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Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews

Delight in these homemade Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, a perfect blend of warm spices and the subtle tang of reduced apple cider. Baked to perfection, these donuts are coated with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Donut Pans and Reduce Cider: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two standard donut pans. In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer 1 cup of apple cider until it reduces to 1/2 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Allow the reduced cider to cool completely.
  2. Combine Dry Components: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Mix Wet Components: In another bowl, mix the cooled reduced apple cider, melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold together until just combined, taking care not to overmix to avoid tough donuts.
  5. Fill Donut Pans: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full for optimal rise and shape.
  6. Bake the Donuts: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Coat: Let the donuts cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer carefully to a wire rack. While still warm, brush each donut with the 4 tablespoons melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture (made by combining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon) until evenly coated.

Notes

  • Ensure the reduced apple cider is fully cooled before mixing with other wet ingredients to prevent eggs from cooking or curdling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
  • Using a piping bag makes it easier to fill donut pans neatly and evenly.
  • These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts, fall recipes, homemade donuts, spiced donuts