As the first leaves of autumn began to tumble from the trees, I found myself in a cozy kitchen, the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. It was a crisp Sunday morning, and I had a craving for something sweet yet comforting. I decided to put my spin on a classic treat: doughnuts. Inspired by the flavors of fall, I crafted these Spiced Maple Glazed Doughnuts, enveloped in a warm cinnamon sugar coating. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet and spice, reminiscent of a stroll through a pumpkin patch on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a doughnut pan with non-stick spray. The smell of warm spices and sweet maple syrup will soon fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well blended, allowing the spices to mingle and awaken your senses.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. This mixture will add moisture and a delightful richness to your doughnuts. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your doughnuts to remain light and fluffy.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cavity of the doughnut pan about two-thirds full with the batter. The anticipation builds as you imagine the sweet treats that will soon emerge from the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the doughnuts are baking, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency; it should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the doughnuts.
Once baked, let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, it’s time to make the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
When the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops of each one into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll the glazed tops in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a generous coating on each doughnut. The combination of the sweet glaze and the spiced sugar creates a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft doughnut beneath.
As I took my first bite, I was reminded of the joy of sharing baked goods with friends and family. Each doughnut was a little piece of autumn, warm and inviting, just like the company I hoped to enjoy them with. I could already envision a cozy gathering around the kitchen table, laughter resonating as we savored these delightful treats together.
Serve these Spiced Maple Glazed Doughnuts warm or at room temperature, and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice!” Enjoy the flavors of the season, and may every bite bring you warmth and joy.