Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these incredibly easy homemade sourdough pumpkin donuts! Perfect for a weekend treat, a special breakfast, or even a fun dessert party, these donuts bring all the warmth of pumpkin spice without any complicated steps. You’ll love how simple they are to whip up, offering a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to impress everyone.
This recipe is designed for busy families and beginner bakers alike, focusing on convenience and delicious results. Forget about lengthy proofing times or complex techniques; we’re keeping it straightforward so you can enjoy fresh, warm pumpkin donuts in no time. Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Quick and Easy Pumpkin Crescent Roll Donuts
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 donuts 1x
Description
Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these incredibly easy homemade pumpkin donuts, made with refrigerated crescent rolls. Perfect for a weekend treat, special breakfast, or fun dessert, these donuts bring all the warmth of pumpkin spice without complicated steps. This recipe is designed for busy families and beginner bakers, focusing on convenience and delicious results, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm pumpkin donuts in no time.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. This will be the delicious filling for your donuts.
2. Unroll the Crescent Dough: Carefully open the can of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Do not separate the individual triangles; instead, press the seams together firmly to form one large rectangular sheet of dough. You want to create a solid base for your donuts.
3. Fill and Roll the Dough: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed to secure the filling inside.
4. Slice the Donuts: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1-inch thick rounds. This will give you approximately 8-10 donuts, depending on how thickly you slice them. Gently reshape any that lose their round form.
5. Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 F (175 C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and float to the top immediately.
6. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donut slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently.
7. Drain and Glaze: Once golden, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
8. Finish and Serve: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, coating both sides, or drizzle the glaze over them. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set slightly. Serve these delicious homemade pumpkin donuts warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
Keywords: pumpkin, donuts, crescent rolls, fall, easy, dessert, fried, spice, quick, sweet
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true winner for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious fall dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy parents who want to create something special for their kids, or for anyone hosting a casual get-together. The simplicity of using store-bought crescent rolls as the base means you skip all the fuss of making dough from scratch, making this a truly stress-free baking experience. These donuts are fantastic for a cozy Sunday morning breakfast, a festive addition to a brunch spread, or even as a unique dessert for a potluck. The warm pumpkin and spice flavors are universally appealing, and the soft, tender texture makes them an instant favorite.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these pumpkin donuts is a breeze. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, or easily found at any grocery store. We’re focusing on readily available components to ensure this recipe is as convenient as possible, allowing you to get straight to the fun part: making and enjoying your donuts!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
When selecting your ingredients, opt for a good quality pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that would alter the flavor profile. For the crescent rolls, any standard brand will work perfectly. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily create your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Feel free to use any type of milk for the glaze – dairy or non-dairy options will both work well to create a smooth consistency.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
Preparing these delightful pumpkin donuts is surprisingly quick, making them an ideal choice for a spontaneous baking session.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total time: 20-25 minutes
This speedy timeline means you can go from craving warm, spiced donuts to enjoying them in less than half an hour. It’s truly a fast and rewarding recipe perfect for any day of the week.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Making these sourdough pumpkin donuts is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. This will be the delicious filling for your donuts.
- Unroll the Crescent Dough: Carefully open the can of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Do not separate the individual triangles; instead, press the seams together firmly to form one large rectangular sheet of dough. You want to create a solid base for your donuts.
- Fill and Roll the Dough: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed to secure the filling inside.
- Slice the Donuts: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1-inch thick rounds. This will give you approximately 8-10 donuts, depending on how thickly you slice them. Gently reshape any that lose their round form.
- Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and float to the top immediately.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donut slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently.
- Drain and Glaze: Once golden, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, coating both sides, or drizzle the glaze over them. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set slightly. Serve these delicious homemade sourdough pumpkin donuts warm and enjoy!
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These pumpkin donuts are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can make them even more special. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a sprinkle of colorful Halloween or fall-themed sprinkles to the glaze before it sets. Another fun idea is to serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
If you’re hosting a dessert party or buffet, arrange the donuts on a pretty platter with a dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could also offer a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping. For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the pumpkin filling, or a tiny bit of orange zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy note. These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for and how to ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time:
- Overcrowding the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy, undercooked donuts. Fry them in batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Oil Temperature Too Low or Too High: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll brown quickly on the outside but remain raw in the middle. Use a kitchen thermometer to aim for 350°F (175°C), or test with a small piece of dough.
- Not Pressing Crescent Seams Firmly: If the seams of the crescent dough aren’t sealed well, the pumpkin filling can leak out during frying, making a mess and affecting the donut’s structure. Take an extra moment to firmly press those seams together.
- Rolling Too Loosely: A loose roll will result in donuts that fall apart easily. Roll the dough tightly but gently to ensure the filling stays contained and the donuts hold their shape.
- Over-Glazing: While tempting, too much glaze can make the donuts overly sweet and soggy. A quick dip or a light drizzle is usually sufficient to add that perfect touch of sweetness and spice.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These homemade sourdough pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but you can certainly store them for a day or two. To maintain their best texture, store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve glazed them, the glaze might soften a bit over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
If you want to make them ahead, you can prepare the pumpkin-filled crescent roll log (before slicing) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, simply unwrap, slice, and proceed with frying as directed. This allows you to do some prep work in advance and enjoy fresh, warm donuts with minimal effort on the day you plan to serve them. Reheating is best done briefly in a microwave (10-15 seconds) or a toaster oven until just warm.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them? While frying gives them that classic donut texture, you can bake them. Place the sliced donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
