Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

Fall is officially here, and the smell of cinnamon and warm maple syrup drifting through the kitchen is hard to beat.

These maple glazed donuts are baked instead of fried, so they come out soft, fluffy, and tender with a glossy glaze on top.

They are the kind of treat that goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn morning.

The recipe is simple enough for beginners and takes less than 30 minutes, with no frying and no yeast.

If you love cozy fall flavors, you will also want to try my apple cider donuts next.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 to 12 minutes
Total Time	About 30 minutes
Servings	12 donuts
Difficulty Level	Easy

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Donuts

These maple glazed donuts bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup in a soft, tender crumb that bakes to perfection.

The glaze is glossy and just sweet enough, so everyone reaches for a second one.

Here is why this recipe will steal your heart:

• Quick and easy to make with pantry staples.
• Baked, not fried, for a lighter treat.
• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon for that cozy fall vibe.
• The maple glaze is simple yet decadent.
• Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

You might also enjoy: Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

The donuts and the glaze share a few staples, so shopping is quick.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for the glaze)
• 1 tbsp milk (for the glaze)

The same maple syrup flavor shows up in my maple glazed apple blondies, which are another easy fall bake.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You do not need fancy tools to make these donuts, just a few kitchen basics.

A donut pan is the one item that really matters, because it gives you that classic ring shape.

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for filling the pan)
• Cooling rack

Read Also: Acorn Donut Holes Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are my personal recommendations based on years of baking in my own kitchen.

None of them are required, but each one makes these donuts a little easier or a little better.

1. Pure Maple Syrup, Grade A Dark

I always reach for real maple syrup in the glaze, because imitation pancake syrup tastes flat and overly sweet.

A dark, robust syrup gives the glaze a deep caramel flavor that stands out against the cinnamon in the donut.

Get it on Amazon

2. Nonstick Donut Pan

A good nonstick pan releases the donuts cleanly and bakes them evenly, so you get a golden color on every ring.

It also holds its shape well, which means no wobbly or misshapen donuts coming out of the oven.

Get it on Amazon

3. Reusable Silicone Piping Bags

Filling the donut pan with a piping bag is the cleanest and fastest method I have found.

Reusable silicone bags are sturdy, easy to wash, and save you from running out of zip-top bags.

Get it on Amazon

4. Stainless Steel Cooling Rack

Donuts need to cool completely before glazing, and a wire rack lets air circulate underneath so the bottoms never turn soggy.

It also catches the extra glaze when you dip the donuts, which keeps your counter clean.

Get it on Amazon

The same maple flavor is the star of my maple pecan blondie bites, so they make a nice follow-up bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Glazed Donuts

Making these baked maple glazed donuts is a breeze, even if you are brand new to baking.

Follow these detailed steps and your donuts will come out perfect every time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully hot before the pan goes in.
• Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or a little vegetable oil so the donuts release easily.
• If you are using a silicone donut pan, you may not need to grease it, but a light coating will not hurt.
• Set the greased pan on the counter near your mixing bowls.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Grab a large mixing bowl.
• Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Whisk everything together for about 30 seconds until the mixture looks evenly blended.
• Break up any lumps of flour or baking soda with the whisk.
• This step spreads the leavening and spice evenly, which gives you a consistent texture in every donut.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
• Crack in 2 large eggs, then pour in 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are fully incorporated.
• The eggs and oil are what give the donuts their moist, tender crumb.
• Set this bowl next to the dry ingredients so they are ready to combine.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
• Stir gently with a spatula, folding from the bottom of the bowl to the top.
• Stop stirring as soon as you no longer see dry flour. A few tiny lumps are fine.
• Be careful not to overmix, since too much stirring can make the donuts tough.
• The batter should be smooth but slightly thick, which is perfect for piping into the pan.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

• Transfer the batter to a piping bag, or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.
• Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the donut pan.
• Fill each cavity about 3/4 full so the donuts have room to rise.
• If you do not have a piping bag, you can carefully spoon the batter into the pan.
• Piping gives a cleaner result and keeps the center hole neat.

6. Bake the Donuts

• Place the donut pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. It should come out clean.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
• Carefully transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.

7. Prepare the Maple Glaze

• While the donuts cool, make the glaze in a small mixing bowl.
• Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tbsp milk.
• Whisk until completely smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
• If it is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

8. Glaze the Donuts

• Wait until the donuts are completely cool. Warm donuts will melt the glaze right off.
• Dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze and let the excess drip back into the bowl.
• Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack.
• Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes.
• For extra decadence, double-dip the donuts for a thicker glaze.

Another favorite: Apple Cider Donut Bread

Tips for The Best Maple Glazed Donuts

A few small habits make the difference between good donuts and great ones.

Keep these tips in mind and your baked maple glazed donuts will turn out perfectly.

• Do not overmix the batter, so the donuts stay light and fluffy.
• Use room-temperature eggs and milk for better emulsification.
• Fill the donut pan evenly to ensure uniform baking.
• Let the donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the glaze.

I follow the same gentle mixing rule in my pumpkin spice crumble muffins, and it keeps those soft too.

Serving Suggestions

These baked donuts are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and sides.

They taste best fresh, when the maple glaze is still glossy and the donut is soft.

Here are some ideas to elevate your donut experience:

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Add a side of fresh fruit like apples or pears to complement the fall flavors.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for an indulgent twist.
• Enjoy alongside a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall vibe.

Pair it with: Maple Hot Chocolate

Variations of Maple Glazed Donuts

Once you have the base recipe down, it is easy to switch things up.

Here are some fun ways to customize your baked maple glazed donuts:

• Add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for extra spice.
• Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Swap the maple glaze for a chocolate glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Stir in 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree to the batter for a pumpkin twist.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the glaze for a s’mores-inspired treat.

If you go the pumpkin route, the flavor reminds me of my brown butter pumpkin bread.

Storage and Reheating

These donuts keep well, so you can bake a batch and enjoy them over a few days.

Here is how to store and reheat them:

• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, microwave a donut for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
• To freeze, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Read Also: Maple Pecan Overnight Oats Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per donut, based on 12 donuts per batch.

These numbers are estimates and will vary slightly depending on the brands you use.

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

For a heartier fall breakfast, my apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is a great option to rotate in.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

These donuts are still a treat, but a few of the ingredients bring more to the table than just flavor.

Here is a look at the benefits of some key ingredients:

• Cinnamon: Rich in antioxidants, cinnamon may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Maple Syrup: Contains minerals like manganese and zinc, and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
• Eggs: A great source of protein and essential nutrients like choline, which supports brain health.
• Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones and teeth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides energy through carbohydrates and can be swapped for whole wheat flour for added fiber.

For another cozy cinnamon treat, try: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

FAQs About Maple Glazed Donuts

1. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture, and follow the recipe as written.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely, you can use almond, oat, or soy milk in place of regular milk.

Just make sure it is unsweetened so the sweetness stays balanced.

3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, a muffin tin works to make donut-shaped muffins.

Place a small ball of aluminum foil in the center of each muffin cup to create the hole. A silicone donut pan is another easy option.

4. How can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to the glaze mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Stop when you reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and store them unglazed in an airtight container.

Glaze them just before serving for the freshest taste.

If you are baking ahead for guests, my spiced apple cider is an easy drink to serve alongside.

Conclusion

These maple glazed donuts are the perfect way to celebrate fall’s cozy flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

The warm cinnamon and sweet maple glaze make every bite feel like a hug from autumn.

Because they are baked, you can indulge without the guilt of fried treats.

Give this recipe a try, experiment with the variations, and make it your own.

If you bake a batch, leave a comment below and share it with someone who loves fall baking. Happy baking!

Recommended:

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares Recipe
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Apple Pie Bread Recipe