Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
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.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-14 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple cider donuts, autumn donuts, fried donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, fall recipe, homemade donuts