When the air gets crisp, the sweaters come out, and pumpkins start appearing on every porch, I know it’s officially maple season. There’s just something about maple that feels like a hug in flavor form—sweet, cozy, and a little nostalgic. And what better way to bring that comfort into your kitchen than with Maple Donuts?

Now, before you think, “Olivia, I don’t have time to deep fry anything on a weekday morning,” let me stop you right there—these beauties are baked donuts. That means less fuss, no oil splatters, and a whole lot more joy. You’ll mix up the batter, pop them in the oven, and in under 10 minutes, you’ll have golden, spiced donuts ready for their silky maple glaze.

Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend baking project with the kids, a sweet snack for book club, or just something to pair with your morning coffee that screams fall treat, this recipe checks every box. Soft, flavorful, and topped with a glossy maple glaze (and maybe a sprinkle of pecans if you’re feeling fancy), these donuts might just make you the most popular person in your neighborhood.

So, tie on that apron, friend—we’re about to make donuts that taste like autumn itself.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Donuts

Quick & Easy: No frying needed, just mix, bake, and glaze.
Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give that warm fall flavor.
Maple Magic: Real maple syrup in the batter and the glaze.
Crowd-Pleasers: A treat that works for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs, room temp
½ cup sour cream, room temp
½ cup milk, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
½ cup chopped pecans (optional topping)

How to Make Maple Donuts

Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, maple syrup, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine: Slowly fold dry into wet, mixing until just combined.
Fill & Bake: Spoon or pipe batter into pan, about ¾ full. Bake 8–10 minutes, until springy.
Cool: Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Make Glaze: Stir together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk. Adjust thickness as needed.
Dip & Set: Dunk cooled donuts into glaze, sprinkle pecans if you like, and let them rest until set.

Tips for the Best Homemade Donuts

Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing = tough donuts.
Pipe It Out: Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) to easily fill the donut pan. Less mess, more fun.
Cool Before Glazing: Patience is key here. If they’re warm, the glaze will melt right off.
Make Ahead: You can bake the donuts a day early, then glaze right before serving for extra shine.

And if your glaze ends up too thick? Just splash in a bit more milk. Too thin? Add a spoonful of powdered sugar. Kitchen magic is all about adjusting.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

These Maple Donuts became a family favorite after one particularly chilly Saturday morning. I was craving something cozy, but frying oil before 9 AM? No thank you. So, I experimented with baked donuts instead. When the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple drifted through the house, my kids came running into the kitchen barefoot, noses in the air like little hounds.

We glazed them together—sticky fingers everywhere—and by the time the first batch had cooled, half were already gone. Now, every fall, this recipe makes a repeat appearance. Sometimes with pecans, sometimes without, but always with mugs of hot cocoa and way too many napkins.

That’s what I love about recipes like this: they don’t just feed your belly; they feed your memories, too.

What to Serve With Maple Donuts

These donuts are cozy enough to shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

Morning coffee or chai latte for a warm breakfast treat.
Apple cider if you’re really leaning into the fall vibes.
Fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples for balance.
Vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into dessert (hello, maple donut sundae!).

Hosting brunch? Serve these donuts alongside a savory frittata or quiche for that sweet-and-savory combo everyone loves.

How to Store Maple Donuts

These homemade donuts keep surprisingly well. Once glazed and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just note the glaze may firm up a bit.

Want to save some for later? Freeze unglazed donuts in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight at room temp and glaze fresh before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

FAQs About Maple Donuts

Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

Technically, yes, but the flavor won’t be the same. Real maple syrup gives these donuts that deep, cozy sweetness.

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes, for that classic donut shape. But if you don’t have one, you can bake the batter in a muffin pan (they’ll just be “maple donut muffins” instead).

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for coconut oil, use almond milk, and try a dairy-free sour cream substitute.

Why are my baked donuts dense?

Most likely overmixing or measuring flour too heavily. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off—no scooping straight from the bag!

A Sweet Ending

If fall had a flavor, it would taste just like these Maple Donuts. They’re simple, comforting, and a little indulgent—the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your heart feel a bit warmer. Whether you bake them for family breakfast, holiday gatherings, or just because you need a little weekday cheer, these baked donuts are the perfect way to welcome autumn into your home.

So, grab that donut pan, drizzle on the maple glaze, and let’s turn an ordinary day into a sweet celebration.

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