There’s something magical about the way citrus and warm spices come together. These Orange Spice Donuts are soft, fluffy, and baked to perfection, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, zest, and comforting spice. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or sharing a batch with friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
These Orange Spice Donuts truly shine during the cooler months. The cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth to every bite, while the fresh orange juice and zest brighten the flavor, keeping it from feeling too heavy. It’s the perfect balance for autumn mornings, winter afternoons, or any holiday gathering where you want to serve a treat that feels both festive and comforting.
Why You’ll Love these Donuts
These donuts combine the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Instead of frying, they’re baked, which means less mess and a slightly lighter texture. The glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness while letting the citrus flavor shine through.
If you love baked goods that feel seasonal and homey, these donuts are sure to delight.
Ingredients for Orange Spice Donuts
Making these donuts doesn’t require anything fancy—just pantry staples with a hint of citrus. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour – the base for structure and softness.
- Baking soda and baking powder – for a nice, fluffy rise.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves – the warm spices that define this recipe.
- Butter, egg, and vanilla – classic baking essentials.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture.
- Milk, fresh orange juice, and orange zest – the key to that citrusy brightness.
For the glaze, you’ll use powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice for a simple but flavorful finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy directions to bake a batch of soft and fragrant donuts:
- Preheat and prepare. Set your oven to 350°F and grease two donut pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
- Combine the wet ingredients. Stir the melted butter, egg, vanilla, sugars, and milk.
- Bring it together. Add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring just until combined.
- Add the orange. Stir in the juice and zest for that citrus punch.
- Bake. Pipe or spoon the batter into donut pans and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool. Let the donuts rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Glaze. Dip each cooled donut in the orange glaze and let it set.
Tips for Perfect Orange Spice Donuts
- Use fresh juice and zest. Bottled juice can’t compete with the flavor of fresh oranges.
- Don’t overmix. Stirring too much can make the donuts tough.
- Pipe the batter. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut makes filling the donut pan easier and neater.
- Cool completely before glazing. Warm donuts will soak up the glaze instead of holding that shiny finish.
Serving Ideas for Orange Spice Donuts
These donuts are versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning.
- Add them to a brunch spread alongside fruit and eggs.
- Serve as a dessert with a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
- Make them festive by topping with candied orange peel or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
They’re also perfect for gifting — box them up in a pretty container, and you’ve got a homemade treat ready to brighten someone’s day.
How to Store Orange Spice Donuts
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days, though they’re best eaten fresh.
- Freezer: Skip the glaze and freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze fresh.
Variations to Try with Orange Spice Donuts
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Try these ideas:
- Chocolate drizzle: Add a thin stream of melted chocolate over the glazed donuts.
- Holiday twist: Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for a winter treat.
- Nutty crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before the glaze sets.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of ginger for even more warmth.
Baked Donuts vs. Fried Donuts
Baked donuts like these Orange Spice Donuts have a cake-like texture and are lighter than their fried counterparts. They’re easier to make at home and don’t require the hassle of heating oil. If you’ve never baked donuts before, this recipe is a perfect place to start.
Other Seasonal Desserts to enjoy:
Sparkling Cider Pound Cake
Easy Apple Crisp
Orange Marmalade Recipe (without pectin)
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bites
Orange Cranberry Scones
Orange Spice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbspn butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
For the Glaze
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease two donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk.
- Add the butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add the orange juice and orange zest. Stir to mix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pans and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops of the donuts are lightly browned and they bounce back after being lightly pressed.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan until they’re safe to touch, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely
- When the donuts are cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and two tablespoons of orange juice. Add more juice, if needed, to thin the glaze.
- Dip the top of each donut in the glaze and return to the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy.
A Sweet Seasonal Ending
Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast, a fall gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these Orange Spice Donuts are sure to impress. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and finished with a simple orange glaze that ties everything together.
So grab your donut pans, zest a few oranges, and bake up a batch of these spiced delights. They’re a treat worth savoring!
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