Maple Butter Donut Tails

Here's an easy summer treat everyone will love. These fluffy fried dough bites are made with milk from Ontario and finished with local rich maple butter for the perfect balance of crisp, soft, and sweet. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, celebrating a long weekend, or craving a fair-inspired dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Prep icon
PREP25 min
Prep icon
Cooking5 min
Prep icon
Ready in1 h 30 min

Ingredients

Topping

Instructions

  1. Step
    Pour hot water into a large bowl and stir in yeast. Let stand for about 10 minutes or until starting to become frothy. Whisk in milk, sugar, and butter to combine. Add egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until ragged dough forms.
  2. Step
    Turn out onto floured work surface and knead dough for about 5 minutes, sprinkling with additional flour, if sticky until soft smooth dough forms. Place dough into an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Step
    Cut dough into 12 pieces and on lightly floured surface, roll into about a 6 to 7-inches (15 to 17.5 cm) oval or beaver tail shape.
  4. Step
    Heat oil in a large heavy-duty pot or deep fryer to about 325ºF to 350ºF (160ºF to 180ºC). Prick donuts with all over with fork on both sides. Cook donuts in batches for about 1 minute, turning until golden. Remove to a paper towel lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
  5. Step
    In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup and butter over medium heat until butter melts and mixture bubbles. Brush donuts generously while warm. Sprinkle with maple sugar and cinnamon to serve.

TIP

The oil should not come up more than halfway up the side of the pot. For a slightly denser donut you can substitute half whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour.