There’s just something magical about the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? These Apple Cider Doughnuts bring all the cozy, nostalgic fall vibes—but honestly, I crave them year-round. Think warm, fluffy doughnuts with a crisp, golden exterior, dusted in a generous coat of cinnamon sugar. Yeah, they’re that good.
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Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a lazy Sunday treat, or just want something sweet with your coffee, these doughnuts are your new go-to. Trust me, once you try them, there’s no going back to store-bought. Let’s dive into why these little beauties deserve a spot in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Doughnuts
Versatile: These doughnuts are perfect for a cozy weekend at home, brunch with friends, or even as a fun dessert at your next gathering. You can bake them or fry them, serve them warm or at room temp—they’re always a hit.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients here. Just simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and of course, apple cider. You might already have everything on hand!
Quick and Easy: Don’t let “doughnuts” intimidate you. This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require any special equipment. No yeast, no stress.
Customizable: Want to make them spicier? Add extra nutmeg or a dash of cardamom. Want them gluten-free? Swap in your favorite blend. These doughnuts are super adaptable.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone—kids, adults, even the picky eaters—loves these. That cinnamon sugar coating alone is enough to win hearts.
Ingredients in Apple Cider Doughnuts
Here’s where the flavor begins. These doughnuts get their signature taste from a handful of cozy ingredients that come together like magic:
Apple Cider: The star ingredient. Simmered down to concentrate its sweet, tangy flavor—it gives the doughnuts that irresistible apple kick.
All-Purpose Flour: Your base. It gives structure without making the doughnuts too dense.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two work together to give the doughnuts a soft, tender crumb and the perfect rise.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and makes the cinnamon sugar coating stick like a dream.
Brown Sugar: A touch of molasses-y depth and warmth.
Butter: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and keep the dough moist.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): The holy trinity of fall flavors. They add warmth and make the kitchen smell amazing while you bake.
Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and moisture, keeping the doughnuts soft.
Vanilla Extract: A little touch of cozy sweetness to round out the flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar: The finishing touch. Crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-addictive.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F or your oil to 350°F if you’re frying. This ensures your doughnuts cook evenly and get that perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, mix the reduced apple cider, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, butter, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: If baking, lightly grease your doughnut pan or line a baking sheet with parchment. If frying, get your oil hot and ready in a deep pot.
Assemble the Dish: Slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be gentle—you don’t want to overmix! Spoon or pipe the batter into doughnut molds, or roll it out and cut if frying.
Cook to Perfection:
- For baking: Pop them in the oven for about 12–15 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
- For frying: Fry in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
Finishing Touches: While still warm, roll the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar so it sticks perfectly. Don’t wait too long—this step is crucial for that classic coating.
Serve and Enjoy: Best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a mug of hot cider, coffee, or tea. These doughnuts are guaranteed to make any day feel a little more special.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Apple Cider Doughnuts
These beauties can hold their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
With Coffee or Tea: The perfect match for your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Dipped in Caramel Sauce: For a little extra indulgence, serve with warm caramel or even chocolate sauce.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Warm doughnut + cold ice cream = dessert heaven.
At Brunch: Pair with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a dreamy brunch board.
As a Gift: Wrap a few in parchment and tie with twine—instant cozy vibes and major gift-giving points.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can make the dough the night before and chill it. Just let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking or frying.
Spice It Up: Play around with pumpkin pie spice, ginger, or a splash of rum extract for a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the buttermilk for almond milk + lemon juice for a dairy-free version. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for that “just-baked” taste.
Double the Batch: These freeze well! Freeze uncoated doughnuts and roll in cinnamon sugar after reheating.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute apple cider with apple juice?
A1: You can, but reduce it the same way to intensify the flavor. Apple cider has a deeper taste, so juice will be a bit lighter.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight, or bake/fry and store for a day or two.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Freeze the baked or fried doughnuts (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Use the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! This recipe scales up well and is perfect for parties or batch baking.
Q7: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A7: Yes! They come out soft and cake-like. Great option if you’re trying to cut down on oil.
Q8: Do I need a doughnut pan?
A8: Not necessarily. You can fry shaped dough by hand or use a muffin tin as an alternative.
Q9: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A9: Yes, though it may make them a bit denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.
Q10: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A10: Make your own by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new favorite way to celebrate apples, fall, or let’s be honest… just about any day that needs a little extra warmth and sweetness. These Apple Cider Doughnuts are the kind of treat that brings people together and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you bake them for a crowd or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here), one thing’s for sure: they’re a total game-changer. Now go on, grab that cider, and let’s get baking!
Print
Apple Cider Doughnuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are the perfect fall treat. Light and fluffy with a hint of apple cider and warm spices, these doughnuts are topped with a rich, brown butter cinnamon maple glaze. They make for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (for glaze)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3/4–1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter.
- In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cooled cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Stir until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Toss the chopped apples in the cinnamon sugar, then fold into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pan, filling each cup 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12–13 minutes until set. Let cool for 5 minutes, then release and invert the doughnuts.
- To make the glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and let it brown slightly (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon.
- Dip or drizzle the doughnuts with the glaze. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For deeper flavor, make the glaze with dark maple syrup.
- You can substitute the doughnut pan with a muffin pan if needed.
- Enjoy the doughnuts fresh for best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut (approx.)
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg