There is something utterly magical about the warm, spicy aroma and tender crumb of homemade apple cider donuts that instantly makes you feel cozy and nostalgic. This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe perfectly captures that autumnal spirit with its delightful blend of spices and the natural sweetness of reduced apple cider. Whether you fry or bake them, these donuts are soft, flavorful, and generously coated with cinnamon sugar, making every bite a little moment of seasonal joy you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to unlocking the full charm of this apple cider treats. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, spice, and texture.
- Apple cider (1 cup, reduced to ½ cup): Concentrating the cider intensifies its rich, fruity flavor that shines through each donut.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that provides structure and ensures a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Reacts with the acidic cider and buttermilk for lightness and slight tang.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and the classic spice note apple cider donuts are known for.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Brings a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Allspice (¼ tsp): Enhances the spice blend with a hint of clove and pepper.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the donuts both inside and out when used for coating.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Provides moisture and a slight tang, working with leaveners for fluffiness.
- Oil for frying (if frying): Choose a neutral oil suitable for deep frying, like vegetable or canola oil.
- Cinnamon sugar (for coating): The finishing touch that brings crunch, sweetness, and spice to every bite.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by gently simmering the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it reduces to half its original volume, concentrating the sweet and tangy flavors. Then, set it aside to cool completely before adding it to the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This spice-packed mixture is what will add those signature autumn vibes to your donuts.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and the cooled reduced apple cider until everything is smoothly incorporated. These wet ingredients provide moisture and flavor that balance the dry mix beautifully.
Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, folding them together gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to bring the dough together so it stays tender and soft once cooked.
Step 5: Shape and Cook the Donuts (Frying Method)
If frying, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut into shapes. Heat oil to 350°F, then fry the donuts a few at a time until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Shape and Cook the Donuts (Baking Method)
If baking, spoon the batter into a well-greased donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before removing.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, generously toss them in cinnamon sugar. This step not only adds sweetness and spice but also a pleasant texture contrast, making the donuts truly irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar for an extra dusting of sweetness, or for a festive twist, drizzle a little warm caramel or maple glaze on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar is another elegant option that enhances the look and sweetness.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with hot drinks like spiced apple cider, chai tea, or a robust coffee. Serve alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or apple butter to elevate the experience. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, also complements the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your apple cider donuts on a wooden board for a rustic touch, or serve them in a basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. Another fun idea is to thread mini donuts on a skewer for a playful presentation that’s perfect for gatherings or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their fresh, tender texture. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Freezing
To keep your apple cider donuts fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, reheat donuts gently in a warm oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly for about 15 seconds. Then refresh the cinnamon sugar coating if needed to revive that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly—this mimics buttermilk’s tang and acidity, which helps the donuts rise and tenderize.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
While apple cider is key to that authentic flavor, you can use unsweetened apple juice reduced in the same way, or a mix of juice and a little spice extract, but the depth may vary slightly. The cider reduction really intensifies the apple note in the recipe.
Can I bake the donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely! The recipe provides instructions for both frying and baking. Baked donuts will be a bit lighter and less oily, but just as delicious, especially when coated generously with cinnamon sugar.
How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain fried donuts on paper towels immediately after cooking to remove excess oil. Also, allow the donuts to cool slightly before coating with cinnamon sugar. Proper storage in airtight containers at room temperature also helps maintain freshness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and frying or baking to get the best texture and rise.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is a delightful celebration of fall flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you opt for the traditional fried version or the lighter baked one, these donuts bring a cozy sweetness and spice that’s perfect to share with friends and family. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the comforting joy of fresh, homemade apple cider donuts yourself.
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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and aromatic apple cider donuts made with warm spices and a hint of tangy cider, perfect for autumn mornings or festive gatherings. These donuts can be enjoyed fried for a crispy exterior or baked for a lighter option, all coated in classic cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Reduction
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
For Frying
- Oil for frying (if using fried method)
Coating
- Cinnamon sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Reduce apple cider: Simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to half its volume, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg, buttermilk, and the cooled reduced apple cider until combined smoothly.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold together just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
- Prepare donuts for cooking: For fried donuts, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness, then cut into rounds using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to create the hole.
- Cook the donuts: If frying, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donut rounds in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels. If baking, spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and donuts are lightly browned.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are still warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can choose between frying for a classic crispy texture or baking for a lighter, less oily donut.
- Make sure the reduced apple cider is completely cooled before mixing with the wet ingredients to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense donuts; mix just until combined.
- If baking, use a non-stick donut pan or grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar coating to taste; some prefer a heavier coating for added sweetness and spice.
- Leftover donuts are best reheated briefly and consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
