Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

There’s something just magical about Apple Cider Donuts Recipe when autumn rolls around, isn’t there? I absolutely love how these donuts turn out—soft, subtly spiced, and with the warm, tangy essence of reduced apple cider in every bite. Whenever I make a batch, the whole house smells like a cozy fall festival, and my family goes crazy for them faster than I can say “more, please!”

If you’re looking to bring a little seasonal joy into your kitchen, this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is exactly the one to try. It’s wonderfully straightforward, doesn’t require fancy equipment beyond a couple of donut pans, and the end result feels like you’ve captured autumn in dough form. Plus, it’s a cool way to make use of apple cider if you have some on hand, concentrating that flavor into a tender, cinnamon-sugar crusted treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe plays a special role. From the all-purpose flour giving structure to the blend of spices that bring warmth, everything comes together perfectly. Here are some helpful tips for choosing and prepping them.

• Cooking spray: Use a non-stick spray to grease the donut pans evenly, which helps the donuts release easily once baked.
• Apple cider: Look for a naturally sweet and fresh cider; reducing it concentrates the flavor beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Standard flour gives just enough stiffness for tender donuts without heaviness.
• Baking powder: This is your leavening agent to get those donuts light and fluffy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty—essential for balance.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness and warmth; fresh ground is best if you can manage it.
• Ground ginger: Just a pinch gives a mild zing that complements the other spices.
• Ground cinnamon: Divided—some for the batter and some for the sugar coating; this brings that classic fall vibe.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender—it’s better than butter here for the texture.
• Dark brown sugar: Gives a rich molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Divided for sweetness inside the batter and outside for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Large egg: The egg helps bind everything but also keeps the texture light.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on the warm donuts for the classic cinnamon sugar to stick.

Variations

One of my favorite parts about this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your own tastes or dietary needs. When I first tried adding a touch of maple syrup instead of some brown sugar, it added such a lovely depth. Feel free to get creative!

• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—I’ve tested this, and it still works beautifully with a little xanthan gum for binding.
• Spice it up: Some folks like adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile; give it a shot if you like more complexity.
• Baked vs. fried: While this recipe bakes the donuts, frying them is an option if you want that extra crispy edge, just keep an eye on oil temperature.
• Vegan swaps: Swap out the egg for a flaxseed egg and use coconut oil instead of butter for that finishing touch—works well, just a bit denser.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your two donut pans with cooking spray—this step is key, or those donuts will stick! Pour the apple cider into a small pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil, then let it gently simmer down until you’ve got about ½ cup left. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s the little trick that makes all the difference in flavor, concentrating that fresh apple taste. Let the cider cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This blend of spices brings that cozy warmth and depth we’re aiming for. Mixing these well upfront helps the donuts bake evenly and avoids clumps of baking powder or salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients & Sugar

Over in a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar until smooth and combined—that brown sugar really gives it a rich caramel undertone. Add the egg and whisk that in until everything looks nicely incorporated. The texture here will be somewhat smooth and slightly thick.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Add the dry ingredients and the cooled reduced apple cider to the wet mix. Use a whisk or spatula to gently fold everything together just until combined—don’t overmix or your donuts might turn out tough. It’s perfectly okay if a few small lumps remain.

Step 5: Fill and Bake the Donuts

I find using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off makes filling the donut pans super neat and easy, but you can also spoon the batter in. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full—you don’t want to overfill or they’ll overflow as they rise. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops look dry and spring back when touched gently. Let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.

Step 6: Butter & Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, brush each generously with melted butter—that’s what helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly. In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar with 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, then toss each donut gently until fully coated in that sweet-spicy goodness. This part always feels like the grand finale and the donuts really shine here!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these donuts—a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar does the trick for me. But sometimes I add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. Occasionally, a light drizzle of maple glaze elevates them perfectly for special occasions without overpowering the apple cider flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—that spice combo is a match made in heaven. For a brunch spread, throw in some fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of warm apple butter to spread on the donuts. I occasionally serve them alongside soft scrambled eggs for a fun sweet and savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve tried stacking the donuts on a tiered serving tray lined with autumn leaves and small pumpkins for a festive tablescape. You can also thread them onto a pretty wooden skewer for a donut kabob—kids love that! Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with twine makes fantastic take-home gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I keep leftover Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—this helps maintain their tender crumb and soft texture. If you live somewhere humid, I recommend a loose wrap with a paper towel to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want one, I just thaw it overnight at room temperature and sometimes refresh it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that just-baked warmth.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these donuts is in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. It revives the texture and aroma much better than microwaving, which sometimes makes them too soft or rubbery. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave can work, but keep an eye on them!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe has quickly become a fall favorite in my family, not just because of the incredible flavors but also how much joy it brings around the kitchen table. Making them from scratch feels so rewarding, and they’re such a comforting treat to share with loved ones. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease with that cozy homemade vibe, give this a try—I promise it won’t disappoint. Happy baking!

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