Maple-Glazed Donuts
Is there anything cozier than the smell of freshly fried donuts filling your kitchen? These Maple-Glazed Donuts bring a heavenly combination of soft, fluffy dough paired with a rich, sensational maple glaze. Perfect for a chilly weekend morning or a sweet treat any time of the week—trust me, they’re pure indulgence!
Picture this: soft, pillowy donuts coated with buttery maple glaze that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a cozy café. It’s a breakfast (or dessert!) you won’t forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these donuts. They come together in just a few steps.
- A Touch of Fancy: The maple glaze makes these donuts feel bakery-worthy, without requiring bakery skills!
- Perfect with Coffee: Pair them with your morning coffee or evening tea for a treat that feels equal parts breakfast and dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the donuts:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the maple glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Pro Tips:
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It’s worth it!
- Yeast: Instant yeast makes this recipe faster, but active dry yeast works too—just let the dough rise a little longer.
- Frying Oil: Vegetable oil, or any neutral oil, will give your donuts that perfect crisp without overpowering the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Warm the milk in a microwave or saucepan until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F) and stir it into the dry ingredients. Add the butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until soft and elastic.
Step 2: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour—until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Cut the dough into donuts
Once your dough has risen, roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter (or two round items like a cup and bottle cap) to cut out round donuts, and don’t forget to save the donut holes!
Step 4: Fry the donuts
Heat your vegetable oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat to about 350°F. Fry the donuts in batches of 3-4, about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Make the maple glaze
While the donuts cool, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth.
Step 6: Dip and glaze
Dip each donut into the maple glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set before serving—if you can wait that long!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator so all you have to do is fry in the morning!
- Don’t Over-Fry: Keep an eye on the donuts while frying. Over-frying can lead to a tougher, denser donut.
- Extra Glaze: Love an extra sweet treat? Double the glaze recipe, and use it to drizzle over the top just before serving.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and toss your warm donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead.
- Bacon-Maple Donuts: Crumble crispy bacon on top of the maple glaze for a savory twist.
- Serve with Coffee: Don’t forget your favorite brew or even a pumpkin spice latte to enjoy alongside for the ultimate cozy experience!
FAQs
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, until golden on top. Note, they won’t be as crispy, but still fluffy and delicious!
Can I freeze these donuts?
You can! Fry them as instructed and let them cool completely. Freeze in an airtight container without the glaze for up to 2 months. Just thaw and glaze when you’re ready to enjoy.
How long do these donuts keep?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Give them a quick 5-second microwave zap to refresh!
Maple-Glazed Donuts Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12-14 donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the maple glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warmed milk, butter, egg, and vanilla. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll dough out to 1/2-inch thickness and cut donuts with a donut cutter.
- Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F. Fry donuts 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Melt butter and stir in maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt for the glaze.
- Dip donuts in the glaze and let set before serving.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Maple-Glazed Donuts that will make your kitchen the coziest spot in the house. Whether you’re serving them fresh for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, they’re sure to be a hit! If you made these, drop a comment below or tag me on social media—can’t wait to hear how you liked them!
