Nothing says fall like the warm, cozy flavors of apple cider donuts. These donuts capture the essence of the season with their cinnamon-sugar coating and the sweet, tangy flavor of apple cider. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend treat or preparing for a fall gathering, these apple cider donuts will bring the taste of autumn right to your kitchen. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, they are a must-bake treat when the weather turns crisp.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

How to Make:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cider reduces to about ½ cup. This intensifies the flavor, giving the donuts a strong apple taste. Once reduced, set aside to cool.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, cooled apple cider reduction, and buttermilk. Stir in the melted butter.

4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the donuts dense.

5. Fill the Donut Pan: Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.

6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and spring back when touched. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a donut, and if it comes out clean, they’re done. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

7. Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, melt the butter for the coating. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush each donut with the melted butter and then dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly.

8. Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture, with a cup of hot cider or coffee on the side!

Adjustments:

• Swap out cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin spice to give the donuts a different fall flavor.

How to Store:

Store the apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. These donuts also freeze well—just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and thaw before reheating.

Tips:

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Opt for unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. The natural sweetness and tang will give your donuts a more pronounced apple taste.
• Don’t Skip Reducing the Cider: Reducing the apple cider is key to intensifying the flavor. Without this step, the donuts won’t have as much apple flavor.
• Piping the Batter: Use a ziplock bag or a piping bag to pipe the batter into the donut pan for neater, evenly shaped donuts. Just cut the tip of the bag and pipe the batter in a circular motion.
• Make Them Mini: If you have a mini donut pan, use the same recipe but reduce the baking time to 7-9 minutes for bite-sized treats.
• Add a Glaze: For an extra indulgent treat, add an apple cider glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of apple cider. Drizzle it over the cooled donuts for a sweet finishing touch.
• Fried Version: If you prefer the traditional fried version, prepare the dough, shape it into rings, and fry in hot oil (350°F) for 1-2 minutes per side. Coat with cinnamon sugar after frying.
• Nonstick Tip: Be sure to thoroughly grease the donut pan, as the sugar content can cause the donuts to stick if not well prepared.

Conclusion:

Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat that pairs perfectly with crisp air and colorful leaves. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or saving them for later, their warm, spiced flavor will make any autumn day feel cozy and special!