Soft and Fluffy Maple Glazed Donuts You Can Make at Home

There’s something magical about maple glazed donuts — that glossy golden glaze, the comforting aroma of warm maple syrup, and the soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you prefer baked or fried, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic bakery-style maple donuts, right from your own kitchen.

These homemade treats are the ultimate comfort food. They’re perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or even as a simple dessert after dinner. The recipe blends the simplicity of homemade donuts with the decadence of a silky-smooth donut glaze made from pure maple syrup.

If you’ve ever wondered how bakeries get that irresistible combination of fluffy cake interior and crisp, sugary coating — the secret is right here. Let’s explore how to make the best homemade donuts recipe that’ll rival your favorite coffee shop.

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Donuts Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for an easy, reliable, and deeply satisfying donut experience. Whether you’re craving fried comfort or a lighter baked donut recipe, it’s a winner. Here’s why:

• Perfectly sweet without being overwhelming — the maple syrup adds depth and richness.
• Quick and easy to make, even for beginners.
• Versatile — can be baked or fried depending on your mood.
• Made with pantry staples and real ingredients — no artificial flavoring here.
• Customizable — top with chopped nuts, bacon bits, or even chocolate drizzle.

These donuts are perfect alongside a morning latte, a cup of tea, or even a refreshing Lavender Lemonade for a creative twist.

The Secret to Perfect Homemade Donuts

The magic of this recipe lies in texture and timing. For soft, pillowy donuts, the dough needs time to rest and rise — even if only slightly. If you’re making cake donuts, a good baking powder lift creates that tender crumb. For yeasted versions, a second proof gives them bakery-level fluffiness.

The glaze, however, is what transforms these donuts into pure bliss. Made with real maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a touch of butter, it adds shine, sweetness, and that signature maple flavor that’s hard to beat.

If you enjoy comforting baked sweets like these, you might also love our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — perfect for pairing with your morning coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple Glazed Donuts

You’ll only need a few ingredients to create these bakery-style maple glazed donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (if frying)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp milk (add more for thinner consistency)
• Pinch of salt

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These ingredients come together to create cake donuts that are tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside — ideal for glazing and decorating.

If you prefer a baked version, try this method in your donut pan for the ultimate baked donuts texture.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Maple Glazed Donuts

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution and a light, airy crumb.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until combined — don’t overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

If frying, roll the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small). If baking, spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

Step 4: Cook the Donuts

• To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• To Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Before Glazing

Let the donuts cool for at least 10 minutes. Glazing them while hot will make the topping melt and lose its shine.

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How to Make the Best Maple Donut Glaze

To create the perfect donut glaze, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, twist gently, and set on a wire rack to let excess drip off. The glaze will set in about 15 minutes, forming that iconic glossy coating.

Want to try another glaze variation? Our Sweet Chili Sauce doubles as a fun drizzle for savory-sweet experimentation!

Essential Equipment for Baking or Frying Donuts

To make these homemade donuts, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Donut cutter or round cutters
• Donut pan (for baked version)
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven (for fried version)
• Thermometer (to maintain frying temperature)
• Wire cooling rack

Having the right tools ensures consistent results — especially when working with glazes or frying temperatures.

Tips for Perfect Baked or Fried Donuts Every Time

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter — it makes donuts dense.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F oil temperature if frying.
• Drain fried donuts on paper towels before glazing.
• For baked donuts, let them cool completely before dipping into glaze.

You can also pair your donuts with Strawberry Cream Soda or a cozy mug of hot cocoa for a delightful treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Donuts

Even the simplest donut recipes can go wrong without a little care. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overmixing the batter (tough donuts).
• Glazing too soon (the coating melts).
• Using cold oil (greasy donuts).
• Skipping the cooling rack (soggy bottoms).
• Using imitation maple syrup (real maple syrup gives that signature flavor).

Stick to these basics, and your donuts will come out bakery-perfect every time.

Variations: From Maple Cake Donuts to Baked Donut Recipes

This recipe can easily be adapted to fit your taste or baking preferences:

• Maple Bacon Donuts: Add chopped cooked bacon on top of the glaze.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Skip the glaze and toss in cinnamon sugar instead.
• Maple Pecan Donuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the glaze.
• Mini Maple Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.
• Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

You can also use this batter for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies if you want a seasonal flavor swap.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas for Maple Donuts

Serve your maple glazed donuts fresh with a warm drink or alongside breakfast favorites. Arrange them on a dessert board with fruit, muffins, or scones for an inviting brunch spread.

For gatherings or holidays, try topping each donut with a drizzle of extra glaze, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a café-style finish.

Pair them with dishes like Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake or Mini Pancake Cereal for a complete morning feast.

How to Store Maple Glazed Donuts and Keep Them Fresh

Homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later too:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days; microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Avoid refrigerating glazed donuts for long periods — it can make the coating lose its sheen.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Donuts

Can I bake instead of fry these donuts?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative, and the texture will be more cake-like.

Can I use pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich or natural. Real maple syrup gives the best result.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature before cooking.

How do I make filled donuts?
Skip the center hole, fry or bake as usual, then fill with jam or custard using a piping bag.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — this recipe scales up easily for larger batches.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Maple Donuts Recipe

These Maple Glazed Donuts are everything you want in a sweet homemade treat — soft, warm, aromatic, and kissed with maple goodness. They’re simple enough for a weekday indulgence yet special enough for brunches, holidays, or celebrations.

By mastering this easy doughnut recipe, you’ll have a versatile base for countless flavor variations. Pair them with Fruit Dip or a warm beverage and you’ve got the perfect comfort food moment.

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