Craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make? Then you’ll love my Maple Glazed Donut Holes! These tasty bites combine a soft, fluffy texture with a rich, sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they come together quickly and satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps needed to whip up these delightful donut holes and add some joy to your day!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet maple glaze perfectly complements the warm spices in the donut holes, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these donut holes are versatile and sure to please everyone.
- Fun to Decorate: Dipping the donut holes in glaze and adding extra touches like powdered sugar or mint makes them as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Maple Glazed Donut Holes
To make these tasty donut holes, you need a few basic ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients create a soft, fluffy donut hole that melts in your mouth. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness.
Ingredients for the Maple Glaze
The glaze is what makes these donut holes shine. You will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (to adjust for consistency)
The maple syrup adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the donut holes. You can tweak the milk to make the glaze thicker or thinner.
Optional add-ins or toppings
For a fun twist, consider these add-ins:
- Chopped nuts for crunch
- Mini chocolate chips for sweetness
- Sprinkles for color
These options can make your donut holes unique and exciting. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or a donut hole pan. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk them well until they blend smoothly.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Your batter should be thick but fluffy.
Baking the donut holes
Now, fill each cavity of your pan about two-thirds full with the batter. This helps them rise nicely. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done! Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
Making and applying the maple glaze
While the donut holes cool, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust the milk for a pourable consistency. Once the donut holes are cool, dip each one into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack and let the glaze set for a few minutes. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for dough consistency
To get the best dough, mix the dry and wet ingredients well. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. When you pour the wet mix into the dry mix, stir gently. Do not overmix. The dough should be thick but fluffy. If it feels too runny, add a bit more flour.
How to tell when donut holes are perfectly baked
Baking time matters. Keep an eye on your donut holes while they bake. They usually take about 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top. You can also poke a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your donut holes are ready. Overbaking can make them dry, so check early!
Proper cooling techniques for glaze application
Let your donut holes cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the glaze stick better. If they are too hot, the glaze will melt away. Place them on a wire rack to cool evenly. Once they reach room temperature, dip them in the maple glaze. Allow excess glaze to drip off before serving. This step keeps your treat neat and delicious!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency, resulting in a lackluster taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donut holes instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Start with 1 tablespoon of milk for the glaze and add more as needed. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency that coats the donut holes nicely.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before dipping in the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and helps it adhere better.

Variations
Different flavor options for donut holes
You can mix it up by adding flavors to your donut holes. Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty taste. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts into the batter for extra texture and flavor. For a fruity twist, add some mashed bananas or applesauce. These options give your donut holes a fun twist.
Alternative glazing options
Maple glaze is delicious, but you can explore other options. A chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate chips is a great choice. You can also make a lemon glaze using powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. For a richer flavor, consider a cream cheese glaze. Just mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a little milk until smooth. This adds a nice tang to your treats.
Suggestions for serving
Serving your donut holes with coffee is always a good idea. The rich flavors of coffee pair well with the sweetness of the donuts. You can also serve them with tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a fun touch, try serving them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes for a great dessert or snack option.
Storage Info
How to store leftover donut holes
To keep your maple glazed donut holes fresh, place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay soft and tasty. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the fridge. Just remember, they may get a bit firmer in the fridge.
Tips for reheating donuts
When you want to enjoy your leftover donut holes, reheating makes them great again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut holes on a baking tray. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them up and makes them soft. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they may get tough.
Freezing donut holes for future use
Freezing donut holes is a smart way to save them for later. First, let the donut holes cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use plain yogurt or milk with vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. This will mimic the tangy taste and acidity of buttermilk. You can also use sour cream mixed with a little water to thin it down. Both options work well in our donut holes.
Can I make these donut holes gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these donut holes gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better structure. Measure it the same way you would regular flour. This will keep your donut holes light and fluffy without gluten.
How long do maple glazed donut holes last?
Maple glazed donut holes last for about three days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each donut hole tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months.
In this post, we explored the joy of making maple glazed donut holes. We covered the main ingredients you need, the step-by-step process, and helpful tips for perfecting your bake. I shared tasty variations and how to store your treats.
Remember, these donut holes are quick to make and fun to eat. Try different toppings or flavors to make them your own. Enjoy your baking adventur

Maple Glazed Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan or a donut hole pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. The batter should be thick but fluffy.
- Fill each donut hole cavity about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the donut holes are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once baked, let the donut holes cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
- Dip each donut hole into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed donut holes on a wire rack to set for a few minutes before serving.


