Baked Maple Glazed Donuts – A Cozy and Irresistible Treat

There is something undeniably comforting about homemade donuts. Whether it is the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen or the warm, cakey bite that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, baked donuts bring a special kind of joy. These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are the ultimate cozy treat, packed with warm spices, a tender crumb, and a thick, glossy maple glaze. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked in the oven, making them an easier and lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You do not need a deep fryer, fancy ingredients, or hours of preparation. Everything comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack. The donuts are soft, moist, and full of flavor, thanks to the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The maple glaze takes them to the next level, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that beautifully complements the spiced donut base.

Making homemade baked maple glazed donuts might sound intimidating, but this recipe proves that it does not have to be. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you will have a batch of fresh, bakery-style donuts ready to enjoy in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked maple glazed donuts are a must-try for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make. There is no frying involved, no complicated steps, and no need for special equipment beyond a donut pan. If you have ever wanted to make homemade donuts but felt intimidated, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

Another reason to love these donuts is their perfect texture. They are soft, cakey, and moist, thanks to the combination of milk, Greek yogurt, and butter. Unlike dense, heavy baked goods, these donuts are light and tender with just the right amount of chewiness. The warm spices add depth to the flavor, making them taste like a bite of fall.

The maple glaze is the star of the recipe. Made with pure maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar, it creates a smooth, glossy topping that hardens slightly as it cools, giving the donuts an irresistible finish. If you love the taste of maple, this glaze will quickly become one of your favorites.

These donuts are also a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Because they are baked, they contain less oil and fewer calories while still delivering a delicious, indulgent taste. If you are looking for a way to enjoy donuts without feeling too heavy, this is a great option.

Finally, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are making them for a special breakfast, serving them at a brunch gathering, or packing them for a quick snack, they are sure to be a hit. Their simple yet elegant appearance also makes them a great homemade gift for friends and family.

Health Benefits

While donuts are traditionally seen as an indulgent treat, these baked maple glazed donuts offer a few nutritional benefits that make them a better option than deep-fried varieties.

First, they are baked instead of fried, which significantly reduces the amount of oil and fat. Traditional fried donuts can absorb a lot of oil during cooking, leading to higher calorie and fat content. By baking them, you get a lighter, less greasy texture while still enjoying the same delicious taste.

Another benefit comes from the use of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, which support digestion and help keep you full longer. It also adds moisture to the donuts without the need for excessive butter or oil.

The use of cinnamon and nutmeg also adds a health boost. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties, while nutmeg contains antioxidants that can help support overall wellness. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the nutritional profile of the donuts.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Category: Dessert / Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition Facts (Per Donut)

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients List

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk (room temperature)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
• ¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional, but enhances flavor)
• Pinch of salt

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the Donut Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense rather than soft and fluffy. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Filling the Donut Pan and Baking

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling each one about halfway full to allow room for rising.

Bake the donuts for 10-11 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and spring back when touched.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar and maple extract, stirring until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed to balance the sweetness.

Glazing the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, coating the top evenly. Place them back on the wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off. If you want a thicker glaze, let them set for a few minutes and dip them a second time.

How to Serve

These baked maple glazed donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, as the glaze is at its peak flavor and texture. However, they can still be delicious at room temperature or lightly reheated. Here are some of the best ways to serve them:

For a classic breakfast or brunch, pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a frothy cappuccino. The subtle bitterness of coffee beautifully complements the sweet maple glaze, making each bite even more satisfying. If you prefer something cold, a vanilla or cinnamon-spiced iced latte also pairs well with these donuts.

For a fun dessert option, serve these donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the warm, spiced donut and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a decadent treat that feels indulgent yet simple. You can also drizzle some extra maple syrup or caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.

If you are serving these at a party or gathering, consider presenting them on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant touch. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal.

Pairing Suggestions

These donuts pair well with a variety of beverages, side dishes, and flavors that enhance their warm, spiced notes.

Beverages

For a cozy pairing, coffee is the ultimate match for these maple donuts. A dark roast coffee brings out the deep caramel notes of the brown sugar and maple glaze, while a lightly sweetened vanilla latte balances the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors beautifully.

If you prefer tea, go for a chai latte, spiced black tea, or an herbal cinnamon blend. The warm spices in the tea complement the nutmeg and cinnamon in the donuts, creating a harmonious flavor experience.

For a cold and refreshing option, pair these donuts with iced coffee, cold brew, or a maple cinnamon smoothie made with banana, almond milk, and a touch of maple syrup. The cool and creamy texture of the smoothie adds a nice contrast to the soft, cakey donuts.

Toppings and Additions

If you want to enhance these donuts further, try sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the maple glaze. The crunch adds texture and pairs well with the sweetness of the glaze.

For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the donuts or add a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style touch.

If you’re making these for a special occasion, serve them alongside whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a restaurant-worthy dessert.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

Baked donuts tend to dry out faster than fried ones, so proper storage is key to maintaining their soft texture. Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, place the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the glaze to harden slightly, but you can bring them back to room temperature or warm them up before serving.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these donuts freeze well. Freeze them without the glaze to prevent the topping from becoming soggy. Place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before adding the maple glaze.

Reheating Instructions

To restore the fresh, warm texture of the donuts, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating, as this can dry them out.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy freshly made donuts anytime with minimal effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making baked donuts is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect their texture and flavor.

Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing can result in dense and tough donuts instead of light and fluffy ones. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour.

Not Using a Donut Pan

While you can make these in a muffin pan, using a proper donut pan helps achieve the classic donut shape and even baking. If you do not have one, you can use a muffin tin and create a hole in the center with aluminum foil balls.

Not Letting the Donuts Cool Before Glazing

If the donuts are too hot when glazed, the icing can melt and become runny instead of setting properly. Allow the donuts to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before dipping them in the glaze.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve perfectly soft, flavorful, and beautifully glazed donuts every time.

Pro Tips

For the best results, follow these expert tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Grease your donut pan well – Even nonstick pans need a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
• Use a piping bag for even filling – This makes it easier to distribute the batter evenly in the pan without making a mess.
• Double-dip the glaze for a thicker coating – Let the first layer set before dipping a second time for an extra rich topping.
• Experiment with flavors – Try adding a hint of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha twist or swap the maple glaze for a vanilla or chocolate glaze for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin and shape the centers with aluminum foil balls, but a donut pan works best.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and glaze them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These baked maple glazed donuts are an easy, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Their soft, spiced texture and rich maple glaze make them a perfect treat for any time of year. Try this recipe today and share your experience. Let us know in the comments how your donuts turned out!

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