Description

Apple cider donuts are a cozy fall treat with a crisp exterior, tender interior, and rich apple flavor enhanced by cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfectly spiced and coated in cinnamon sugar, these nostalgic donuts can be baked or fried for a delightful seasonal snack or dessert.

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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Instructions

Pour 1½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Mix in the reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully combined. The dough will be sticky.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the chilled dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or round cutters.
To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place donuts on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
To fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
While warm, brush baked donuts with melted butter. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll each donut in the mixture to coat.

Notes

You can use a donut pan to bake without cutting the dough.

Make your own buttermilk by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.

Donuts can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for 2 months.

Add apple butter or maple glaze for extra flavor variations.

Dough will be sticky—chilling it is essential for easy handling.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 210
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg