Maple Donut Cookies are soft & pillowy donut-shaped cookies with a lovely maple glaze topping. Everything you love about maple donuts, only in cookie form!
Our family has always loved maple bars, so when I had the idea to make maple donut cookies, I was so excited to test the process out! I used my Soft Buttermilk Sugar Cookie dough recipe because unlike other donut cookies, where you cut out donut shapes from traditional sugar cookie dough, I wanted these to really resemble donuts in taste and texture.
The result? OMG! They’re incredible- maple bar lovers rejoice, because I’m about to introduce you to your new favorite cookie! They’re pillowy, perfectly sweet cookies with a lovely soft maple glaze topping. Sprinkles are optional but super fun! Be sure to read my notes and watch the video. Maple Donut Cookies aren’t difficult to make, but the dough is a bit sticky, so I give tips on managing it better.
Maple Donut Cookie Ingredients
yields 2.5- 3 dozen cookies
1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Maple Glaze ingredients
2 TBSP butter
2-4 TBSP milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 TBSP corn syrup or maple syrup
1 tsp maple extract
1 cup powdered sugar
How to make maple glaze
You make a traditional maple glaze by whisking together warm milk and melted butter with corn syrup, brown sugar and maple extract. Once smooth, whisk powdered sugar into the butter mixture until the appropriate consistency is formed. Feel free to add in a little more milk if you need to! I give instructions on how to make the maple glaze on the stovetop or in the microwave below.
Why Use Maple Extract Instead of Maple Syrup
I get this question often and while it seems like there wouldn’t be an issue, using maple syrup in place of maple extract just does not work. The reason why is the syrup adds too much liquid and not enough maple flavor. So to get even a fraction of maple flavor, you’d have to use 4-5x the amount of syrup for the icing.
Jodie Fitz says
THESE look amazing! Would LOVE to have you share at Reader Tip Tuesday (we’re open and growing all week long) xo http://www.jodiefitz.com/2018/09/25/reader-tip-tuesday-weeks-craft-recipe-party-14-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/
Maggie K says
Made these yesterday! Mine were not as pretty but they are very good! Itwas almost like eating a maple glaze donut ! They are A large, rich soft sugar cookie! My glaze did not harden but I could stack them. Have milk or coffee on hand to top off the deliciousness . I will make again.
Barrie Mooney says
These are such a cute idea- I thought it really was a donut- these would make a fun April fool’s Day too- a yummy trick!
Amy says
Oh these Maple donut cookies look soooo good. Congratulations on the feature at Foodie Friday.
Ariana says
This looks mouth watering! I think I will try them this weekend for my daughter’s birthday! Thanks for sharing!
Kaylie says
Thank you, Ariana! Hopefully your daughter likes them!
Suzy says
Now these donut cookies are a must-try! Love maple!
Kaylie says
Thank you, Suzy!
Sarah says
Dare I say BETTER than donuts?!?
Kaylie says
They just might be! Thank you, Sarah!
ANGELINE says
UR PRINT BUTTON DOES NOT WORK CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!
Micki says
Oh yum! I love that these are made with real maple syrup! They were a huge hit in our house.
Kaylie says
Thank you, Micki!
Wilhelmina says
These are adorable, delicious, so easy ~ I love everything about them!
Kaylie says
Thank you, Wilhelmina!
Katie says
Looks so delicious and fun! My family would love this.
Kaylie says
Thank you, Katie!