Introduction

Apple cider donuts are the quintessential taste of autumn. These soft, tender donuts are infused with spiced apple cider and coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture. They’re the kind of treat you’d find at a pumpkin patch or apple orchard — warm, nostalgic, and incredibly comforting.

Made with reduced apple cider for a concentrated flavor, a hint of warm spices, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or cozy afternoon snacking with a hot drink in hand. Whether you bake or fry them, they’re guaranteed to become a fall favorite in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this apple cider donut recipe because it brings the flavors of fall straight into your home. The reduced apple cider gives these donuts an intense, natural apple flavor that you just can’t get from extract alone. The texture is soft and cakey, with just the right amount of chew, and the warm cinnamon-sugar coating makes them irresistibly cozy.

Plus, they’re easy to make — no yeast or complicated proofing. Whether you bake them for a lighter option or fry them for a classic taste, these donuts are pure seasonal magic.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Real apple cider and warm spices = authentic autumn taste.
• Quick & Easy: No yeast required — ready in under an hour.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, tender, and coated in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Homemade Charm: Freshly made donuts beat store-bought any day.
• Pairing Heaven: Perfect with coffee, hot cider, or chai.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cider Reduction Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per donut (baked), 300–320 kcal (fried)

Course & Cuisine

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

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Reduce the apple cider for maximum flavor.
2. Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
3. Combine, fill donut pan or prepare for frying.
4. Bake or fry until golden.
5. Dip in melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Pour 1½ cups apple cider into a small saucepan.
2. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (15–20 minutes).
3. Cool completely before adding to the batter. This intensifies the apple flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Make the Batter

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix, or the donuts can turn dense.

Step 5: Bake or Fry

For Baked Donuts:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
3. Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
4. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
5. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For Fried Donuts:

1. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut with a donut cutter.
3. Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
2. Brush warm donuts with melted butter.
3. Roll each donut generously in cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Serve warm!

How to Serve

Serve these donuts warm or at room temperature with a mug of hot apple cider, coffee, chai, or even warm milk. They’re perfect for breakfast spreads, fall brunches, Halloween parties, or simply a cozy afternoon snack.

Recipe Tips

• Reduce the cider well: Don’t skip this step—it’s key for deep apple flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Keeps donuts light and tender.
• Bake time matters: Overbaking makes them dry; check a minute early.
• Use a piping bag: Makes filling donut molds easy and neat.
• Best fresh: Coat in cinnamon sugar while warm so it sticks perfectly.

Variations

• Apple Cider Donuts with Glaze: Skip cinnamon sugar and dip in a vanilla or maple glaze.
• Spiced Sugar Mix: Add cardamom or ginger to the cinnamon sugar for a bolder flavor.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats. Reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes.
• Apple Fritters Style: Add small apple chunks to the batter for extra texture.
• Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Up to 5 days (best reheated slightly before eating).
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, warm slightly, then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.

Cinnamon sugar doesn’t freeze well, so coat after thawing for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan (for baked version)
• Saucepan (for cider reduction)
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for easy filling)
• Candy thermometer (for frying version)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake or fry the donuts right after mixing. However, you can reduce the cider and prepare dry ingredients ahead of time.

Q2: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider gives a deeper flavor, but you can use apple juice in a pinch — reduce it the same way.

Q3: Can I bake these without a donut pan?
Yes! You can bake them in a muffin tin, but they’ll be more like donut muffins. Adjust baking time slightly.

Q4: Why reduce the cider?
Reducing intensifies the apple flavor — skipping this step will make the donuts taste less “apple-y.”

Conclusion

These Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar capture the very essence of autumn in every bite. With their tender, spiced interiors and sweet, crunchy coating, they’re a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether baked or fried, they’ll fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall and delight anyone lucky enough to try one. Pair with warm cider, share with loved ones, and savor the season.