Imagine biting into a doughnut so decadent, it instantly transports you to a cozy autumn morning, with warm spices dancing on your palate and the rich, nutty essence of brown butter melting in your mouth. These Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts aren't just a recipe—they're a sensory experience that transforms an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary celebration. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a pumpkin spice lover, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 doughnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Begin by browning the butter: Place butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally and watch carefully as butter melts and starts to foam. Continue cooking until butter turns a golden amber color and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 12-cavity doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, browned butter, egg, and milk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or roll in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Tips
- Brown Butter Technique: Watch your butter carefully while browning. The difference between perfectly nutty and burnt is just seconds! Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the color change.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense doughnuts instead of tender, soft ones.
- Piping Hack: For clean, professional-looking doughnuts, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill the doughnut pan evenly.
- Cooling is Key: Allow doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
- Customize Your Topping: Experiment with different coatings like cream cheese glaze, maple drizzle, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar to make these doughnuts uniquely yours.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
