Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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These spiced apple cider donuts are a delightful treat, combining warm cinnamon and apple flavors in every bite. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

These homemade apple cider donuts are amazing! They have a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for fall. The apple cider makes them sweet and extra tasty. I love making these donuts because they fill the kitchen with a wonderful smell.

They’re really easy to make, and you can enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or even the next day. The recipe is simple but gives you donuts that taste like they came from a bakery. My family always looks forward to these donuts because they’re so delicious.

The secret to making these donuts special is reducing the apple cider. This step makes the flavor stronger and sweeter. Once you try them, you’ll see why these homemade donuts are such a favorite!

Why will you love this recipe?

You’ll love this recipe because it blends the rich flavors of apple cider with warm spices, making each bite a perfect taste of fall. These donuts are easy to make and bring a comforting, homemade touch to your kitchen.

They’re a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and their flavor only gets better with time. Whether enjoyed fresh or warmed up, these apple cider donuts are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Additional cinnamon sugar, for coating

How to make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1:

Reduce the cider: Bring the apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Let it cool.

Step 2:

Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3:

Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and the cooled apple cider reduction.

Step 4:

Combine and form dough: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 5:

Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes.

Step 6:

Fry the donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on each side, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 7:

Coat with cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are still warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar to coat.

Step 8:

Serve: Enjoy the donuts fresh, ideally the same day they’re made.

Helpful tips

  • Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This makes the dough easier to work with and helps the donuts hold their shape during frying.
  • Use a Candy Thermometer: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) using a candy thermometer. This ensures your donuts cook evenly without becoming too greasy or undercooked.
  • Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of soft and fluffy.
  • Coat While Warm: Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick better and adds a delicious, crunchy coating.
  • Use the Right Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying. This prevents the oil from burning and keeps the donuts tasting fresh.

How to serve Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are best served warm, and fresh out of the fryer or oven. You can enjoy them plain, with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor.

Pair them with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee for a cozy treat on a cool day. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Recipe Variations

Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Dip the warm donuts in a sweet apple cider glaze for a shiny, sugary finish.

Maple Apple Cider Donuts: Add a touch of maple syrup to the batter or glaze for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts: For a healthier option, bake the donuts instead of frying them. They’ll still be deliciously soft and flavorful.

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the recipe to make a spicier version that’s full of warm autumn flavors.

Apple Cider Donut Holes: Make bite-sized versions by shaping the dough into small balls before frying, perfect for snacking or sharing.

How to store

To keep your Apple Cider Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerating them will extend their freshness for up to a week.

For the best taste and texture, warm the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying them. This will help restore their soft and fluffy texture, making them taste like they were just made.

FAQ

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

  • Yes, you can bake them in a donut pan at 350°F for about 15 minutes, though they will have a different texture compared to fried ones.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

  • The ideal frying temperature is 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil to ensure even cooking.

What can I use as a topping besides cinnamon sugar?

  • You can glaze them with a simple powdered sugar glaze, dust them with powdered sugar, or dip them in caramel.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

  • Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make gluten-free apple cider donuts.

Why are my donuts greasy?

  • If the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb more oil and become greasy. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

  • Apple juice can be used, but it won’t have the same rich flavor as reduced apple cider.

How long should I reduce the apple cider?

  • Reduce the cider until it is reduced by half, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. This will intensify the apple flavor in the donuts.

Conclusion

Here’s a quick and easy recipe that brings the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. These Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious treat that everyone will love, perfect for a breakfast snack or a sweet dessert. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors with each bite!

Apple Cider Donuts

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

donuts
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

These spiced apple cider donuts are a delightful treat, combining warm cinnamon and apple flavors in every bite. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • Additional cinnamon sugar, for coating

Directions

  • Reduce the cider: Bring the apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Let it cool.
  • Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and the cooled apple cider reduction.
  • Combine and form dough: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and holes.
  • Fry the donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on each side, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Coat with cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are still warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar to coat.
  • Serve: Enjoy the donuts fresh, ideally the same day they’re made.

Notes

  • When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. Overmixing can make the donuts tough instead of soft and fluffy