Breakfast

Apple cider donuts Recipe

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Craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat? I absolutely love making apple cider donuts at home—they’re soft, fluffy, and infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon. This recipe is my go-to whenever I want that bakery-style donut without leaving the kitchen. The best part? They’re lightly sweet, spiced just right, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, these donuts are guaranteed to impress. I’ve carefully measured and tested every ingredient to ensure the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Ingredients List

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider

  • 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice*

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

Topping

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice*

  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes baking apple cider donuts so much easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what I always keep on hand:

  1. Mixing Bowls – Large bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.

  2. Whisk & Wooden Spoon – Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without overworking the dough.

  3. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to soft, tender donuts.

  4. Donut Pan or Frying Setup – I usually make baked donuts in a pan for convenience, but a fryer works beautifully for classic fried donuts.

  5. Cooling Rack – Ensures the donuts stay crisp while cooling and prevents sogginess.

  6. Piping Bag (Optional) – Handy if you’re shaping doughnuts for a more uniform look before baking or frying.

With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to create perfect donuts at home.

Dough Preparation

Making the dough for apple cider donuts is where the magic starts. I always follow a few key steps to get the ideal soft, flavorful texture.

Mixing the Ingredients

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a gentle boil. Reduce it to about 1/2 cup (120ml) by simmering—it intensifies the flavor. Let it cool completely.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, mix the cooled apple cider, melted butter, egg, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or your donuts will be dense.

Kneading and Letting the Dough Rest

  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes just to bring it together.

  • Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the dough to relax, making it easier to shape later.

Shaping the Apple Cider Donuts

Shaping the dough is where the donuts start to take their classic form. I love that this step is hands-on and satisfying.

  1. Roll Out the Dough:
    Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.

  2. Cut the Donuts:
    Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger for the donut, one smaller for the hole) to cut out your shapes. If you’re making donut holes, just roll small portions into balls.

  3. Arrange for Cooking:
    Place the shaped donuts on a floured baking sheet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes while you heat your oil or oven.

Frying the Donuts

For that classic apple cider donut texture, frying gives the best result. But I’ll also note a baked method if you prefer a lighter version.

Frying Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Carefully place 2-3 donuts in the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.

  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Let excess oil drip off.

Baking Option

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Place donuts in a lightly greased donut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

  • Allow them to cool slightly before coating.

Coating the Donuts

Here’s where the magic happens—creating that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust.

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice.

  2. Brush the hot donuts with melted butter.

  3. Toss each donut in the sugar-spice mixture until completely coated.

  4. Serve warm for the best flavor—these donuts are soft, sweet, and lightly spiced, perfect with a cup of coffee or apple cider!

Serving and Decoration

I love serving these apple cider donuts warm, straight from the kitchen. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives them a cozy, autumnal feel that’s irresistible. Here are a few ways to elevate your presentation:

  • Classic Cinnamon-Sugar: Simply toss warm donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that iconic look and flavor.

  • Glazed Option: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or caramel sauce over the donuts for a sweeter twist.

  • Spiced Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a touch of apple cider and cinnamon for a light, flavorful icing.

  • Garnish: Sprinkle crushed nuts, cinnamon, or even dried apple pieces for extra texture and appeal.

These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive snack with friends and family.

Storage Instructions

To keep your apple cider donuts fresh and soft:

At Room Temperature

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

  • Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can dry them out.

Freezing for Later

  • Allow donuts to cool completely.

  • Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air.

  • Freeze for up to 1 month.

  • To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Final Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

  1. Reduce the cider slowly—this intensifies the flavor without making the dough too wet.

  2. Do not overmix the dough—overworking can make donuts tough instead of soft and tender.

  3. Use room temperature ingredients—it helps the dough come together more easily and bake evenly.

  4. Don’t skip the butter coating—it helps the cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly and gives a richer flavor.

  5. Experiment with spices—a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a new layer of warmth to your donuts.

Mastering this recipe means you can make apple cider donuts anytime, filling your kitchen with that cozy, sweet aroma and impressing everyone with your homemade bakery skills. I promise—once you try these, store-bought donuts won’t stand a chance!

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