Homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: These doughnuts are packed with the flavors of fall—apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg—making them perfect for cozy autumn mornings.

• Soft and Fluffy: The doughnuts are light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.

• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade doughnut, and these are just as delicious as the ones from your favorite bakery.

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Doughnuts:

• 1 cup apple cider

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Directions

Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced to 1/4 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dough:

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter, or lightly flour it.

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

4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.

Shape and Bake the Doughnuts:

6. Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. You can also use a piping bag to pipe the batter into the pan if you prefer a neater process.

7. Bake: Bake the doughnuts for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The doughnuts should be lightly golden on top.

Coat the Doughnuts:

8. Make the Coating: While the doughnuts are cooling, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl.

9. Brush and Coat: Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush each doughnut with the melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve:

10. Enjoy: Serve the doughnuts warm for the best flavor and texture. They are best enjoyed on the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 doughnuts

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Apple Bits: Stir finely chopped apples into the batter for an extra burst of apple flavor and a bit of texture in each bite.

• Make It Vegan: Swap the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), use non-dairy milk, and replace the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

• Maple Glaze: For a different twist, top the doughnuts with a maple glaze made of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: These doughnuts freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider for this recipe. However, reducing the cider yourself intensifies the flavor and makes the doughnuts extra delicious.

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the doughnuts the day before and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I make these without a doughnut pan?

If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. The doughnuts will be more like muffins, but the flavor and texture will still be delicious. Simply bake for the same amount of time.

Can I add frosting?

If you want to make these even sweeter, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a little apple cider or milk.

Conclusion

Homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts are the perfect treat for the fall season, with their rich apple flavor, soft texture, and delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these doughnuts are sure to become a favorite. Simple, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor, these doughnuts are a must-try!

Homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 doughnuts
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts are a delicious fall treat that combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider into a soft, fluffy doughnut. With a slightly crispy exterior and a warm cinnamon-sugar coating, these doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Easy to make and packed with seasonal flavors, these homemade doughnuts will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of autumn.

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Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 1 cup apple cider

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:

  • Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced to 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool.

• Prepare the Dough:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan or line it with parchment paper.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider.

• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but smooth.

• Shape and Bake the Doughnuts:

  • Spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. Alternatively, use a piping bag for a neater process.

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Coat the Doughnuts:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.

  • Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush each doughnut with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

• Serve:

  • Serve the doughnuts warm for the best flavor and texture. They are best enjoyed on the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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Notes

Add finely chopped apples to the batter for extra apple flavor and texture.For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), non-dairy milk, and vegan butter.Try a maple glaze for a twist on the classic cinnamon-sugar coating.