Step 1

Combine 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit), 3/4 cup warm milk along with 1 tbsp sugar and 2 tsp yeast. Give it a quick whisk and wait till it gets foamy. About 10 minutes.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer add 5 1/2 cups of flour(spooned and leveled off with a knife) , 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup sugar, the frothy yeast mixture, and 5 large eggs. Using the hook attachment, mix everything together on medium-high speed.

Step 3

When the donut dough begins to come together add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for about 8 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic and no longer sticks to the sides of the stand mixer.

Step 4

Place the donut dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. ( I like to speed it up in the oven on the “proof” setting).

Step 5

After the dough rises punch it down, reshape it, and let it rise again until it becomes twice the size (about an hour),

Step 6

Now remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a well-floured surface. Dust some more flour on top and roll it out using a rolling pin. You want the dough to be about a 3/4 inch thick rectangle. (About 15x17 inches)

Step 7

Now cut out the 12 donut bars using a pizza cutter and place them on a baking sheet dusted with flour. Then let them rise for about 30 more minutes.

Step 8

Pour about 2 inches of corn or vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and let the oil come to 360-375 degrees Fahrenheit (I used this instant-read thermometer). Now fry each side of the donut for a few minutes per side or until golden brown.

Step 9

Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Let them cool completely.

Step 10

To make the glaze melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan. Then add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 TBSP milk, and 1 TBSP corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium and let it come to a simmer.

Step 11

Then turn the heat off and add 2 tsp of maple extract and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Stir until smooth.

Step 12

Then dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze and let them set on a cooling rack.