Spicy Maple Glazed Donuts (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Donuts

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp baking soda
05 - ½ tsp salt
06 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 cup buttermilk
10 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ For the Spicy Maple Glaze

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - ¼ cup pure maple syrup
14 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
15 - ½ tsp vanilla extract
16 - 1-2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

→ For Garnish

17 - Crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
18 - Additional cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
05 - Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
08 - While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
09 - Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, ensuring an even coating. Allow the excess glaze to drip off, and place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack.
10 - If desired, sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed donuts and add a light dusting of additional cayenne for an extra kick.
11 - Enjoy the spicy maple glazed donuts warm or at room temperature.