Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier twist on classic donuts—lightly baked instead of deep-fried.
Irresistible maple-glazed coating that adds warm, cozy flavor.
Easy to make using common pantry ingredients and a standard donut pan.
Great for breakfast treats, brunch gatherings, or a special homemade dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Large eggs
Unsalted butter, melted
Pure maple syrup (for donut batter)
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Additional pure maple syrup (for glaze)
A splash of milk or cream (for glaze consistency)

Directions

Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 6‑ or 12‑count donut pan lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Incorporate Batter
Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer batter into a piping bag or zip‑top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe batter into donut wells, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake Donuts
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until donuts are puffed and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Cool
Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Maple Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk or cream to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Glaze the Donuts
Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on the rack until glaze sets.
Serve & Enjoy
Donuts are best served fresh, while glaze is shiny and slightly soft.

Servings and timing

Makes: 12 baked maple glazed donuts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling & glazing time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

Chocolate-topped: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the maple glaze.
Spiced: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Gluten-free: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan option: Use flax eggs (1 Tbsp flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water per egg), plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
Nuts or bacon bits: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or crispy bacon pieces on wet glaze.

Storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; donuts may lose some moisture.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw before glazing.
Reheating: Warm in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave one donut for about 10 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.

FAQs

What type of donut pan should I use?

Any standard 6‑ or 12‑count metal or silicone donut pan works well—just grease it lightly before use.

Can I make the donuts dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use vegan butter or oil instead of dairy butter.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

They should be firm to the touch, lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I skip the maple syrup in the batter?

You can omit or reduce it, but maple syrup enhances flavor and moisture. You may replace with honey or agave at a 1:1 ratio.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts—stir just until ingredients are incorporated.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just divide between pans and bake in separate batches or side‑by‑side if space allows.

Is it okay to underfill the donut wells?

Underfilling leads to smaller, flatter donuts. Fill about ⅔ full for ideal shape.

Can I store glazed donuts in the fridge?

Yes, store in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Let them come to room temperature before eating.

How can I prevent glaze from dripping off?

Let donuts cool completely, and give the glaze a moment to set before stacking or wrapping.

Can I make these into muffins or cakes?

Sure—pour the batter into a muffin tin (fill ⅔ full) and bake for about 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

These baked maple glazed donuts are a delightful, easy-to-make treat bursting with cozy maple flavor. Whether you’re craving a indulgent breakfast or sharing a sweet creation with loved ones, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing taste. Simple to customize and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.