If you’re craving a treat that’s soft and pillowy with a luscious sweet finish, this Homemade Puffy Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts boast a delicate texture that melts in your mouth, enhanced by a rich, sticky maple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re making a special brunch or surprising your loved ones with a homemade delight, this recipe turns simple ingredients into unforgettable magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, basic ingredients, each chosen to build the perfect taste, texture, and color in your donuts. From the yeast that gives these puffs their airy lift to the butter-flavored shortening for a tender crumb and the maple extract shining through the glaze, every item has its role.
- Warm water (1 cup): Activates the yeast and starts the dough rising process.
- Active dry yeast (3 tablespoons): The essential leavening agent to create puffiness.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup): Offers sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
- Butter-flavored shortening (1/4 cup): Provides tender moisture and richness, but regular shortening works fine too.
- Egg yolks (3 large): Add structure and a rich mouthfeel to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a subtle aromatic sweetness.
- Bread flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Gives the dough strength for a chewy, soft texture.
- Kosher salt (2 1/2 teaspoons): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Supports leavening alongside yeast for that extra lift.
- Peanut oil (for frying): High smoke point oil perfect for frying to golden perfection.
- Powdered sugar (4 1/2 cups total): The base of the luscious maple glaze.
- Light corn syrup (2 teaspoons): Adds shine and prevents crystallization in the glaze.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon for glaze): A tiny pinch to balance sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Adds depth to the glaze flavor.
- Maple extract (1 teaspoon or more): The star ingredient for that unmistakable maple warmth.
- Hot water (1/3 cup): Helps create a smooth, dippable glaze consistency.
How to Make Homemade Puffy Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy – this ensures your yeast is alive and ready to give your donuts that beautiful puff.
Step 2: Mix in the fats and sugars
Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Beat briefly with a paddle attachment until the shortening is broken up, but don’t fully blend it in yet. This step enriches the dough with flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Incorporate dry ingredients gradually
Add one cup of bread flour to the mixture but don’t stir immediately. Sprinkle salt and baking powder on top, then stir these into the flour a little before blending everything together. Beat for about a minute to combine, starting to develop structure.
Step 4: Knead the dough for texture
Add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, switching to the dough hook or kneading by hand on a floured surface. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes to reach a smooth elasticity that will yield wonderfully tender donuts.
Step 5: Prepare to rise
Lightly flour a baking sheet (no silicone mats!), then shape the dough into a ball and spread it into a 6×6 inch square. Cover with a clean cloth and sprinkle flour on top so the cloth doesn’t stick. This gentle rise step is where your dough begins working its magic.
Step 6: Create the perfect warm proofing environment
Turn your oven on for about 30 seconds at 350 degrees, then turn it off to create a warm but not hot space. Place the dough inside, and beneath it, position a glass pan filled with boiling water. This creates a humid mini-oven to help the dough rise evenly and beautifully for about an hour.
Step 7: Shape your donuts
Once the dough has doubled in size, carefully transfer it to a floured surface. Gently roll into an 11×12 inch rectangle without pressing too hard. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 long rectangles, about 5×2 inches each. Trim edges if you want neater shapes but keep the shapes rustic if you prefer.
Step 8: Second rise for extra puffiness
Transfer the dough rectangles to floured baking sheets and tent them with warmth again in the oven proofing setup. Let them rise for 45 minutes or until doubled. This step ensures those signature puffy donuts that just melt in your mouth.
Step 9: Fry to golden perfection
Heat peanut oil to 350 degrees in a heavy pot with a candy thermometer. Fry the donuts in small batches, about 30-40 seconds per side, until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color. Remove carefully with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Cooling fully before glazing is key to that perfect finish.
Step 10: Prepare the irresistible maple glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla, maple extract, and hot water until smooth and easily dippable. Adjust with more water or sugar for perfect consistency. Taste and add extra maple extract if you like a robust maple punch.
Step 11: Glaze and let set
Dip each donut’s roundest side into the glaze, let excess drip off, then place on a wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving. This glaze forms a shiny, crackly coating that perfectly complements the donut’s tender crumb.
How to Serve Homemade Puffy Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed toasted pecans on the glaze while it’s still wet for a delightful texture contrast. For a fun touch, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the maple’s sweetness even more. Fresh berries on the side add a wonderful fruity brightness.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to balance their sweetness. For a brunch spread, add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to bring a savory counterpoint that makes the experience even more satisfying. Fresh fruit salad is another excellent choice to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not stack your donuts in a charming pyramid or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for a cozy touch? You can also place them on a decorated platter sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzle extra maple glaze decoratively around the plate for show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their soft texture and avoid the glaze becoming sticky or soggy. A quick prep and store routine means you can enjoy their fresh taste the next morning too.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delights beyond a couple of days, freeze them unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature before adding the maple glaze for that fresh, just-made experience.
Reheating
To revive your donuts, warm them gently in a toaster oven at low temperature for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly (10-15 seconds, checking often). Avoid overheating to keep them tender. Once warm, dip in glaze or drizzle any leftover glaze for a luscious finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular oil instead of peanut oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point such as canola or vegetable oil, but peanut oil is preferred for its flavor and stability at frying temperatures.
Is it necessary to use bread flour?
Bread flour gives your donuts that soft-chewy texture due to its higher protein content, but all-purpose flour can be substituted with a slight difference in texture.
What if I don’t have maple extract?
You can use pure maple syrup instead, but reduce the water in the glaze accordingly as syrup adds liquid. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
This recipe uses egg yolks and shortening, but you could experiment with vegan butter and flax eggs. Keep in mind the texture may vary and yeast activity may change.
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?
While you can bake donuts, this recipe is designed for frying to achieve that classic puffiness and golden crust, so baked versions will be less airy and crispy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about biting into warm, fluffy donuts freshly fried and dipped in a sweet, rich maple glaze. This Homemade Puffy Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is a wonderful project that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these delightful treats. Once you taste them, I promise they’ll become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire!
