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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

5.2 from 20 reviews

This Apple Cider Donuts recipe combines the warm flavors of apple cider reduction with a perfectly spiced dough, fried to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar. These donuts are a cozy autumn treat, perfect served warm alongside coffee or hot apple cider.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Donuts:

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For The Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce until thick and syrupy, about 20-25 minutes, until roughly ½ cup remains. Allow it to cool completely before using.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice to evenly combine.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the cooled apple cider reduction, granulated sugar, melted butter, buttermilk (or plain yogurt), and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Make the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out doughnuts. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut more.
  6. Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts a few at a time without overcrowding, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Coat Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. They make a cozy fall treat, especially enjoyed with coffee or spicy hot apple cider.

Notes

  • You can use frozen apple cider by thawing it completely in the fridge overnight or gently warming it before reducing.
  • For a baked version, brush or spray donut pans with oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. The texture will be cakier and less crispy.
  • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly to refresh the coating and softness.
  • Buttermilk can be substituted with plain yogurt or milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar (let sit 5 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, autumn donuts, fried donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, fall recipe, homemade donuts