Name: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing baked donuts)

Ingredients

1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing baked donuts)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour 1½ cups apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: In another bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

Step 5: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Step 6: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to shape the donuts. Re-roll scraps and repeat.

Step 7 (To Fry): Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts 2–3 at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 8 (To Bake): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon dough into greased donut pans and bake for 12–15 minutes until tops spring back. Let cool slightly before brushing with melted butter and coating with cinnamon sugar.

Step 9: For the coating, mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. While donuts are warm, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Alternatively, glaze with a mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet finish.

Tips & Variations

Reduce the apple cider fully for a stronger, richer flavor.

Chilling the dough helps it roll out smoothly and maintain shape.

Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender, mixing only until ingredients are combined.

Use fresh oil when frying for the best taste and aroma.

Try making donut holes by rolling small balls of dough and frying, then toss in cinnamon sugar.

Bake the dough in a bundt or donut cake pan for a different presentation.

Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to glaze for extra warmth and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly from the original.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice can be used, but apple cider offers a richer, more complex flavor. If using juice, consider adding extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to boost the taste.