Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe (Easy)

There is nothing quite like a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated treat fresh from the oven on a crisp autumn morning.

This easy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe delivers that perfect bakery-style flavor right in your own kitchen without any complicated frying.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

You will be amazed at how quickly this heavily spiced batter comes together in just one bowl.

Ingredients

The secret to an intense, authentic flavor is boiling down your cider on the stove before you start mixing the batter. This simple step removes excess water while concentrating the natural apple sweetness. Make sure you use real apple cider and not lightly flavored apple juice. Here is exactly what you will need for this recipe.

For the Reduced Apple Cider Concentrate

• 2 cups apple cider

For the Spiced Donut Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• Remaining granulated sugar
• Remaining ground cinnamon
• Remaining melted unsalted butter

Equipment

Frying Oil & Recommended Tools

While this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is easily baked in a donut pan, some people prefer the traditional fried texture.

• 4 cups vegetable oil (for the optional frying method)

Having the right tools makes a huge difference. A sturdy donut pan is essential if you plan to bake these sweet treats. You will also want a large piping bag to transfer the thick dough into the pan neatly.

We have included a frying option for anyone wanting that classic crisp edge.

If you choose to fry your donuts, you will need a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven and a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the heat. Finally, a wire cooling rack is perfect for letting the baked or fried donuts rest before tossing them in the final sweet coating.

Method

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

• Boil the cider in a small saucepan until it reduces down to half a cup.
• Let it cool completely before using.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Spices and Flour

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• Beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it looks like wet sand.
• Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the reduced apple cider milk mixture to the butter.
• Stir gently just until the batter comes together.

Step 5: Chill the Donut Dough

• Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour so the dough becomes firm enough to handle.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out the Donuts

• Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured surface and pat it to about half an inch thick.
• Use a donut cutter to stamp out your rings and holes.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts and Donut Holes

• Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fry a few donuts at a time for about two minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 8: Coat in Warm Cinnamon Sugar

• Let the donuts drain on a wire rack for one minute.
• Toss them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.

Why Reducing the Cider is Non-Negotiable

Boiling down the cider concentrates the natural apple flavor. It also removes excess water that would otherwise make the dough far too sticky to handle.

Do not skip this crucial step. You will be rewarded with a profoundly spiced, rich bakery-quality treat.

Baking vs. Frying: Which Yields the Best Texture?

Frying gives you that authentic bakery style crunch on the outside. The hot oil seals the exterior beautifully.

Baking is much faster and yields a soft cake-like crumb. Either method produces a delicious Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. You simply have to decide if you want to deal with hot oil today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Dense Dough & Greasy Donuts)

Overmixing your dough will consistently lead to tough and dense donuts. Always stir just until the flour streaks disappear.

If your fried donuts are turning out greasy, your oil temperature is too low. Keep a candy thermometer in the pot to ensure it stays right at 350 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.

Freezing & Storage Secrets

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are undeniably best enjoyed fresh.

If you need to freeze them, leave off the cinnamon sugar coating. Freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. You can warm them up in the oven and coat them right before serving.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Fall Spread

These donuts pair beautifully with a hot mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk. You can even serve them alongside a warm caramel dipping sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Bring them to a pumpkin carving party and watch them disappear. They smell amazing and truly taste like a crisp autumn afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

★★★★★ 4.87 FROM 281 VOTES

Apple Cider Donuts

AUTHOR: True Taste Buds

This easy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe delivers that perfect bakery-style flavor right in your own kitchen. There is nothing quite like a warm, cinnamon-sugar coated treat fresh from the oven on a crisp autumn morning.

PREP:
20 MINS

COOK:
20 MINS

TOTAL:
40 MINS

SERVINGS:
12

🖨 PRINT RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Remaining granulated sugar
• Remaining ground cinnamon
• Remaining melted unsalted butter
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for the optional frying method)

Instructions

1. Boil the cider in a small saucepan until it reduces down to half a cup. Let it cool completely before using.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. Beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it looks like wet sand. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the reduced apple cider milk mixture to the butter. Stir gently just until the batter comes together.
5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour so the dough becomes firm enough to handle.
6. Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured surface and pat it to about half an inch thick. Use a donut cutter to stamp out your rings and holes.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry a few donuts at a time for about two minutes per side until golden brown.
8. Let the donuts drain on a wire rack for one minute. Toss them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g