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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

4.8 from 30 reviews

Deliciously spiced apple cider donuts that combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a tender, moist texture. These homemade donuts are coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for an autumn treat or any time you crave a comforting sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup, concentrated and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
  2. Prep the Baking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix for tender donuts.
  6. Add Reduced Apple Cider: Fold the cooled reduced apple cider into the batter, incorporating it evenly for that flavorful apple essence throughout the batter.
  7. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
  8. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a donut comes out clean, and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
  9. Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm for the coating process.
  10. Coat Donuts: In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly for a sweet, spiced finish.
  11. Serve: Serve the coated apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as a perfect fall breakfast or snack treat.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh apple cider and reduce it properly to concentrate the taste.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
  • If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in muffin tins for apple cider muffin rings, though the shape will differ.
  • Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat donuts briefly in the microwave or oven to regain their fresh warmth before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, cinnamon donuts, fall recipes, autumn treats, spiced donuts, easy homemade donuts