Apple cider donuts are a classic fall treat, perfect for enjoying during apple-picking season or any cozy autumn day.
These donuts are known for their warm, spiced flavor, crispy exterior, and soft, cakey interior that makes every bite delightful.
This easy-to-follow recipe brings the comforting flavors of autumn right to your kitchen, letting you enjoy fresh, homemade apple cider donuts that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a warm drink.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Recipe
These apple cider donuts deliver the perfect blend of fall flavors, combining sweet apple cider with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Homemade and freshly fried, they have a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, offering a texture you can’t get from store-bought versions.
Making them at home allows you to enjoy them warm and fresh, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of autumn spices.
Whether you’re savoring them on a cozy morning, sharing them at a fall gathering, or treating yourself after a day of apple picking, these donuts are a delightful autumn indulgence.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts
To make these delicious Apple Cider Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider – The star ingredient, reduced to concentrate its sweet, tangy flavor.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure, resulting in a soft, cakey texture.
- 1 cup sugar & 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
- 2 tsp baking powder & 1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps the donuts rise and stay light and fluffy.
- 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice – Warm, aromatic spices that capture the essence of fall.
- 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1/2 cup milk – Adds moisture, richness, and a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon sugar (optional) – For coating the donuts after frying, adding extra flavor and sweetness.
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures for these irresistible fall treats!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Follow these detailed steps to make perfect Apple Cider Donuts:
Reduce the apple cider:
In a saucepan, simmer 1 1/2 cups of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor, giving the donuts a rich apple taste.
Reducing the cider can take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Let it cool before adding to the dough.
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, and a pinch of salt.
In a separate bowl, beat 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy.
Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in the cooled apple cider reduction and 1/2 cup milk.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the dough:
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to shape.
Shape the donuts:
Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape the donuts.
Re-roll scraps as needed.
Fry the donuts:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the donuts in small batches, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tip: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for evenly fried donuts.
Coat with cinnamon sugar:
While still warm, toss the donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced finish.
Enjoy your freshly made, warm apple cider donuts—perfect for cozy fall days!
Tips & Recipe Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make your Apple Cider Donuts even better:
- Baking alternative: For a healthier option, bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden and springy to the touch.
- Add extra flavor: Mix a bit of reduced apple cider into the cinnamon-sugar coating for a stronger apple taste.
- Use different spices: Enhance the spiced flavor by adding a pinch of cloves or extra allspice.
- Make ahead: Prepare and chill the dough the night before, then fry fresh donuts in the morning for a warm breakfast treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider reduced
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- In a saucepan, simmer 1 1/2 cups apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup.
- Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp allspice.
- Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat 1/4 cup melted butter with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, then mix in the cooled apple cider reduction and 1/2 cup milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out the donuts. Re-roll the scraps as needed.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches, cooking each for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- While warm, toss each donut in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!