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
Butter: Use ½ cup softened butter (1 stick) to create a soft, tender cookie crumb. Softened butter helps mix the sugars and eggs smoothly.
Sugars: You need ½ cup of each granulated sugar and brown sugar. The granulated sugar helps with crisp edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor thanks to its molasses content.
Egg: 1 egg binds ingredients and provides structure without making the cookie dense.
Buttermilk: Adding ¾ cup buttermilk gives the cookies moisture and a slight tang. Also it reacts with baking soda to help leaven the dough.
Extract: 1 tsp vanilla enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the maple.
Flour: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour provides the right texture when combined with leavening.
Baking soda: Using ½ tsp baking soda leavens the dough by releasing carbon dioxide with acid from buttermilk, giving a light texture.
Salt: ½ tsp salt balances sweetness and strengthens flavor.
Maple Glaze ingredients
Butter: You need 2 TBSP butter to add richness and a glossy finish.
Milk: 2-4 TBSP milk adjusts the glaze consistency for smooth spreading.
Sugars: ¼ cup brown sugar sweetens and thickens the glaze, while 1 cup powdered sugar creates a smooth texture.
Syrup: 1 TBSP corn syrup (or maple syrup) adds shine and enhances the flavor.
Extract: Adding 1 tsp maple extract provides concentrated maple aroma and taste to the glaze.

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.
How long are Maple Donut Cookies good for?
Your baked Maple Donut Cookies will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. It’s best to freeze the cookies without the maple glaze. Once thawed, you can apply the glaze fresh to maintain its texture and appearance.
What can be used as a substitute for buttermilk?
You can replace buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and an acid like lemon juice or white vinegar. Use ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of acid, let it sit for 5 minutes, then add to your dough.
This provides the same acidity that buttermilk contributes, which helps with texture and rise.
How can you ensure the glaze sets properly on the cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent melting. Use a glaze with the right balance of powdered sugar and liquid to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
Let the glazed cookies rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to fully set.
Is there an alternative to maple extract to maintain the flavor in the glaze?
You can substitute pure maple syrup for maple extract in the glaze. Use about 1 tablespoon of syrup to match the maple flavor.
Keep in mind this may slightly alter the glaze texture, so adjust powdered sugar if needed for consistency.
Enjoy more maple flavored cookies here:
- Maple Sandwich Cookies are buttery cut-out cookies shaped like maple leaves and filled with a silky maple buttercream for the perfect fall-inspired treat!
- Our recipe for Maple Bacon Cookies combine savory and sweet with bacon grease and maple syrup in the dough, then topped with maple icing and crispy crumbled bacon—irresistibly bold and delicious!
- These Honey Maple Chocolate Chip Cookies are sweet, nutty, and irresistible, made with honey, maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips.
- Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies are spiced oatmeal cookies filled with a rich, buttery maple frosting—perfectly cozy and delicious!
Maple Donut Cookies are soft, pillowy, donut-shaped cookies topped with a sweet maple glaze—everything you love about maple donuts, now in cookie form!
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!