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Maple-glazed donuts stacked on a cooling rack with drips of glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Maple Donut Recipe | Soft Homemade Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze

This Maple Donut Recipe delivers everything you love about classic donuts with a warm, comforting twist. Soft, fluffy donuts are baked or fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a rich maple glaze that’s sweet, smooth, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you're making them for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts are easy to make and packed with nostalgic flavor. No need to visit the bakery—these homemade maple donuts are pure comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 12 donuts (baked) or 10 maple bars (fried)
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Donut pan (for baked)
  • Stand mixer (for fried)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Rolling pin (for fried)
  • Deep-fryer or heavy pot
  • Candy thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag (for baked)

Ingredients
  

For Baked Maple Donuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Maple Glaze (Baked):

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease donut pan.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
  • Pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity ¾ full.
  • Bake 10–11 minutes until golden and springy.
  • Cool slightly, then dip tops in warm maple glaze. Let set on wire rack.

Notes

  • Use pure maple syrup and maple extract for the richest flavor.
  • Let glaze set on a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms.
  • Double-dip donuts in glaze for a thicker, bakery-style finish.
  • Add-ins: bacon crumbles, chopped nuts, or a maple cream filling.
  • Store baked donuts in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Fried donuts are best fresh but can be frozen unglazed and reheated.
Keyword baked donuts, brunch treats, fall baking, fried donuts, maple bars, Maple donuts, maple glaze