Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe

If you love that perfect balance of sweet and tender, you’ve got to try this Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because not only does it make amazing doughnuts with a pillowy texture, but the maple glaze takes them over the top with that warm, cozy sweetness. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even just whenever you need a little treat break.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here aren’t just random—they’re carefully chosen so your donuts come out fluffy, rich, and perfectly sweet. I always recommend using bread flour if you have it for that subtle chewiness, but all-purpose flour works in a pinch. Also, opting for peanut oil for frying adds a mild flavor and withstands high heat well.

• Active dry yeast: This is the secret to that light, airy rise—make sure it’s fresh so your donuts puff up beautifully.
• Bread flour: Adds structure and chew, but you can substitute all-purpose if needed.
• Shortening: I use butter-flavored shortening for that classic donut taste and soft crumb.
• Egg yolks: They add richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Peanut oil: Ideal for frying; it holds steady at high heat and gives a neutral finish.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the creamy, sweet glaze.
• Maple extract: The star of the show—pure maple flavor without any heaviness or graininess.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the glaze smooth and shiny without crystallizing.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe depending on the season or occasion. You’ll find you can easily personalize it with extra spices or by switching up the glaze. It’s all about making it feel like your own little indulgence.

• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough adds a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze—my fall favorite.
• Vegan swap: You can use a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs, but expect a slightly different texture. Still delicious though!
• Glaze variations: Mix the maple glaze with some melted chocolate for a maple-chocolate combo that’s hard to resist—I tested this for a brunch and everyone loved it.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast for the Perfect Rise

Start by mixing warm water (around 105-110°F), yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl or your stand mixer. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy—that’s your yeast telling you it’s ready to roll. If nothing happens, don’t panic; just toss it and start fresh with new yeast. This step is crucial for those fluffy donuts.

Step 2: Build a Rich Dough

Once your yeast is activated, add in the sugar, shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla. Beat it just enough so the shortening breaks up but doesn’t fully incorporate yet. Adding the flour gradually helps avoid lumps and gives you better control over the dough’s consistency.

Step 3: Knead and Rise in a Warm Oasis

Add flour a cup at a time, switching to a dough hook or kneading by hand once most flour is in. Knead about 5 minutes until smooth but keeping a slight stickiness is okay—it helps with tenderness. Form into a ball, place on a floured baking sheet, cover with a lightly floured cloth, and pop it in your homemade proofing box. Pro tip: use the oven turned on briefly then off with a pan of boiling water below for that perfect warm, humid environment. Let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

Step 4: Shape Your Donuts

Gently turn the risen dough onto a floured surface without deflating it—think gentle like handling a cloud! Roll it into an 11×12 inch rectangle and cut into rectangles for your donuts. Trim edges for a neat shape or save the scraps for a bonus tiny donut. Carefully transfer to floured baking sheets and let them rise again in your proofing box for about 45 minutes. This second rise is the secret to their puffiness once fried.

Step 5: Fry with Love and Care

Heat peanut oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Use a candy thermometer to keep tabs on the temperature—hot but not smoking. Fry donuts in small batches for 30-40 seconds per side until golden brown. Quick movements here help keep the donut’s puff intact. Drain on paper towels and let cool completely before glazing (warm donuts cause the glaze to slip right off!).

Step 6: Whip Up That Ultra-Maple Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla, maple extract, and hot water together until smooth and glossy. It should be pourable but not runny—thin enough to dip but thick enough to cling. Taste as you go and add more maple extract if you love it extra sweet like I do. Dip the top of each donut in and let excess drip off. Set on a wire rack to let the glaze harden, about 15-20 minutes, before you dig in.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

While the maple glaze shines beautifully on its own, I often add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. For special occasions, a dusting of crushed toasted pecans or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds an elegant touch that guests love.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a strong, freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy breakfast. If you’re serving brunch, sliced fresh fruit like berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness in a refreshing way.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that lining a wooden serving board with parchment paper and stacking donuts in a pyramid, garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint, makes for a stunning brunch centerpiece. For a party, set up a DIY donut bar with toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, and extra glazes so everyone can customize theirs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container on the counter, and they stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If the glaze starts to soften, I pop them in the fridge briefly, though that can firm up the glaze more than I prefer.

Freezing

If I want to save donuts for later, I freeze them unglazed wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving—this keeps the texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes—warm but not hot—to bring back that just-made softness. If glazed, watch carefully so the glaze doesn’t melt too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe feels like such a treat to make because it’s like bringing a little bakery magic into your own kitchen. I’ve made these countless times and they never fail to impress friends and family with their perfect texture and that crave-worthy maple glaze. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about frying up your own donuts from scratch (plus eating the scraps!). Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the warm, sweet comfort they bring, and honestly, I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own.

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