Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. If you don't have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin tin with aluminum foil shaped in the center to create doughnut shapes.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Form the Batter
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix - a few small lumps are fine and will help keep the doughnuts tender.
5. Fill the Doughnut Pan
   Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake the Doughnuts
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Coating
   While the doughnuts are cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish for the coating. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.
8. Finish the Doughnuts
   When the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush each one lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated. Return to the wire rack and let cool completely before serving.