Name: Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating); 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing baked donuts)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Fall Flavor: Apple cider is reduced for a strong, fruity, tangy taste.
Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy interior with a crisp outer crust.
Cozy and Nostalgic: Tastes just like the ones from your favorite farm stand.
Customizable: Bake or fry, glaze or sugar-coat—make them your way.

Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Cider Donuts

1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing baked donuts)

Directions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another large bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in the reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully combined. The dough will be sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps firm it up for easier handling.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donut shapes.
Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.

Step 5: Bake or Fry (Optional Frying)
To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place donuts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.
To fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts a few at a time, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Coat the Donuts
For baked donuts, brush lightly with melted butter while still warm.
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then roll each donut in the mixture until coated.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

Variations

Glazed Donuts: Dip in an apple cider glaze made with powdered sugar and reduced cider.
Spiced Sugar Mix: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the cinnamon sugar coating.
Filled Donuts: Inject a bit of apple butter or spiced cream inside for an indulgent surprise.
Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan or smaller cutters for bite-sized treats.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Maple Drizzle: Add a maple syrup drizzle over the top for an extra fall-inspired flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. If frozen, thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use non-alcoholic, fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid apple juice, which lacks the same depth.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I skip reducing the cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor. Skipping it will make the donuts less flavorful, so it’s highly recommended.

What’s the best way to cut donuts without a donut cutter?

Use a large round cookie cutter or drinking glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the center.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, these can be deep-fried at 350°F for a more traditional texture.

Are these donuts cakey or yeasted?

These are cakey donuts with a tender, moist crumb—no yeast required.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make your own by adding 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I use a donut pan?

Absolutely! A donut pan works great for baking these without needing to roll and cut the dough.

Why is my dough sticky?

This dough is meant to be sticky. Chilling it helps firm it up and makes it easier to work with.

How do I get a crisp exterior when baking?

Brush the donuts with melted butter right after baking and coat in cinnamon sugar for that crisp, sugary crust.

Conclusion

Apple cider donuts bring all the warmth and charm of fall right into your kitchen. Whether you bake them for a weekend treat or fry up a batch for a special occasion, these donuts offer a comforting blend of spice and apple goodness. They’re a nostalgic nod to autumn traditions and a must-have for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.