Easy Baked Mini Pumpkin Roll Donuts with Creamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze
Prepare to be enchanted by these bite-sized, pumpkin-spiced donuts, perfectly crowned with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese glaze. They are more than just a treat; they’re perfectly poppable delights, capturing the essence of a classic pumpkin roll in a convenient, mini donut form. Imagine the cozy flavors of autumn, all nestled into a single, irresistible bite.
For many, donuts are more than just a breakfast item; they’re a passion. There’s an undeniable magic in a fresh, homemade donut, a joy that store-bought versions often struggle to replicate. Once you’ve experienced the warmth and flavor of donuts made in your own kitchen, there’s truly no turning back. This holds especially true for these Pumpkin Roll Donuts, which are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. They bring that indulgent bakery experience right to your home with minimal effort.
What makes these mini pumpkin donuts truly special? They ingeniously transform the beloved flavors of the classic fall dessert, the pumpkin roll, into a delightful breakfast or snack. Hence their fitting name! Each moist, bite-sized donut is infused with rich pumpkin and spice, then generously topped with a sweet and tangy cinnamon cream cheese glaze. This unique combination makes them an undeniably enjoyable companion to your morning coffee or a perfect treat any time of day.
The Charm of Baked Mini Donuts
Using a mini donut pan for this recipe is a game-changer. These incredible pans allow you to bake a dozen perfectly formed donuts in less than 10 minutes. For anyone who adores donuts, like myself, this speed and simplicity can feel almost too good to be true. Baking, rather than frying, not only makes the process quicker and less messy but also results in a lighter, healthier donut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. These baked pumpkin donuts are incredibly moist and tender, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a clever baking method.
The donut batter itself requires just a handful of staple ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The inclusion of vanilla extract is optional, yet it adds a subtle layer of aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor, making each bite feel a little more special. However, the true star might just be the cinnamon cream cheese glaze. Unlike many glazes that firm up completely, this one remains wonderfully creamy, mimicking the soft, luscious filling found in a traditional pumpkin roll. This ensures a delightful textural contrast with every bite, perfectly complementing the moist pumpkin cake.
Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Donut Batter
Creating these delectable pumpkin donuts starts with a simple spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree. This ingenious combination streamlines the baking process without sacrificing flavor. The spice cake mix already contains a harmonious blend of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, which perfectly complements the pumpkin. Adding pure pumpkin puree not only provides incredible moisture but also a rich, authentic pumpkin flavor. A touch of vanilla extract, while optional, enhances the overall sweetness and aroma, bringing a cozy warmth to the donuts. The key to a light and fluffy donut texture is to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, avoiding overmixing, which can lead to a tough donut.
The Art of the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze
The cinnamon cream cheese glaze is what truly transforms these mini baked treats into “Pumpkin Roll Donuts.” It’s a smooth, tangy, and sweet topping that beautifully balances the spiced pumpkin flavor. To achieve the perfect creamy consistency, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This allows them to combine seamlessly without lumps. Powdered sugar provides the sweetness and body, while a hint of corn syrup helps create that desirable, slightly glossy finish and keeps the glaze from being too stiff. Finally, a generous dash of ground cinnamon ties all the flavors together, evoking the comforting taste of a homemade pumpkin roll. This glaze is designed to stay soft, much like the filling of its namesake dessert, ensuring a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Baking these mini donuts is a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without the fuss and mess of deep frying. The mini donut pan ensures consistent results and makes cleanup a breeze. Piping the batter into the cavities with a disposable pastry bag or a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner helps keep things neat and ensures evenly sized donuts. Watch them puff up in the oven, transforming into golden-brown rings of deliciousness. Once cooled slightly, they are perfectly primed for their crowning glory – a generous dip in that irresistible creamy glaze.
Make These Fall Favorites for Any Occasion
These easy pumpkin roll donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them alongside your morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day. They are also an excellent addition to any brunch spread, offering a seasonal twist that guests will adore. For a cozy autumn evening, present them as a light dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties and potlucks, easy to grab and enjoy. They’re also a wonderful, thoughtful gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers during the fall season, packaged in a pretty box with a festive ribbon.
We genuinely hope you’ll enjoy making and devouring these easy pumpkin roll donuts as much as we do. They are a true celebration of fall flavors, combining the comforting taste of pumpkin and spice with the irresistible charm of a glazed donut. So, all you donut fiends, unite and get baking! If your love for donuts runs deep, you absolutely must check out my “Go Nuts For Donuts” Pinterest board, where you’ll find a curated collection of the absolute best donut recipes from across the internet!
More Delicious Donut Recipes to Enjoy:
- Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze
- Chocolate Glazed Orange Donuts
- Chocolate Zucchini Donuts
Pumpkin Roll Donuts
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15 minutes
9 minutes
24 minutes
60
mini donuts
Amy D
Ingredients
Donuts
-
1
box Spice cake mix -
1
15 ounce can pumpkin puree -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze
-
2
ounces
cream cheese
(softened to room temp) -
1
Tablespoon
butter
(softened to room temp) -
1/2
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1/2
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
1/2
cup
powdered sugar -
1
Tablespoon
corn syrup
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
-
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Prepare your mini donut pans by coating them with a non-stick baking spray; set aside. Carefully transfer the prepared batter into a disposable pastry bag or a large Ziploc bag, then snip off one corner with scissors to create an opening for piping. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the donut pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 8-9 minutes, or until the donuts appear puffy and set, springing back lightly when gently touched. Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans.
-
While the donuts are baking and cooling, 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, smooth, and creamy. Add the ground cinnamon and powdered sugar, then whisk until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
-
Once the donuts have completely cooled to room temperature, dip the tops of each donut into the prepared cinnamon cream cheese glaze. Ensure they are evenly coated, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
60
mini donuts
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