The Best Apple Cider Donuts

The Best Apple Cider Donuts

Is there really anything better than donuts on a slow Saturday morning? We are big time donut people over here, and in fact, my husband and our oldest son have a "donuts with daddy" date once a month. 

I love that with Fall and Winter come spices we don't usually use throughout the rest of the year. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom...they give us all those cozy vibes. Apple Cider Donuts are basically your favorite Fall beverage made into sweet dough and dunked in cinnamon sugar.

Mic. Drop.

Paired with your favorite cup of coffee, you really can't go wrong. They are perfect for mornings curled up while watching a Hallmark Christmas movie or reading your favorite book. OR if you're in my house, they are the perfect thing to keep the kiddos settled and quite for a hot minute.

Scroll for recipe! 

 

APPLE CIDER DONUTS

INGREDIENTS:

DONUTS

  • 1 1/2 cup apple cider (I used Good & Gather brand)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cardamom, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup dark or light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

TOPPING 

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a small saucepan, bring apple cider to a gentle boil and let simmer over medium heat until thick and reduced to about 1/3 cup, 15-25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease donut pans with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together the egg, granulated sugar and brown sugar, until well combined. Whisk in the melted butter. Add the reduced apple cider, buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and whisk just until combined and smooth. Don't overmix the batter.
  5. Divide the mixture between the donut cavities, filling about halfway full. I recommend using a piping bag to pipe the batter, it will be much easier and less messy. Bake for about 10 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack.
  6. While the donuts are baking, make the topping. In a medium bowl mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once cool enough to handle, dip both sides of each donut in melted butter and then generously dip into the sugar mixture.
  7. Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve them warm or at room temperature.

 

*Recipe adapted from Pretty.Simple.Sweet

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10 comments

Do you think I could use unfiltered apple juice instead of cider? I live in Germany and I’ve never seen apple cider sold here..

Sarah

This is the best apple cider donuts I’ve ever made. People told me they taste bette than the ones they get on a farm. Love how well the spices come together and the coating with cinnameg sugar ♥️.
I wanted to post a pic too.. but can’t see that option. Thank you for the recipe

Mercy George

Same question as above, how many does this recipe make?

Michele

These are incredible. I actually had boiled cider already and it worked perfectly! I use it for my apple pies so now i have another recipe for it. This is by far the best cider donut I’ve tried.

I used apple pie spice..1 teaspoon and did a powder sugar glaze on some and cinnamon sugar on other. These are truly a taste of fall. Well done!

Trish

These are amazing! I doubled the recipe and made 24 donuts. I simmered the apple cider for a good 40 minutes til a cup left and measured 2/3 for the recipe. With the leftover cider, I dipped the donuts in it first and then the butter and sugar/cinnamon mixture. Highly recommend that extra step!

Jessica

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