts For Donuts” Pinterest board, devoted to the very best donut recipes on the internet! And for more delicious baked donut ideas, here are some other favorites:
- Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze
- Chocolate Glazed Orange Donuts
- Chocolate Zucchini Donuts
I genuinely hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these easy, flavorful Pumpkin Roll Donuts as much as we do. They are the epitome of fall comfort in a convenient, bite-sized package. Happy baking!