Spiced Maple Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spiced maple doughnuts are a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The dough is flavored with a mix of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which give it a cozy and comforting taste. The maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making each bite decadent. The crushed walnuts on top offer a satisfying crunch, complementing the soft texture of the doughnut. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon sour cream, room temperature
1/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Maple Glaze

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons cream
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon maple extract, optional
1/4 cup crushed walnuts

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a doughnut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the dry mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients: Add the vanilla, maple syrup, egg, sour cream, and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Fill the doughnut pan: Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake the doughnuts: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the glaze: While the doughnuts are cooling, make the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream, brown sugar, and maple syrup, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
9. Finish the glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and powdered sugar. Add powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach your desired glaze consistency. If using maple extract, add it now.
10. Glaze the doughnuts: Dip each cooled doughnut into the maple glaze, coating the top evenly. Let any excess glaze drip off and place the doughnuts back on the wire rack.
11. Top with walnuts: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the crushed walnuts on top of the doughnuts.
12. Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 doughnuts
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Doughnut Pan: If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can also bake these as doughnut holes or as mini muffins.
• Glaze: For a more decadent option, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the glaze.
• Nuts: Feel free to swap walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or skip them altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat doughnuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore some of their freshness.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the doughnuts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving.

Can I freeze these doughnuts?

Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before glazing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven before glazing.

Can I make a sugar glaze instead of a maple glaze?

Yes, you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze with powdered sugar and a little milk or water if you prefer a lighter, less rich topping.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk gives the doughnuts a slight tang and helps them rise, you can substitute regular milk if needed. Just add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

How do I prevent my doughnuts from being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can make the doughnuts dense. Also, avoid overbaking them—check for doneness with a toothpick.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang.

Can I use maple flavoring instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use maple flavoring, but using real maple syrup will give the doughnuts the best flavor.

How do I know when the doughnuts are done?

The doughnuts should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re done baking.

Can I add more spices to the doughnut batter?

Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom if you want to enhance the flavor further.

Can I use a deep fryer instead of baking?

You can deep fry these doughnuts instead of baking them. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then dip in the glaze.

Conclusion

These spiced maple doughnuts are a perfect balance of warm spices, rich maple syrup, and a touch of sweetness. With a soft, fluffy interior and a sweet, glossy glaze, these doughnuts are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or as part of a weekend breakfast, these doughnuts will quickly become a new favorite.

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