How to Make Apple Cider Donuts: A Cozy Fall Favorite

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Apple cider donuts are the ultimate fall treat, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet tang of reduced apple cider. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp sugar coating, these donuts evoke the flavors of a brisk autumn day spent at an apple orchard or fall festival. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider itself, these donuts are an essential part of the fall baking tradition. The good news is, you can easily make them at home! Here’s how.

What Makes Apple Cider Donuts Special?

Apple cider donuts stand out because they’re made with boiled-down apple cider, which intensifies the apple flavor. This reduction process brings out the sweet and tart notes of the cider, which is then mixed into a tender donut dough. The spices, typically cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, complement the cider perfectly, giving the donuts a warm and cozy taste. They’re usually fried, but they can also be baked for a slightly lighter version.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simple recipe that walks you through how to make homemade apple cider donuts. Whether you're frying them for that classic texture or baking them for a more health-conscious take, this recipe will give you the same cozy flavors.

Ingredients:

For the donuts:

- 1 ½ cups apple cider

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)

- 2 large eggs

- ½ cup buttermilk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing if baked or for rolling after frying)

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about ½ cup. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Once reduced, set the cider aside to cool completely. The reduction will give the donuts that strong, concentrated apple flavor.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (if using). Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

Once the apple cider has cooled, stir it into the buttermilk. Add this cider-buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture in alternating batches with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough as this can make the donuts dense.

5. Chill the Dough

The dough will be sticky, so it’s best to chill it for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle. You can even leave it overnight if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

6. Roll and Cut the Donuts

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out the donuts and donut holes. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.

7. Fry the Donuts (or Bake, If Preferred)

For frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts a few at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

For baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity with the dough, smoothing out the tops. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are set and lightly golden.

8. Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Brush each donut with melted butter (if baked), or if fried, roll them directly in the sugar mixture until fully coated.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your apple cider donuts warm for the best flavor. They’re perfect for a cozy fall morning or an afternoon treat.

Tips and Variations

Baked vs. Fried: While frying gives the donuts a traditional crisp exterior, baked donuts are a great alternative if you’re looking for a slightly healthier version. They’re still soft and flavorful, just with a little less crunch.

Donut Holes: Don’t forget about the donut holes! Fry or bake them along with the donuts, and coat them in cinnamon-sugar for bite-sized treats.

Spiced Cider Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, you can create a spiced cider glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a little reduced apple cider and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle over the donuts for a glossy finish.

Storage: Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. You can also freeze them and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their softness.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts capture the essence of fall in every bite. The warm spices combined with the apple flavor make them a comforting and satisfying treat. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the fryer, baked, or topped with a glaze, apple cider donuts are a classic that never disappoints. Paired with a mug of hot cider or coffee, they’re the perfect way to savor the cozy season.

So next time you’re craving a homemade fall dessert, give this apple cider donut recipe a try—you won’t regret it!