Baked Maple Glazed Donuts – Best Recipe Ever

These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are the ultimate comfort food—cakey, spiced, and crowned with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for cool mornings and cozy afternoons, this easy homemade donut recipe is oven-baked, not fried, making it a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a seasonal treat, these donuts deliver bakery-level results right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

These maple glazed donuts aren’t just delicious—they’re also incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples. The donuts are tender and moist, infused with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the glaze adds a rich, maple-forward finish. No need for deep-frying or electric mixers—this recipe is beginner-friendly and family-approved.

• Baked, Not Fried: Healthier with less mess
• Cozy Spices: Fall flavors that warm every bite
• No Mixer Needed: Stir by hand for easy prep
• Quick & Convenient: Ready in under an hour

What You’ll Need for the Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Essential leaveners for light texture
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth
• Ground Nutmeg: Enhances depth of flavor
• Ground Cloves: Introduces a spicy-sweet aromatic note
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness
• Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens with a hint of molasses
• Milk: Adds moisture and soft texture
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Keeps the donuts tender and moist
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and aroma

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Any Kitchen

• Flour Substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
• Dairy-Free: Swap milk and yogurt for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt
• No Yogurt?: Use sour cream or substitute with buttermilk for tangy flavor
• No Maple Extract?: Boost maple flavor by using a bit more pure maple syrup in the glaze

How to Make Baked Maple Glazed Donuts from Scratch

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray your donut pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Make the Batter
   Pour wet ingredients into dry and whisk until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter should be thick.
5. Fill the Pan
   Spoon batter into a large zipped-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into each donut cavity, filling halfway.
6. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 10–11 minutes. Donuts are ready when tops are lightly browned and spring back when touched.
7. Cool and Repeat
   Let donuts cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter if needed.
8. Prepare the Maple Glaze
   In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and maple syrup. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar and maple extract. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
9. Dip and Glaze
   After cooling the glaze for 2–3 minutes, dip the tops of each donut. For a richer coating, double dip.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Donuts

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much toughens the donuts
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Helps butter stay smooth and batter combine evenly
• Pipe for Precision: A zip-top bag makes filling the pan neat and fast
• Double Dip: Let the first glaze layer set for a thicker, shinier finish
• Cool Before Glazing: Hot donuts melt the glaze too thinly

Creative Twists & Pairing Suggestions

• Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or crushed maple cookies
• Variations: Add mini chocolate chips or substitute glaze with cream cheese icing
• Side Pairings: Serve with a warm latte, chai tea, or apple cider for a cozy breakfast
• Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the donuts ahead and glaze just before serving to retain freshness
• Storage: Keep glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temp or refrigerate for up to 2 days

The Cozy Charm of Maple Baked Donuts

These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts bring fall flavor and homestyle comfort into every bite. They’re ideal for holiday mornings, brunch parties, or a weekend baking session with loved ones. The combination of warming spices and rich maple glaze makes them irresistibly good—and the fact that they’re baked makes them even better.

Indulge in the satisfying process of making your own donuts—no fryer, no fuss—just pure seasonal delight with every bite of these maple glazed donuts.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Baked Maple Delight

There’s something undeniably satisfying about baking your own Baked Maple Glazed Donuts. From the warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen to the moment you dip each golden donut into that rich maple glaze, this recipe makes homemade baking feel special yet simple. These donuts are perfect for weekend brunches, festive gatherings, or just a cozy morning treat. With wholesome ingredients, a no-fry approach, and irresistible flavor, this is a recipe worth returning to all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Chai Cookies – Best Recipe: These cookies are infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, making them the perfect cozy companion to maple-glazed donuts. Soft and fragrant, they’re ideal for tea time or a sweet autumn treat.
• Gingerbread Cookies – Soft & Easy Recipe: Soft, spiced, and full of molasses flavor, these cookies offer a nostalgic, holiday-ready option that pairs beautifully with the maple notes of the original donut recipe.
• Apple Crisp – Best Fall Dessert: This classic baked dessert combines spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping, making it a warm, comforting dish that shares the same fall-inspired flavor profile as maple donuts.

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