There’s something magical about Apple Cider Donuts — the smell of warm spices, the comforting sweetness of apples, and that delightful cinnamon sugar coating that crunches ever so slightly when you bite into it. These donuts embody the very heart of autumn, evoking memories of cozy mornings, apple-picking adventures, and chilly days warmed by the scent of baked goods fresh from the oven.

They’re baked, not fried — meaning you get all the flavor with less oil, and they’re easy enough to make any day of the week. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack, these donuts are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, wholesome, and nostalgic. Every bite bursts with apple flavor and comforting spices — a reminder of crisp fall air and golden leaves. The reduced apple cider adds natural sweetness and depth, while the cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistibly classic.

Another reason I adore it? The aroma — while baking, your kitchen fills with the cozy scent of apples, butter, and cinnamon. It’s pure happiness in the form of a donut. Plus, since they’re baked, you skip the fuss of frying, making cleanup a breeze.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because:

• It perfectly captures the flavors of fall — warm, spiced, and apple-rich.
• The texture is divine — soft and tender inside with a slightly crisp, sugary exterior.
• Baked, not fried — healthier, easier, and equally delicious.
• The recipe is foolproof and beginner-friendly.
• The aroma and flavor are addictive — one batch won’t last long!

If you’ve ever visited an apple orchard and had a warm donut dusted in cinnamon sugar, this recipe brings that magic right to your home kitchen.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–14 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 donuts
• Calories: ~250 kcal per donut

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan.
2. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ¼ cup (takes 10–15 minutes).
3. Set aside to cool. This step intensifies the apple flavor beautifully.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider until smooth.

Step 5: Combine

1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix, or the donuts may become dense.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

1. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag and cut off the tip.
2. Pipe batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
2. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature — both are heavenly.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, fresh from the oven, with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or apple cider.
• Perfect for fall brunches, Halloween parties, or holiday breakfasts.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-decadent twist.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip cider reduction: It concentrates the flavor for a true apple-cider taste.
• Use fresh spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg lose potency over time — fresher is better.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the donuts fluffy.
• Coat while warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still slightly warm.
• Double the batch: These disappear fast — you’ll want extra!

Variations

1. Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in a glaze made of powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla.
2. Apple Pie Donuts: Add small diced apples to the batter for extra apple texture.
3. Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions.
4. Maple Apple Donuts: Replace some sugar in the glaze with maple syrup for a fall twist.
5. Vegan Option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar and butter with coconut oil.

Freezing & Storage

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:

• Store for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving for best texture.

Freezer:

• Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature, then brush with butter and coat in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan (standard or mini)
• Saucepan (for reducing cider)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag or ziplock bag

FAQ

Q1: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Apple cider gives a deeper, spiced apple taste.

Q2: Can I fry these donuts?
This recipe is designed for baking, but you can adapt it for frying with a yeast dough.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and freeze the donuts, then reheat and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Q4: What’s the difference between apple cider and cider vinegar?
Apple cider is sweet and non-alcoholic — not to be confused with apple cider vinegar, which is sour.

Q5: My donuts are dry — what went wrong?
They may have been overbaked. Check them a minute or two early next time for a softer texture.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are the taste of autumn captured in a soft, spiced, golden-brown treat. They’re the perfect blend of cozy flavors — apple, cinnamon, butter, and sugar — in every warm, fluffy bite.

Whether enjoyed with a mug of coffee on a chilly morning or served as part of a festive fall brunch, these donuts are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. With their heavenly aroma and comforting sweetness, they’re more than just a treat — they’re a seasonal ritual worth savoring every year.