Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe because it brings that cozy, crisp autumn feeling right into your kitchen. The warm spices and the subtle tang from the reduced cider make each bite feel like a delicious hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, they turn out perfectly cakey and soft, with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating that just makes everyone smile.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the apple cider intensifies the flavor without making the dough wet or heavy. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a simple donut pan and a bit of patience. You’ll find that these donuts are super approachable for anyone who’s a little nervous about baking donuts at home. Trust me, after making them a few times, they quickly became a family favorite around here.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of spice and sweetness. I always recommend looking for fresh spices and quality apple cider—you’ll definitely taste the difference!

• Cooking spray: Use a non-stick spray to ensure your donuts release easily from the pans.
• Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the sweet-tart flavor without adding too much liquid to the batter.
• All-purpose flour: The base for a tender, cakey texture—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking powder: Helps your donuts rise and stay light.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds warm, earthy spice—a little goes a long way!
• Ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that pairs beautifully with apple cider.
• Ground cinnamon: Divided between the batter and coating for that signature taste everyone loves.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist without overpowering the flavors.
• Dark brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the batter and coating for that classic cinnamon-sugar crunch.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for brushing before coating, ensuring the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.

Variations

Personally, I love tweaking this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to experiment with spices or toppings to make it your own—you’ll enjoy discovering favorite new twists!

• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a pinch of ground cloves and allspice to the batter for a cozy pumpkin spice flavor—I tried this last fall and it was a big hit with friends.
• Glaze Instead of Cinnamon Sugar: Drizzle a simple maple or vanilla glaze over the cooled donuts for a sweeter presentation that’s perfect for brunch.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier donut—my husband really noticed the difference and loved it!
• Oil Alternatives: Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil to add a subtle tropical note; it’s a lovely surprise if you like a hint of coconut.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two donut pans lightly with cooking spray. Then, pour the apple cider into a small pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. This part takes about 10 to 15 minutes—watch as it reduces down to about half a cup, intensifying that apple flavor. Let it cool completely before moving on. This trick boosts the cider’s sweetness without making your batter too wet.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

While the cider is reducing, combine the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, nutmeg, ginger, and two teaspoons of cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk these well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed so every bite has consistent flavor. This step helps avoid clumps and makes sure your donuts rise just right.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then crack in the egg and whisk again until everything’s incorporated. This combination forms the rich, tender base of the dough—you’ll find that whisking the sugars first helps break them down for better texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients and the cooled cider to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula just until incorporated—don’t overmix or your donuts can turn out dense. The batter should be thick but pipeable. If you want, transfer the batter to a piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag with a small corner cut off for easy filling.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans and Bake

Pipe or spoon the batter into your prepared pans, filling each mold about three-quarters full to leave room for rising. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes—watch for the tops to look set and dry to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Once done, let your donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, brush the donuts lightly with melted butter, then toss them in a shallow bowl of the remaining granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon. I love this step because the warm butter helps the sugar stick evenly, creating that classic crunchy coating. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just the cinnamon sugar, but sometimes I dust leftover powdered sugar or drizzle a light caramel sauce if I’m feeling fancy. Adding chopped toasted pecans to the cinnamon sugar coating also adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that’s worth trying.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider. If it’s brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties, I’ve arranged these donuts on a wooden board with fresh apples and cinnamon sticks to create a cozy spread. Stacking them in a donut tower or threading them onto a decorative string makes for a fun and festive display that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple cider donuts keep well stored airtight at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend placing them in a single layer to keep that cinnamon sugar crisp. If you stack them, just be mindful of sugar rubbing off.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts before by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They thaw wonderfully at room temperature and taste nearly as fresh as when first baked—perfect for making ahead of holiday crowds!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes just to warm through and revive that soft texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make the sugar coating soggy and the donut a bit chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a simple way to bring that magical autumn vibe indoors. I love how easy it is to make yet how much it impresses with flavor and texture. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake again and again, sharing warm moments with your family and friends.

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