Pumpkin Spice Ghost Donuts

Introduction

These Pumpkin Spice Ghost Donuts are the ultimate Halloween treat — light, fluffy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor, then decorated as adorable (and slightly spooky) little ghosts. Made with real pumpkin puree, cozy spices, and a creamy white glaze, these donuts are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for Halloween parties, school treats, or a festive fall breakfast, these ghostly delights bring both sweetness and seasonal charm to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it perfectly captures the spirit of autumn and Halloween in one bite. The donuts are moist, soft, and infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. Decorating them like cute ghosts adds a playful touch that makes everyone smile. It’s a creative, family-friendly baking project — fun for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re baked (not fried!), making them a little lighter without losing that irresistible donut goodness.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Festive & Fun: A spooky-cute treat that’s perfect for Halloween parties or themed gatherings.
• Deliciously Seasonal: Pumpkin spice flavor with a soft, cake-like texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple batter and decorating steps that even beginners can follow.
• Creative & Customizable: Kids love helping decorate their own ghostly donuts!
• Baked, Not Fried: A healthier twist on classic donuts, without any mess from frying oil.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Decorating Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 12 mini donuts or 8 regular-sized donuts
• Calories: Approx. 220 kcal per donut
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (as needed to thin batter slightly)

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Mini chocolate chips or black icing (for eyes and mouth)
• Optional: white candy melts or white chocolate for thicker ghost glaze

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together.
3. Mix wet ingredients separately and combine with dry mixture.
4. Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan and bake 12–15 minutes.
5. Cool, then dip in white glaze and decorate with ghost faces.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Batter:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Add milk to achieve a thick, smooth batter.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
   Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake the Donuts:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
   In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust with a bit more milk if too thick.
8. Glaze the Donuts:
   Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack with parchment underneath.
9. Decorate as Ghosts:
   While the glaze is still soft, press in mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth (or pipe faces using black icing). Let the glaze set before serving.

How to Serve

Serve these donuts on a festive Halloween platter or tiered dessert stand. Pair them with a warm pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa for a perfect fall treat. They also make adorable party favors — just wrap them individually in clear bags tied with orange or black ribbons.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Make sure the donuts are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from sliding off.
• Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the donut pan neatly.
• For a thicker “ghostly white” appearance, dip donuts twice in the glaze or use melted white chocolate.
• Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor boost.

Variations

• Chocolate Ghost Donuts: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate pumpkin donuts.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for milk in the glaze for a richer fall flavor.
• Mini Ghost Bites: Use a mini muffin pan instead of a donut pan for bite-sized ghost treats.
• Spooky Sprinkles: Add Halloween-themed sprinkles to the glaze before it sets for extra fun.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut baking pan (mini or regular size)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (for batter)
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q: Can I fry these instead of baking?
A: This recipe is designed for baking, but you can fry if you prefer — just shape small rings and fry until golden brown.

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will alter the flavor and texture.

Q: How can I make these vegan?
A: Use flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and plant-based milk and butter.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Q: How do I get the glaze perfectly white?
A: Use white candy melts or add a drop of white gel food coloring to the glaze for a brighter finish.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Ghost Donuts are the ultimate Halloween delight — warm, fluffy, and fun to decorate. The pumpkin spice flavor fills your kitchen with cozy autumn aromas, while the ghostly glaze adds a whimsical touch. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a Halloween party, or simply craving something festive and sweet, these donuts are guaranteed to impress. A perfect combination of creativity and comfort, they’re a must-try treat this spooky season.