There’s something unmistakably comforting about the aroma of freshly fried doughnuts wafting through a warm kitchen on a quiet Sunday morning. One of my earliest memories is standing on a step stool next to my grandmother as she rolled out a batch of dough—her version of what I now proudly call my Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe. The golden strips of dough would puff and sizzle in the pot, filling the air with a sweet, buttery scent that promised something wonderful.
When the first batch cooled, she would dip each piece into a glossy Maple Doughnut Glaze that shimmered like amber in the morning light. The smell of maple combined with the yeasty warmth of the dough made that small kitchen feel like the best bakery in town. Even now, whenever I recreate this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe, I’m immediately transported back to that scene—the laughter, the light, and the comfort of sharing something homemade.
Biting into a freshly made Long John is pure nostalgia: a soft, cloud-like interior with the slightest crisp edge and that unmistakable sweet glaze. The Maple Doughnut Glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness—silky, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s a recipe that goes beyond ingredients; it connects moments, generations, and a shared love for simple, homemade pleasures.
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Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
Description
Soft, fluffy rectangular doughnuts coated in a glossy maple glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert. This recipe guides you through mixing, rising, frying, and glazing to create bakery-quality Maple Long Johns at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a small bowl combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, salt, and activated yeast mixture.
3. Add flour one cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
4. Knead dough by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
6. Punch down risen dough, roll out to 1/2-inch thickness, and cut into 4–5 by 1.5–2 inch strips.
7. Place strips on a parchment-lined sheet, cover, and let rise 20–30 minutes.
8. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Drain fried doughnuts on a wire rack over paper towels and let cool 10–15 minutes.
10. In a bowl whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and maple extract; add milk to achieve a pourable glaze.
11. Dip each cooled doughnut into glaze, let excess drip off, and return to rack.
12. Allow glazed doughnuts to set 20–25 minutes before serving or storing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
Keywords: homemade maple long johns, maple doughnut glaze, glaze for doughnuts recipes, maple glaze for donuts recipe, homemade maple glazed donuts, long john doughnuts
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a special treat, or just to warm up a cool morning, this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe brings the same joy every time. Each bite whispers comfort and home, offering that delightful reminder that the best things are often made right in your own kitchen.
Why Maple Long Johns Are So Loved
It’s no surprise that Maple Long Johns have become a beloved classic among donut lovers. Unlike the round, hole-in-the-middle doughnuts we all know, Long Johns are rectangular, generously filled or topped, and covered with a luscious glaze that feels indulgent in the best way. The texture sets them apart—soft and airy on the inside yet lightly crisp around the edges, perfect for holding the silky Maple Doughnut Glaze.
What truly makes these doughnuts stand out is their balance of flavors. The dough is tender and subtly buttery, while the maple topping adds that nostalgic, caramel-like sweetness that reminds many of cozy breakfasts and crisp fall mornings. The combination transforms a simple fried dough into something extraordinary.
This Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze is designed to bring everything you love about bakery-style doughnuts straight to your kitchen. You don’t need professional equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just a bit of time, warmth, and a love for making sweet things that bring smiles. With this guide, you’ll learn how to achieve that perfect lightness in the dough, how to get your glaze smooth and glossy, and how to recreate that bakery-quality finish right at home.
Making your own Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe isn’t just about following steps—it’s about enjoying the process. The gentle hum of the mixer, the yeasty aroma as the dough rises, and the anticipation of dipping freshly fried doughnuts into rich, velvety glaze all make the experience special. And once you take that first bite—soft, sweet, and perfectly glazed—you’ll understand why these doughnuts are so dearly loved.
The Maple Doughnut Glaze is truly what ties it all together. It completes each piece with a smooth, golden coating that melts on your tongue. Whether you make them for family brunch, a festive gathering, or just because you need a little comfort in your day, this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze will quickly become a kitchen staple and a sweet story to pass down.
Crafting the Perfect Doughnut – Ingredients and Dough Tips
Key Ingredients for Soft, Fluffy Long Johns
The foundation of a perfect Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe lies in choosing quality ingredients and understanding how each one contributes to the soft, airy texture and rich flavor. A well-balanced dough gives you that bakery-style bite—light, slightly chewy, and perfectly golden after frying. The glaze, though simple, transforms each Long John into a glossy, maple‑kissed delight.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups | Gives structure and soft crumb |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) | Helps dough rise and become fluffy |
| Whole milk (warm, 105–110°F) | 1 cup | Adds richness and activates yeast |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Feeds yeast and enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup | Adds tenderness and flavor |
| Large eggs | 2 | Improve texture and binding |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed | For crisp, golden edges |
| For the Maple Doughnut Glaze: | ||
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Base for a smooth, glossy Glaze for Doughnuts Recipes |
| Pure maple syrup | 3 tablespoons | Provides authentic maple flavor |
| Maple extract | ½ teaspoon | Deepens taste—use real extract for best aroma |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons | Creates silky texture |
| Milk or cream | 1–2 tablespoons | Adjusts thickness |
The key to the perfect Maple Glaze for Donuts Recipe is using real maple syrup rather than flavored syrup. The natural sweetness and fragrance pair beautifully with the doughy base, creating that signature maple‑bakery essence.
You can substitute whole milk with plant‑based milk if needed, though dairy milk gives more richness. The butter ensures tenderness, while eggs provide elasticity.
When making the Maple Doughnut Glaze, always sift powdered sugar before mixing to avoid lumps. This small step results in a smooth, professional finish worthy of your favorite bakery.
Expert Tips for Dough Perfection and Frying Tools
Every great batch of Long Johns starts with a well‑kneaded dough and precise temperature control. Even though this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze uses simple ingredients, attention to detail can be the difference between heavy doughnuts and those heavenly, fluffy ones that almost melt in your mouth.
- Activate your yeast the right way: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, then allow it to foam. Active yeast ensures light dough.
- Kneading matters: Knead until the dough is smooth, a bit tacky but not sticky. Good kneading develops gluten and perfect texture.
- Resting and rising: Let the dough double in size in a warm spot; this yields pillow‑soft insides.
- Shaping tips: Roll and cut into even strips around 4–5 inches long, then rest again so they puff up before frying.
- Frying temperature: Maintain 350°F (175°C). Fry a few at a time, drain thoroughly, and cool on a rack.
- Baking option: For a lighter version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, brushed with butter before baking.
- Essential tools: Use a stand mixer for kneading, a candy thermometer for oil temperature, and a cooling rack for texture.
- Texture check: The dough should spring back gently when poked—soft and elastic is ideal.
- Glazing tip: Always cool doughnuts slightly before dipping to help the glaze cling beautifully.
- Avoiding mistakes: Keep the oil steady, avoid over‑kneading, and adjust glaze thickness with milk or sugar as needed.
Mastering these steps ensures each Homemade Maple Long Johns turns out light and golden, ready for its silky Maple Doughnut Glaze.
Making and Glazing – Step-by-Step Preparation
Step-by-Step Maple Long Johns Recipe
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let foam for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix the dough: Add butter, eggs, and salt. Mix in flour gradually until soft and elastic.
- First rise: Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
- Shape the Long Johns: Punch down dough, roll to ½-inch thickness, and cut into 4–5-inch strips. Rest 20–30 minutes.
- Fry until golden: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side, drain on a rack.
- Optional baking: Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes if preferred.
- Cool before glazing: Rest 15 minutes before dipping in glaze for the perfect set.
The Best Maple Doughnut Glaze and Finishing Touch
The Maple Doughnut Glaze brings everything together beautifully. It’s smooth, rich, and aromatic—the signature of a true Maple Glaze for Donuts Recipe.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, butter, and extract. Add milk gradually to adjust texture.
- Adjust and test: Thin with milk or thicken with sugar for a smooth sheen that coats evenly.
- Glaze the doughnuts: Dip each top-side down, let excess drip, and rest on a wire rack.
- Personalize: Sprinkle toasted pecans or drizzle chocolate for extra flair.
- Set and store: Let sit uncovered 20–25 minutes until glossy. Store airtight for up to two days or refrigerate for four. Reheat briefly and enjoy.
Once complete, the Homemade Maple Glazed Donuts gleam with golden glaze, delicate sweetness, and irresistible aroma. The combination of crisp exterior and cloud-like interior makes every bite a bakery-worthy indulgence. Each detail—from the first rise to that final dip—transforms this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze into an unforgettable homemade treat.
Frequently Asked Questions and Final Thoughts
FAQs About Maple Long Johns
Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying?
Yes. While frying gives that classic texture, baking at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes offers a lighter option. Once cooled, dip into your Maple Doughnut Glaze for the same great flavor.
How long can I store maple glazed doughnuts?
Fresh is best, but Homemade Maple Glazed Donuts last two days airtight or four refrigerated. Freeze un‑glazed ones for longer storage, then glaze when ready to serve.
What can substitute maple extract?
Combine pure maple syrup with a few drops of vanilla extract if you don’t have maple extract. It gives the Maple Glaze for Donuts Recipe a warm, balanced sweetness.
Why did my glaze turn too thick or too thin?
If too thick, whisk in milk a teaspoon at a time; if thin, add powdered sugar. Proper texture for Glaze for Doughnuts Recipes should coat a spoon but still flow smoothly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate after the first rise overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping. Glaze freshly fried or baked doughnuts for best texture.
Conclusion – Bringing the Bakery Home
Creating a batch of Homemade Maple Long Johns from scratch is a celebration of simple ingredients turned extraordinary. With this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe with the Best Doughnut Glaze, you’ve learned how to achieve bakery-level results right from your kitchen—soft, golden dough paired with a luscious maple finish.
The scent of the Maple Doughnut Glaze filling the air evokes warmth and nostalgia. Each glossy-topped doughnut is a reminder that comfort desserts can be both elegant and heartfelt. Whether served for brunch, shared with loved ones, or enjoyed on a quiet morning, this Homemade Maple Long Johns Recipe delivers pure joy.
Bake, fry, glaze, and share—it’s all part of the charm. As you savor that first bite of warm, maple-sweet perfection, you’ll realize it’s not just a doughnut; it’s a piece of home. With every batch, your kitchen becomes the neighborhood bakery, rich with memories and sweetness worth sharing.
