Cozy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Treat

Sweet autumn memories dance through kitchens when apple cider donuts arrive on the scene.

Crisp mornings and cozy sweaters pair perfectly with these delectable treats.

Fragrant spices swirl around warm dough, promising comfort in every bite.

Weekend baking adventures reach new heights with this simple yet magical recipe.

Cinnamon-sugar coatings create a nostalgic crunch that beckons you closer.

Soft, pillowy centers melt effortlessly, capturing the essence of fall’s most beloved flavors.

You’ll want to share these golden delights with everyone around you.

Why You’ll Crave Apple Cider Donuts

• Reduced apple cider creates an intense, concentrated sweetness that elevates the entire donut experience with rich, deep autumnal notes.
• Enjoy ultimate flexibility by choosing between baking or frying, making this recipe adaptable for different cooking preferences and kitchen setups.
• Simple mixing method and straightforward ingredients ensure even novice bakers can successfully create delicious homemade donuts without advanced culinary skills.
• Warm cinnamon-sugar coating and classic fall flavors make these donuts an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings, breakfast, or sweet snack moments.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts

• Apple Cider: Concentrated flavor base for the donuts.
• Flour: Provides structure and texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic flavors that complement apple.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Butter, Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor.
• Sugars: Sweetens and helps with caramelization.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps donuts rise and become fluffy.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: For frying method.

Making Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce Apple Cider

Grab a small saucepan and pour in fresh apple cider.

Simmer the liquid over medium heat, watching it transform and concentrate.

Let it bubble away until it shrinks down to a rich, syrupy quarter cup.

This process takes about 15-20 minutes and will intensify the apple flavor.

Step 2: Cool the Cider Reduction

Set the reduced cider aside and let it cool completely.

Patience is key here – the liquid needs to reach room temperature before moving forward.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Cooled cider reduction
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until they’re smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Create Donut Batter

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overmix.

The batter should be just combined with some small lumps remaining.

Step 6: Prepare for Cooking

Choose your cooking method:

Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a donut pan thoroughly.

Frying Option: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.

Step 7: Cook the Donuts

Baking Method: Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

Frying Method: Carefully drop or pipe batter into hot oil.

Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until deep golden brown.

Step 8: Create Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 9: Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Make sure they’re completely covered for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these apple cider donuts immediately for the best taste and texture.

They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider.

Tips for Apple Cider Donuts

• Simmer apple cider slowly and watch carefully to concentrate the flavor, creating a rich and intense base for your donuts without burning.
• Decide between baking or frying based on your preference – baking offers a lighter texture, while frying provides a classic crispy exterior.
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure tender, soft donuts without developing tough gluten.
• Coat donuts in cinnamon-sugar while they're still warm for better sugar adhesion and a more delicious coating that sticks perfectly.
• When frying, use a thermometer to keep oil at exactly 350°F for consistent golden-brown donuts without greasiness or burning.

Storing and Rewarming Apple Cider Donuts

• Store donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best quality.
• Warm donuts at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and tough.
• Heat for 10-15 seconds if you're in a hurry, but expect a softer texture compared to oven reheating.

Best Pairings for Apple Cider Donuts

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the cozy apple cider donuts with a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or rich hot chocolate, enhancing the warm autumn flavors and creating a comforting sensory experience.
• Elevate with Caramel Dipping Sauce: Create a luxurious accompaniment by preparing a homemade salted caramel sauce that perfectly highlights the donuts' sweet and spicy notes, offering a decadent dipping option.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the donuts' intense cinnamon and apple flavors, adding a cool, smooth contrast.
• Combine with Apple Cider Cocktail: For adult gatherings, craft a spiked apple cider cocktail using bourbon or rum that echoes the recipe's core apple cider ingredient and complements the donuts' warm spice profile.

Flavor Twists on Apple Cider Donuts

• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vegan Apple Cider Donuts: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk to craft a plant-based alternative that's equally delicious.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cider Donuts: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the donuts' classic sweetness and moist consistency.
• Baked Mini Apple Cider Donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized versions, perfect for portion control and easier to share at gatherings or breakfast events.

FAQs

• Why reduce the apple cider before mixing it into the batter?

Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavor, creating a more intense and rich apple taste in the donuts, which makes them more flavorful and aromatic.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, buttermilk provides a tangy flavor and helps create a softer, more tender texture in the donuts due to its acidity.

• What's the best way to tell if my donuts are fully cooked?

For baked donuts, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. For fried donuts, they should be golden brown and float to the surface when fully cooked.

• How do I prevent my donuts from becoming greasy when frying?

Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pot. Drain donuts on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.

Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crisp autumn mornings welcome Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts, a beloved New England treat that captures seasonal warmth with spiced apples and golden, tender crumb. Homemade comfort awaits you in each cinnamon-sugar-coated bite, promising pure nostalgia and delightful breakfast magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Condense the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, reducing it from 1 cup to 1/4 cup in approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Allow the concentrated cider reduction to cool completely to room temperature.
3. Blend dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Whisk together the cooled cider reduction with eggs, melted butter, sugars, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a separate container.
5. Gently fold the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing the batter.
6. For baking method: Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease the donut pan.
7. For frying method: Heat oil in a sturdy pot to precisely 350°F.
8. When baking, fill each donut cavity approximately 3/4 full and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
9. When frying, carefully drop or pipe batter into the hot oil, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
10. Create a coating by thoroughly mixing sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
11. Immediately coat the warm donuts in the fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Notes

• Reduce apple cider slowly and carefully to concentrate its rich, sweet flavor, ensuring the liquid becomes thick and syrupy without burning.
• When mixing wet and dry ingredients, use a light hand to prevent tough, dense donuts by stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Manage oil temperature precisely when frying, using a reliable thermometer to achieve golden-brown donuts that are crispy outside and tender inside.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg