Baking has always been a comforting activity for me, especially on crisp mornings when the kitchen feels like the warmest place in the house. One of the first recipes I ever tackled as a beginner baker was maple glazed donuts. The idea of making donuts at home seemed intimidating at first, but once I realized they could be baked instead of fried, the process became so much more approachable. These baked maple glazed donuts are not only easier than traditional fried donuts, but they also taste just as delightful. Richly spiced and topped with a thick, decadent maple glaze, these donuts are perfect for those new to baking because they require minimal special equipment and come together quickly. They are soft, cakey, and packed with comforting fall flavors that make them a year-round favorite.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You do not need a mixer, complicated techniques, or hard-to-find ingredients. In less than an hour, you can have bakery-quality donuts cooling on your kitchen counter. Plus, because they are baked rather than fried, they offer a lighter option that still feels indulgent. If you are looking for a fun, impressive, and achievable baking project, these maple glazed donuts are a fantastic place to start.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it is crucial to gather all the ingredients and prepare your workstation. Having everything ready will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Spice Donuts:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) milk, at room temperature
1/4 cup (60g) yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Maple Icing:

2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional but highly recommended)
Pinch of salt, to taste

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

Milk: While whole milk provides the richest flavor, lower-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used. Keep in mind that donuts might be slightly less rich.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is ideal for its thickness, but regular yogurt (low fat or full fat) also works well. Full-fat sour cream can be swapped in if desired.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup offers the best flavor, but if unavailable, a good quality maple-flavored syrup can be substituted, although it will slightly alter the taste.
Maple Extract: If maple extract is unavailable, you can increase the amount of maple syrup slightly for a more pronounced flavor, though the depth may not be exactly the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and set aside. If you do not have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and make “donut muffins” instead.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined. It is important that the butter is slightly cooled to prevent it from cooking the egg.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently whisk together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough donuts. The batter will be thick, almost like a very soft dough.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a large zipped-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about halfway. This method ensures even, tidy distribution.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the donuts for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a gentle poke causes them to bounce back. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally. Once the butter has melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and maple extract. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 8: Dip and Glaze

Allow the glaze to cool for 2-3 minutes. Dip each donut into the glaze, twisting slightly to cover the top. Place the donuts back on the wire rack so excess glaze can drip off. If desired, double dip for an extra thick glaze layer.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Measuring Flour: Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour and dry donuts.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients (egg, milk, yogurt) ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
Piping Batter: Using a plastic bag with a corner cut off makes filling the donut pan much easier and less messy.
Checking Doneness: Donuts are done when they spring back after a gentle poke. If unsure, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Overmixing: Resist the urge to keep stirring once the batter is combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can make the donuts dense and tough.
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze thickens too much while you are working, gently reheat it over low heat until it reaches the desired dipping consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These maple glazed donuts are delightful as a standalone treat, but they can be elevated even further with a few simple additions:

Breakfast Spread: Serve the donuts alongside scrambled eggs and oven-baked chicken sausage for a satisfying breakfast.
Brunch Board: Include fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of cheeses for a beautiful brunch spread.
Coffee Pairing: The rich maple glaze pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte.
Dessert Option: Warm a donut slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and indulgent dessert.
Flavor Variations: Top with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts after dipping in glaze for a bit of crunch.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store leftover donuts tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, refrigerate the donuts to extend freshness by a day or two. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze after thawing. Glazed donuts can also be frozen, but the glaze may become slightly tacky after thawing.

Engagement Features

One of the joys of baking is sharing your creations with others, whether in person or through a photo sent to friends. I encourage you to try this maple glazed donut recipe and embrace the experience fully. Baking is not about perfection; it is about creativity, patience, and joy. Every batch teaches you something new, and these donuts are a forgiving, delicious place to start.

If you do make these donuts, I would love to hear about your experience. Did you stick with the classic version, or did you add your own twist with a new topping or glaze? Share your results, tips, or even photos in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire others to try their hand at baking too.

Whether you are new to the kitchen or looking for a foolproof recipe to add to your collection, these homemade maple glazed donuts offer a comforting, achievable, and utterly satisfying baking project. Happy baking.