Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These maple donuts are everything a donut should be — pillowy, golden, and topped with a glaze that tastes like autumn in every bite. The combination of warm vanilla dough and that signature maple frosting makes them truly irresistible. You can make them baked or fried, depending on your preference, and the results are equally delicious. They’re simple enough for beginners, but the flavor is worthy of a bakery case. Pair them with your morning coffee, and you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again.
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Maple Donut Recipe – Soft, Sweet, and Irresistibly Glazed
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins (including rising)
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Maple Donut Recipe creates soft, fluffy donuts coated in a rich maple glaze that’s perfectly sweet with warm caramel undertones. Whether baked or fried, these donuts taste like your favorite bakery treat — ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
-
- For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (or 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a 3-inch cutter (and a smaller cutter for the holes).
- Place donuts on parchment paper, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- To Fry: Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place donuts on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- For the Maple Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until dissolved. Stir in milk and maple extract, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
- Dip warm donuts into the maple glaze, letting excess drip off. Set on a wire rack to allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use pure maple extract for a stronger maple flavor, or real maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the glazed donuts.
- Donuts taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 8–10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for light and fluffy donuts.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown beautifully.
Baking Powder: Ensures the donuts rise and stay soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Whole Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the donut base.
Vegetable Oil: For frying (if using the traditional method).
Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze — use real maple syrup for authentic flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Forms the smooth, glossy base for the maple glaze.
Brown Sugar (optional): Deepens the maple flavor with a caramel note.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Donut Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined — don’t overmix, or the donuts may become dense.
If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Spoon or pipe the batter into each mold, filling about ¾ full.
If frying, heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls or cut donut shapes into the oil and fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Transfer baked or fried donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 2: Prepare the Maple Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar for deeper flavor, if desired. For a richer taste, stir in a teaspoon of melted brown butter.
Step 3: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip the tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the rack to set for about 10 minutes. The glaze will form a beautiful, glossy finish that hardens slightly as it cools.
Enjoy warm, fresh, and perfectly sweet!
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 donuts. Prep time is 15 minutes, cooking time is 10 minutes, and glazing takes another 10 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes — quick enough for a weekend morning treat.
Storage/reheating
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months — thaw and glaze before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bacon Donuts
Top the glazed donuts with crisp bacon pieces for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo.
Maple Pecan Donuts
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the glaze for crunch and nuttiness.
Baked Protein Donuts
Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter for a higher-protein breakfast treat.
Pumpkin Maple Donuts
Add pumpkin purée and cinnamon to the batter for a fall-inspired version.
Espresso Maple Glaze
Whisk a shot of espresso into the glaze for a coffeehouse twist.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for tender, gluten-free donuts.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, they turn out light and fluffy when baked at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
2. What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for even frying and neutral flavor.
3. Can I use pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich — pure maple syrup is worth it.
4. How do I make them extra fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — fry or bake the donuts a day ahead, then glaze them before serving.
6. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom complement the maple beautifully.
7. What’s the best way to dip the donuts?
Hold the donut upside down and gently twist it in the glaze for even coverage.
8. Can I use a mini donut pan?
Yes — reduce baking time to about 8 minutes.
9. Can I make these dairy-free?
Use almond milk and plant-based butter — they’ll still be deliciously soft.
10. How do I keep the glaze shiny?
Let the glaze cool slightly before dipping and avoid stacking donuts until fully set.
Conclusion
Maple Donuts are the perfect balance of soft, buttery texture and rich maple sweetness. Whether baked or fried, their tender crumb and glossy glaze make them an instant classic for breakfast or dessert. The homemade maple icing elevates them from simple donuts to something truly special — nostalgic, indulgent, and downright irresistible. Serve them warm with coffee, and you’ll have a bakery-worthy treat right in your own kitchen.
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