Baked Maple Glazed Donuts – A Cozy, Sweet Treat

There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices, soft cakey texture, and a rich maple glaze dripping down the sides of a freshly baked donut. These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are everything you love about traditional donuts, but with a twist—they’re baked, not fried! This means they’re lighter, easier to make, and require no messy oil. Plus, with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they have that perfect cozy flavor that makes them ideal for fall mornings, weekend brunches, or even an afternoon coffee break.

One of the best parts about this recipe is that no mixer is required. That’s right! Just a few bowls, a whisk, and a donut pan are all you need to create these bakery-style donuts right at home. The batter comes together in minutes, and the baking time is incredibly short, meaning you’ll have warm, homemade donuts ready in under 30 minutes. And let’s talk about the maple glaze—thick, sweet, and just the right amount of sticky, it takes these donuts from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

If you’ve never made baked donuts before, don’t worry! This recipe is perfect for beginners. With simple step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be making these soft, spiced donuts like a pro. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a sweet snack, or a unique addition to your next brunch spread, these Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these homemade baked donuts. They’re the perfect mix of sweet, spiced, and satisfying, and they come together with minimal effort. Here’s why you need to try them:

• Baked, Not Fried: Traditional donuts are often deep-fried, which means they can be greasy and heavy. These donuts are baked instead, making them a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Plus, no need to deal with hot oil or a fryer!
• Soft, Cakey Texture: If you love the texture of a spiced muffin in donut form, these will be your new favorite treat. They have a moist, fluffy crumb that pairs beautifully with the thick glaze.
• Rich Maple Flavor: The maple glaze is the star of the show, adding the perfect amount of sweetness and depth. Using pure maple syrup gives these donuts a warm, rich taste that makes them extra special.
• No Mixer Required: Forget about dragging out your stand mixer or hand mixer. This recipe only requires a whisk and a couple of bowls, making it super easy to whip up.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, these donuts take less than 30 minutes to make. They’re the perfect solution when you need a last-minute breakfast or dessert.

Preparation Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-11 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 donuts

Ingredients Needed

These donuts use simple pantry staples, so there’s a good chance you already have everything on hand. The combination of warm spices and real maple syrup gives them a classic, comforting flavor that’s impossible to resist.

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour – The base of the donuts, providing structure.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
• ¼ tsp baking soda – Adds extra lift and lightness.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The warm, cozy spice that makes these donuts irresistible.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – Adds depth and enhances the maple flavor.
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves – A small amount goes a long way to give a warm, spiced aroma.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 large egg (room temperature) – Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
• ⅓ cup (65g) packed light brown sugar – Brings a deep caramel-like sweetness.
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk (room temperature) – Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
• ¼ cup (60g) yogurt or sour cream (room temperature) – Adds moisture and tenderness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors.

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter – Gives the glaze a smooth, rich consistency.
• ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup – The key to that deep, delicious maple flavor.
• 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar – Creates a silky glaze.
• ¼ tsp maple extract (optional) – Boosts the maple flavor even more.
• Pinch of salt (to taste) – Balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Donuts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that the donuts bake evenly. Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry—a muffin pan works too!

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the structure and flavor of the donuts. Mixing them first ensures that the spices are evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a thick batter is expected!

Transfer the batter into a large zipped-top bag and snip off one corner. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each one only halfway to allow room for rising.

2. Bake the Donuts

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

3. Make the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup, whisking occasionally. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, and a pinch of salt. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick but still pourable. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before dipping the donuts.

4. Dip & Serve

Dip each donut into the warm maple glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set. For a thicker glaze, dip them a second time once the first layer has set slightly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!

How to Serve Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but there are many ways to serve them that can make your experience even more delightful. Here are some ideas to make your donut indulgence extra special:

• With Coffee or Tea: These donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte. The warm cinnamon and maple flavors complement the richness of a bold brew or the subtle spice of tea.
• With a Side of Fruit: If you want to balance the sweetness, serve these donuts with fresh apple slices, pears, or berries. The natural tartness of fruit pairs well with the sweet maple glaze.
• For a Special Brunch: Arrange these donuts on a platter alongside scrambled eggs, crispy turkey bacon, or yogurt with granola for a delicious brunch spread. They also look great when served on a tiered dessert stand!
• Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup: For an extra maple kick, lightly drizzle warm maple syrup over the donuts right before serving. This enhances the flavor and makes them feel even more decadent.
• With Ice Cream: If you want to turn these into a dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm, spiced donuts with cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
• Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar: If you want even more flavor, lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze while it’s still wet. This adds a slight crunch and enhances the warm spice notes.

No matter how you serve them, these donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a cozy morning at home or serving them at a gathering, they will disappear quickly!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: Freeze baked (un-iced) donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before glazing.
• Reheat & Glaze Later: If making ahead, wait to glaze until just before serving for the freshest taste.

Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts

• No Donut Pan? Use a muffin pan and bake for 18-20 minutes instead.
• For a Richer Flavor: Always use pure maple syrup rather than artificial.
• For a Crispier Exterior: Let the glaze set slightly before dipping a second time for a thicker coating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan instead. Simply divide the batter into greased muffin cups and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18-20 minutes. You’ll end up with delicious maple-glazed donut muffins!

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

3. How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

4. Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes! If you want to freeze them, do so before glazing. Place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and dip in fresh glaze before serving.

5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

The glaze is best when fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, warm it slightly and whisk it until smooth before dipping the donuts.

6. Why is my glaze too thin or too thick?

If your glaze is too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of warm maple syrup or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

7. Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted coconut over the glaze while it’s still wet. This adds a nice crunch and even more flavor to the donuts.

8. What can I use instead of maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different. To maintain the maple taste, you can add a few drops of maple extract to the glaze.

9. Can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free yogurt or applesauce in place of the sour cream. Also, replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled to make 12-16 donuts. Just make sure to bake in batches if your oven cannot accommodate two donut pans at once.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are the perfect way to enjoy a bakery-quality treat at home. With their warm spices, soft texture, and rich maple glaze, they make any morning feel extra special. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re lighter but still full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, these donuts are guaranteed to become a new favorite. 🍩🍁

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