Maple Hazelnut Doughnuts

Soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying, these maple hazelnut doughnuts bring a cozy, nutty warmth that feels like a hug on a crisp morning. Each bite is tender and airy, wrapped in a silky maple glaze and topped with toasty hazelnuts that add just the right crunch. They smell like a bakery at sunrise, and let me tell you, they’re worth every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a chilly Saturday morning and a craving for something nostalgic yet new. Maple syrup always reminds me of autumn breakfasts with pancakes, and hazelnuts? They’ve been my go-to for earthy, buttery texture. One day, I thought, “Why not combine both in a doughnut?” The result was better than I imagined — like a warm memory you can eat.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Doughnuts have been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to Dutch settlers in early America who brought “olykoeks” or “oil cakes.” The classic ring shape came later, supposedly to solve the problem of uncooked centers. As for maple syrup, it’s a North American treasure, especially in Canada and the northeastern U.S., where it’s tapped fresh from sugar maples every spring. Pairing it with hazelnuts, often used in European desserts, gives this recipe a sweet global twist.

Why You’ll Love Maple Hazelnut Doughnuts

This recipe checks all the boxes — comfort, flavor, and ease. Here’s why you’ll come back to it again and again:

Versatile: Enjoy them glazed, dusted, or even filled. These doughnuts welcome all your creative spins.
Budget-Friendly: With simple pantry staples, these feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No yeast, no waiting. Just mix, bake, glaze, and enjoy.
Customizable: Swap the nuts, tweak the glaze, or even make mini versions for parties.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combo of maple and hazelnut is universally loved — adults and kids alike devour them.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake them the night before and glaze the next day for fresh flavor.
Great for Leftovers: Store them well and they’re just as tasty on day two, maybe even better.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Maple hazelnut doughnuts are easy, but a few small moves make a big difference:

• Toast the hazelnuts: Don’t skip this — it brings out their deep, nutty aroma and flavor.
• Use real maple syrup: Not pancake syrup. The flavor is richer, more complex, and worth it.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined for a fluffy, soft crumb.
• Let them cool before glazing: A warm doughnut will soak up too much glaze and get soggy.
• Add a second glaze drizzle: For extra shine and sweetness, go over them twice.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gear, just the basics to get bakery-style results at home.

Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
Whisk and Spatula: A whisk helps with smooth batters, and a spatula is great for folding and scraping.
Doughnut Pan: A nonstick pan ensures perfect shapes and easy release.
Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling and glazing without soggy bottoms.
Small Saucepan: To warm and mix your maple glaze until silky.

Ingredients in Maple Hazelnut Doughnuts

These ingredients come together in the coziest harmony — soft, sweet, nutty, and warm. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups — Forms the structure and keeps the doughnuts tender.
2. Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons — Gives them that beautiful rise and fluffiness.
3. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon — Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
4. Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon — Adds a warm spice note that pairs perfectly with maple.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1/3 cup — Lightly sweetens the base without overpowering.
6. Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup — Brings moisture and a deep, caramel flavor.
7. Egg: 1 large — Binds the batter and adds richness.
8. Milk: 1/2 cup — Adds moisture and soft texture.
9. Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (pure) — Infuses the batter with warm, woodsy sweetness.
10. Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted — Gives the doughnuts richness and tenderness.
11. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon — Adds a soft, aromatic base.
12. Powdered Sugar: 1 cup — Forms the base of the glaze.
13. Additional Maple Syrup: 3 tablespoons — For the maple glaze.
14. Milk (for glaze): 1–2 tablespoons — Thins the glaze to perfect consistency.
15. Toasted Hazelnuts: 1/3 cup, chopped — Sprinkled on top for texture and nutty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to make a few swaps? No problem.

Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Butter: Try melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar if you want a more natural sweetener.
Hazelnuts: Swap for pecans or walnuts — they toast beautifully too.
Maple Syrup: If needed, try agave or honey, though the flavor will shift slightly.

Ingredient Spotlight

Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener has a rich, caramelized flavor with earthy undertones. The real deal (not imitation syrup) gives these doughnuts their signature taste.

Hazelnuts: Buttery, slightly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic when toasted. They add crunch and balance to the tender doughnuts.

Instructions for Making Maple Hazelnut Doughnuts

Ready to bake something warm, sweet, and totally addictive? Here are the steps to make your own batch of these dreamy doughnuts:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your doughnut pan.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Spoon or pipe the batter into your doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Smooth the tops slightly if needed, and tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
6. Finishing Touches:
   For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk as needed for your desired consistency. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze and place back on the rack. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts while glaze is still wet.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let the glaze set slightly, then grab one while it’s still warm and indulge in maple-hazelnut bliss.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These doughnuts have it all. A fluffy, cakey crumb inside, a smooth maple glaze on top, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts to finish. The sweet maple sings, while the cinnamon warms it all up. Every bite has a soft middle and crisp nutty top, creating that just-right balance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few smart tricks can take your doughnuts from good to bakery-level greatness:

• Let the glaze set slightly before serving for a polished finish.
• Use a piping bag to fill the doughnut pan cleanly.
• Store hazelnuts in the freezer and toast just before using to keep them fresh.

What to Avoid

Here’s what to watch out for if you want perfect doughnuts every time:

• Overmixing the batter — it makes them tough.
• Glazing while hot — it melts off.
• Using fake syrup — the flavor just doesn’t compare.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep ahead? You’re covered. Bake the doughnuts a day in advance and store them unglazed in an airtight container. Glaze them fresh the next day. They also freeze well — just thaw and glaze. To reheat, warm in a low oven for 5 minutes.

How to Serve Maple Hazelnut Doughnuts

They shine alongside a cup of coffee or chai. Serve them on a cozy brunch table, arrange on a wooden board for guests, or even stack them into a doughnut tower for celebrations. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty snowy touch too.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? Here’s how to reinvent them:

• Slice and toast them for a crispy doughnut biscotti.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream with extra nuts.
• Turn them into a doughnut bread pudding with maple custard.

Additional Tips

Keep things fresh and flavorful every time:

• Use high-quality vanilla for depth.
• Sift powdered sugar before making the glaze for a silky texture.
• Always toast nuts for the best flavor payoff.

Make It a Showstopper

Want them to steal the spotlight? Stack them on a cake stand, drizzle extra glaze in zig-zags, and sprinkle a few whole toasted hazelnuts on the plate. Use parchment or linen underneath for that artisan feel.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Glaze: Swap the maple glaze for a glossy chocolate version.
• Mini Doughnuts: Make them bite-sized for parties or gifting.
• Filled Version: Add a maple cream filling for an extra surprise.
• Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for warmth.
• Vegan Style: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil, and egg substitute.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these without a doughnut pan?

A1: Yes, you can use a muffin tin and create a doughnut shape using foil balls in the center.

Q2: How do I toast hazelnuts?

A2: Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.

Q3: Can I use maple extract instead of syrup?

A3: You can, but use only a few drops since it’s concentrated and add extra liquid for balance.

Q4: Are these baked or fried?

A4: These are baked, so they’re lighter and easier to make at home.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?

A5: Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q6: Do I have to glaze them?

A6: Nope. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar dip works too.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Yes, it scales up perfectly for a bigger batch.

Q9: What if I don’t have brown sugar?

A9: Use all white sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses for that depth.

Q10: Can I freeze them?

A10: Yes. Freeze them unglazed, then thaw and glaze before serving.

Conclusion

Maple hazelnut doughnuts bring a bit of sweet joy to your day — simple to make, cozy to eat, and packed with warmth in every bite. So next time you’re craving something homemade and comforting, give these a try. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

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