Chai Donuts

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly cozy, these Chai Donuts are the perfect baked treat for fall mornings. Sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a simple glaze, they’re infused with aromatic chai spices and come together in just under 30 minutes. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate seasonal indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chai donuts are everything you want in a quick, homemade baked good—they’re soft, flavorful, and baked instead of fried, making them lighter yet still satisfyingly sweet. The blend of chai spices brings cozy warmth to every bite, and the maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the simple glaze. They’re easy to make, with minimal mess and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon chai spice mix
1 large egg
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease donut pans with non-stick baking spray and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and chai spice mix.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the donut pan cavities. You can spoon it in or use a piping bag for less mess.

6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

7. Let donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

8. While the donuts cool, whisk powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth to make the icing.

9. Once donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze and place them back on the rack to set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 donuts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes

Variations

• Chai Spice Blend: Use a homemade mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper if you don’t have pre-made chai spice.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk for whole milk.

• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk and oil.

• Extra Glaze Flavor: Add a touch of maple syrup or vanilla extract to the glaze.

• Sugar Dusting: Skip the icing and dust the donuts with cinnamon sugar while warm.

• Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of chai spice mix or cinnamon to the icing for an extra burst of flavor.

• Filled Donuts: Pipe a bit of spiced cream cheese into the center of baked donuts for a rich twist.

• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.

• Nut Topping: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on the wet glaze for crunch.

• Maple Glaze: Replace the milk in the icing with pure maple syrup for a deeper maple flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If unglazed, they can be stored at room temperature for 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften slightly. Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake them in a muffin tin—just note the shape will be different, and you may need to slightly adjust the baking time.

What is in chai spice?

Chai spice typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. You can make your own or buy a pre-mixed blend.

Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup, though the flavor will change slightly.

How do I keep the donuts from sticking?

Make sure to thoroughly grease the donut pan with non-stick spray or use a non-stick silicone donut mold.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Why are my donuts dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply scale the ingredients to make more donuts. Use multiple pans or bake in batches.

Is it okay to use low-fat milk?

Yes, but whole milk provides the best texture and flavor. Plant-based milk alternatives also work.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. The tops should also spring back lightly when touched.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing to keep the baking powder active, but you can prep your dry and wet ingredients separately in advance.

Conclusion

These Chai Donuts are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and infused with warm chai spices, they’re a cozy treat that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Whether served warm with a cup of tea or as a weekend breakfast centerpiece, they’ll bring a little extra comfort to any morning.