If you’re in the mood for something a little nostalgic, delightfully cozy, and bursting with the flavors of apple and spice, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Apple Cider Donuts. Each bite is soft, cakey, and fragrant with cinnamon and apple, all wrapped up in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar coat that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them at a fall gathering or sneaking one with your morning coffee, these donuts bring a special kind of warmth to any moment. Apple Cider Donuts are more than just a treat—they’re truly an experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it lets a few humble pantry staples shine. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the mix, from luscious apple cider to rich brown sugar and a simple swirl of cinnamon. Don’t miss these essential pieces—they’re what make Apple Cider Donuts so memorable!
- Apple Cider: Reducing this creates a bold apple flavor that infuses each donut with sweet-tart autumn goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender crumb and that classic cake donut texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two give the donuts their light, pillow-y lift.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential for those welcoming, heartwarming spice notes that make Apple Cider Donuts so comforting.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the best flavors in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds moisture and a delicious richness—plus extra for that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Helps add depth and a subtle molasses undertone to the donuts.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and, together with the cinnamon, provides that sparkling final coat!
- Buttermilk: The secret to extra softness and a slight tang that balances the sweet apple flavor.
- Large Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors and makes the donuts taste bakery-quality.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
This is where the Apple Cider Donuts get their signature flavor! Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, concentrating all that autumn deliciousness. Give it a few minutes to cool before adding to your batter—this ensures the best overall texture and flavor.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
While your cider is reducing, fire up the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan well. This little step goes a long way to guaranteeing the donuts pop out with pretty edges and no sticking woes.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking aerates the mixture and helps the spices blend evenly—hello, perfectly spiced Apple Cider Donuts!
Step 4: Make the Wet Mixture
In a large bowl, blend the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and that wonderfully aromatic, reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth and glossy; this is when you’ll start to smell the magic happening.
Step 5: Combine and Fill
Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing leads to tough donuts, so mix with care! Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full for that iconic rounded look.
Step 6: Bake to Cakey Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for donuts that spring back when lightly pressed and have a gorgeous golden color. Allow them a few minutes to cool in the pan before turning out onto a rack—it makes handling so much easier!
Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are still a touch warm, brush them with melted butter. Dip and swirl each one in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Each donut is instantly transformed into the kind you’d find at your favorite fall festival—a sparkling, sweet hug in dessert form.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts
Garnishes
The simplest (and arguably best) way to finish Apple Cider Donuts is a generous toss in cinnamon sugar. If you want to add a fancy touch, drizzle with a little caramel sauce or even sparkly apple cider glaze. A scattering of finely chopped toasted pecans on top adds a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a mug of hot spiced apple cider or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy pairing. For breakfast or brunch, they’re fantastic alongside a fruit salad or a big bowl of vanilla yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack your Apple Cider Donuts on a rustic wooden platter or serve them in a basket lined with a gingham cloth. Individual donut bags make for festive favors, or try threading donuts onto skewers for a playful donut “bouquet.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have extras, cool your Apple Cider Donuts completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The coating may soak in a bit but the flavor will only grow richer and deeper.
Freezing
Once cooled, freeze donuts (without the cinnamon sugar coating) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature then add the buttery coating and cinnamon sugar just before serving—they’ll taste bakery-fresh!
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop Apple Cider Donuts in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or zap them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Re-warming brings back their glorious softness and makes the cinnamon sugar even more aromatic.
FAQs
Can I make these Apple Cider Donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! While the classic ring shape is fun, you can use a muffin tin instead (just call them “donut muffins”). The flavor is just as good and you’ll still get that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
Is there a way to make these donuts dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the buttermilk for your favorite non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and use plant-based butter for both the batter and coating. The Apple Cider Donuts will still be moist and delicious!
Can I use store-bought apple cider, or does it need to be fresh?
Store-bought apple cider is perfectly fine—just make sure it’s not apple juice, as cider is unfiltered and gives the donuts a deeper, more authentic apple flavor. Reducing concentrates the flavor beautifully regardless of the brand.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
They’re ready when the tops spring back lightly to your touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t overbake; a soft cake-like texture is what makes these Apple Cider Donuts shine!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales beautifully, so you can double or even triple it for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or to share with neighbors. Just make sure to reduce the cider in batches for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about homemade Apple Cider Donuts—the coziness, the scents of spice and apple wafting through your kitchen, and the pure delight of that first sugar-dusted bite. I hope you love making and sharing these as much as I do. They’re the perfect way to bring joy to any morning or afternoon, so don’t wait—gather your ingredients and bake up some autumn cheer!
Print
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with these baked Apple Cider Donuts — soft, fluffy donuts infused with concentrated apple cider and warm spices, then rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. A comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prep the Donut Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider until smooth and fully blended.
- Make the Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix for light, tender donuts.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about 2/3 full for even baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Enjoy your apple cider donuts warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For deeper apple flavor, don’t skip reducing the cider — it’s the key to rich taste.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- You can reheat donuts briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, try baking in a muffin tin for apple cider donut muffins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 32mg