These Pumpkin Spice "Donuts" are stuffed with spiced cream cheese and they're dangerously easy to make. They start with soft, sweet King's Hawaiian rolls that get fried until golden brown, tossed in pumpkin spice sugar, and stuffed with a tangy cream cheese filling. Basically, they're the adult version of Halloween candy… warm, gooey, and way too easy to eat.
Why You'll Love It
Say hello to the pumpkin spice donut shortcut of your dreams!!
If pumpkin spice season is basically your fall personality motif, then this recipe is about to become your love language.
These easy spiced cream cheese-filled donuts are made with store-bought King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, so there's no kneading, rising, or dough drama... just instant gratification and pumpkin spiced buttery perfection.
The outside fries up golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and pillowy.
Then you roll them in pumpkin spice sugar and fill them with a rich cream cheese frosting that tastes like cheesecake and pumpkin pie had a baby.
You don't even need to wait for the weekend. They seriously come together in about 20 minutes, and they're just as good warm as they are a few hours later.
So whether you're making them for a fall brunch, a Halloween party, or a cozy night in with a PSL in hand, these pumpkin spice "donuts" are pure autumn magic.
They're indulgent, nostalgic, and give you that bakery-style payoff with none of the effort. Let's make 'em!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Let's make some magic with these pumpkin spice donuts! Here's what you'll need for these easy pumpkin spice cream cheese donuts:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best flavor and texture. Mascarpone or Neufchâtel works in a pinch, but it won't be quite as rich and satisfying.
- Pumpkin Spice Seasoning Mix: This is where all that cozy fall flavor comes from. You can use store-bought or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and keeps it smooth and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
- King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: The secret shortcut! Their sweetness and soft, airy texture make the perfect base for frying. No subs here!
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. Make sure it's hot enough (360°F) so the donuts cook evenly.
- White Sugar: For tossing the donuts after frying - creates that classic sugary coating.
How to Make It
Here's how to turn sweet rolls into the easiest homemade pumpkin spice "donuts" ever. There's no yeast, no waiting, and no stressing - it's all reward, baby!
- MAKE THE FILLING: Beat together the cream cheese, pumpkin spice mix, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Scoop into a piping bag and snip off the tip.
- HEAT THE OIL: Pour oil into a Dutch oven with high sides and heat to 360°F. (A candy thermometer is your best friend here.)
- FRY THE ROLLS: Separate the King's Hawaiian rolls and fry them in batches, turning as often as needed for 2-3 minutes, or until they're golden brown all over. Don't overcrowd the pot - they need space to puff up.
- MAKE THE SUGAR MIX: While the rolls are frying, mix together the white sugar and pumpkin spice in a shallow bowl.
- COAT THE DONUTS: Remove the rolls from the oil, drain on paper towels for a few seconds, then toss them in the pumpkin spice sugar while still warm so it sticks perfectly.
- FILL 'EM UP: Use a small knife to poke a hole in the side of each donut, then pipe in about 1-2 tablespoons of that pumpkin spice cream cheese filling.
- SERVE: Enjoy these pumpkin spice donuts warm for maximum gooey goodness - or make them a few hours ahead and serve at room temp. They're dangerously good either way.
What to Serve It With
These Pumpkin Spice "Donuts" stuffed with spiced cream cheese are perfect with:
- A big mug of coffee or chai
- Pumpkin cold foam cold brew (because we're committed to the bit)
- A drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness
- A side of whipped cream for dunking
And if you want even more tasty pumpkin inspired recipes, check these out!
- The Fat Boy - Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon + Maple Glaze
- Super Easy & Cheesy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Sage & Smoked Gruyere
- Easy Pumpkin Muffins with Cake Mix
Recipe
Pumpkin Spice "Donuts" stuffed with Spiced Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Heavy Bottomed Pot
Ingredients
FOR THE FILLING
- 1 8 oz block Cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin spice mix
- 1 ½ cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
FOR THE DONUTS
- 1 12 pack package King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup White sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin spice seasoning
Instructions
- Beat together the cream cheese, pumpkin spice mix, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Scoop the mixture into a piping bag and cut the tip off. Set aside.
- Pour oil into a Dutch oven with high sides and heat to 360°F.
- Pull the sweet rolls apart and fry them in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until the outsides are deep golden brown.
- While the rolls are frying, mix together the sugar and pumpkin spice in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the rolls from the oil, drain briefly on paper towels, then toss in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture while still warm.
- Cut a small hole in the side of each fried donut and pipe in about 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice cream cheese filling.
- Enjoy warm, or make them a few hours in advance - they're delicious either way!
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