Maple Donut Recipe: The Perfect Sweet Treat

If you’ve been craving a sweet, homemade treat, this Maple Donut Recipe is just what you need! With soft, fluffy donuts and a rich maple glaze, these donuts are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just satisfy your sweet tooth, these maple donuts will definitely hit the spot.

Maple Donut Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (120ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp (30ml) whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or mix with a stand mixer and dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes).

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.

Shape & Fry the Donuts:

1. Roll Out: Once risen, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
2. Cut: Use a donut cutter (or a large glass and a small cutter for the center) to cut out donut shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Second Rise: Cover and let the donuts rest for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
4. Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C).
5. Fry: Carefully drop 2–3 donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Make the Maple Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Glaze & Finish:

1. While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the maple glaze.
2. Place the donuts on a wire rack and sprinkle with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt if desired.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Maple Donuts

• Check Your Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active before using it. If the yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 5–10 minutes, it may be expired or the water may have been too hot, killing the yeast.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: While kneading, be gentle and don’t overwork the dough. Knead just until smooth and elastic to ensure the donuts are soft and fluffy.
• Use the Right Oil Temperature: If your oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside. If it’s too cold, the donuts will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of 350°F (177°C).
• Rest the Donuts Before Frying: Allowing the donuts to rest after cutting helps them puff up better during frying, giving them that light, airy texture.
• Add Extra Flavor: For an added twist, try infusing your maple glaze with a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract. You can even swap out the toasted pecans for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds.
• Glaze While Warm: For the best glaze coverage, dip the donuts while they’re still slightly warm. This will help the glaze stick and give the donuts a shiny, smooth finish.

This Maple Donut Recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. The soft and fluffy donuts, paired with the rich maple glaze, offer a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or flaky sea salt for an extra touch of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to something special, these maple donuts are sure to be a crowd favorite!

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