apple cider donuts

Craving the cozy flavors of autumn? Step into the world of apple cider donuts—a beloved American treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

These cake-style donuts are infused with fragrant apple cider and warming spices, then fried to golden perfection and rolled in apple-cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients List

Creating irresistible apple cider donuts requires a few key components to achieve their signature flavor and texture. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for this delicious recipe.

Dough Ingredients

• 385 g (13 1/2 ounces, about 3 cups) bleached all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 15 g (1/2 ounce, about 1 tablespoon) sugar
• 5 g (1 1/4 teaspoons) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for table salt, use about half as much by volume or the same weight)
• 5 g (1 1/2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast (not RapidRise or active dry)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 255 g (9 ounces, about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) apple cider (do not use a reduction)
• 7 g (1 1/2 teaspoons) rose water (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 55 g (2 ounces, just over 1/4 cup) hazelnut oil or brown butter
• Refined coconut oil, such as Nutiva, for frying

Apple-Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing apple cider donuts, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. Food Processor or Stand Mixer: To efficiently mix and knead the dough, a food processor or stand mixer can save you time and effort.
2. Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
3. Round Cutters: A 3-inch cutter for the donut shape and a 1-inch cutter for the center hole.
4. Pastry Brush: To dust off excess flour from the dough.
5. Baking Sheets: For proofing and holding the shaped donuts before frying.
6. Dutch Oven or Deep Fryer: For frying the donuts to golden perfection.
7. Digital Thermometer: To monitor and maintain the correct oil temperature.
8. Slotted Spoon or Tongs: For safely transferring donuts in and out of the hot oil.
9. Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
10. Wide Dish or Pie Plate: For coating the warm donuts in apple-cinnamon sugar.

Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful apple cider donut-making experience.

Dough Preparation

Preparing the dough for apple cider donuts is a crucial step in achieving their tender crumb and rich flavor. Follow these steps to mix, knead, and proof the dough properly.

Mixing the Ingredients

Begin by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, yeast, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and cloves—in the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer. Pulse or mix briefly to evenly distribute the ingredients.

With the machine running, pour in the apple cider, rose water (if using), and almond extract (if using) all at once. Continue processing or mixing until the mixture comes together into a soft, sticky, but well-structured dough—this should take about 50 seconds in a food processor or a few minutes with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

With the machine still running, add the hazelnut oil or brown butter in a steady stream. Process or mix just until the oil is fully incorporated, about 10 seconds more. The dough may appear slightly rough or have an oily sheen at this stage, which is perfectly normal.

Kneading and Letting the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm, draft-free spot until puffy, light to the touch, and roughly doubled in size. When gently pressed with a floured fingertip, the dough should hold a shallow impression that springs back after a minute. This first rise typically takes about 2 hours at 70°F (21°C), but may vary depending on your kitchen environment.

Shaping the Apple Cider Donuts

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your donuts for frying:

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Dust the top with a bit more flour and gently roll it out to a thickness of about 12mm (just shy of 1/2 inch). Avoid rolling too thin, as this can result in flat donuts.
2. Cut the Donuts:
   Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Then, use a 1-inch cutter to remove the center of each round, forming classic donut rings. Alternatively, poke a hole in the center of each round and gently stretch to form a ring.
3. Prepare for Second Rise:
   Place the shaped donuts on a lightly greased baking sheet. Gather the dough scraps, let them rest for a few minutes, then re-roll and cut additional donuts.
4. Second Proof:
   Cover the donuts loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise until they reach a thickness of about 18mm (just over 1/2 inch) and feel light but sturdy. This second rise should take about 1 hour at 70°F, but keep an eye on the dough as proofing times can vary.

Frying the Donuts

Frying your apple cider donuts to golden perfection is essential for achieving their signature crisp exterior and tender interior. Careful attention to oil temperature and frying time will ensure delicious results.

Oil Temperature and Frying Time

1. Prepare the Frying Oil:
   Fill a 5-quart Dutch oven or deep fryer with enough refined coconut oil to reach a depth of about 3 inches. Attach a digital thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the temperature.
2. Heat the Oil:
   Warm the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Take a few minutes to practice maintaining this temperature, as it’s crucial for even frying.
3. Fry the Donuts:
   Once the oil is ready, gently slip a few donuts (no more than 4 or 5 at a time) into the hot oil. Fry, turning frequently with tongs or a slotted spoon, until the donuts are pale gold and cooked through—about 75 seconds per side.
4. Drain the Donuts:
   Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried donuts to a baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels. Allow them to cool just enough to handle.
5. Troubleshooting Tips:
   • If donuts are dense and tight-crumbed, they may be underproofed—allow more rising time.
   • If donuts are greasy and sponge-like, they may be overproofed.
   • Pale, greasy donuts indicate oil that’s too cool; heavy crusts with raw centers mean oil is too hot.
   • Tough donuts can result from overdeveloped gluten or overprocessing the dough.

Coating the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), coat them generously in apple-cinnamon sugar for that classic finish.

Apple-Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. Mix the Coating:
   In a wide dish or pie plate, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (if using).
2. Coat the Donuts:
   Dip each warm donut into the sugar mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. The warmth of the donuts will help the sugar adhere beautifully.
3. Serve:
   Transfer the coated donuts to a serving platter. Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after coating.

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving and presenting your apple cider donuts, a few thoughtful touches can elevate them from a simple treat to a memorable delight. Here are some ideas to make your donuts shine:

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

• Classic Apple-Cinnamon Sugar: The traditional coating of cinnamon and sugar, with a hint of apple pie spice, is a must for that nostalgic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For a lighter, snowy finish, dust the donuts with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled slightly.
• Maple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of apple cider, and a bit of maple syrup for a sweet glaze. Dip the tops of the donuts and let set for a glossy finish.
• Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings or serve the donuts plain—they’re delicious any way you choose!

Storage Instructions

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, proper storage will help maintain their flavor and texture.

How to Keep Apple Cider Donuts Fresh

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers and avoid storing in humid environments.

Freezing Apple Cider Donuts

For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Mastering apple cider donuts brings the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. With their tender crumb, fragrant spices, and sweet apple-cinnamon coating, these donuts are a true seasonal favorite.

By following the detailed steps above, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results at home—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and glazes, and remember: the freshest donuts are always the best.

So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and treat yourself to the irresistible taste of homemade apple cider donuts!