Maple Glazed Donuts are a delightful treat that marry the comforting warmth of fresh donuts with the rich, autumnal flavor of maple syrup. Perfect for cozy mornings or a sweet afternoon indulgence, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite.
The star of this recipe is the pure maple syrup, which gives our glaze its distinct, rich flavor. Using active dry yeast helps our donuts become light and fluffy. Whole milk adds richness, while unsalted butter contributes to a tender crumb. A dash of nutmeg brings a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness.
These donuts pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea. For a decadent breakfast, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs.
First, you’ll want to get your yeast going. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This little step is crucial for ensuring our donuts rise beautifully.
Next, combine the warm milk, sugar, and your frothy yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add in 2 cups of flour, salt, nutmeg, eggs, and melted butter. Mix this all together until smooth, then gradually add more flour until your dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
Now, it’s time to knead. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Once you’re done, pop it into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it’s doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or a couple of round cutters to shape your donuts. Meanwhile, heat up some vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry your donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Let them drain on paper towels while you whip up the glaze.
For the glaze, simply whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set.