If you love bakery-style donuts with rich vanilla flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Triple Vanilla Donuts with Maple Vanilla Glaze are the ultimate treat. Soft, fluffy, and packed with layers of vanilla from vanilla extract, vanilla bean, and vanilla sugar, these homemade donuts are finished with a silky maple vanilla glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or weekend baking, this easy donut recipe delivers professional bakery results right at home.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Donuts
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (315 g) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100 g) |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) |
| Warm milk (110°F / 43°C) | ¾ cup (180 ml) |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup (60 g) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 bean) | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla sugar (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
For the Maple Vanilla Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 ½ cups (180 g) |
| Pure maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Pinch of salt | Optional |
🍩 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the donuts will rise properly and become fluffy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and activated yeast mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
Roll dough out to about ½ inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut shapes.
Place donuts on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
5. Fry the Donuts
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare Maple Vanilla Glaze
In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and pourable.
7. Glaze the Donuts
Dip slightly cooled donuts into the glaze. Let excess drip off and place on a wire rack to set.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips for Soft & Fluffy Donuts
- Use fresh yeast for best rise.
- Do not overheat oil — too hot will brown outside quickly but leave inside raw.
- Let donuts cool slightly before glazing.
- Add a splash of heavy cream in glaze for extra richness.
- Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor.
🍽 Why You’ll Love These Triple Vanilla Donuts
- Deep, layered vanilla flavor
- Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
- Perfect balance of sweet maple glaze
- Great for brunch parties or holidays
- Freezer-friendly dough option
🔄 Variations
- Bake instead of fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Add white chocolate drizzle on top.
- Make mini donut holes.
- Add cinnamon sugar coating instead of glaze.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Reheat for 10 seconds in microwave for fresh softness.
- Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
