Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe You’ll Love

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

August 17, 2025

Updated:

August 17, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of warm apple cider donuts wafting through the air, isn’t there? Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy donut, covered in cinnamon sugar, with a hint of apple and spices dancing on your tongue. Each bite is like a cozy hug from fall itself, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).

I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter as she tossed flour around the kitchen while making her famous apple cider donuts. Those delightful treats were a staple during our family gatherings, enveloping us in sweet nostalgia and sparking joy with every bite. Now, it’s time to share that love with you and create memories of your own around these delectable bites of happiness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This apple cider donuts recipe is incredibly easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all levels

The flavor profile blends sweet apples and warm spices for an irresistible treat
Their golden-brown appearance makes them visually appealing, ideal for any gathering or cozy morning at home

These donuts are versatile; enjoy them fresh or freeze for later enjoyment!

My friends still talk about the time I made these donuts for a brunch gathering; they practically disappeared before I could grab one myself!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; it adds depth and sweetness to the donuts.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works great here; just ensure it’s sifted to avoid clumps.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Baking Powder: This helps the donuts rise beautifully, giving them that fluffy texture we all love.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements apples perfectly; don’t skip this!

Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together; they also add moisture and richness.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter enhances flavor and keeps the donuts tender.
Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating after frying or baking to achieve that signature finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Trust me; having everything ready makes the process smoother and less messy.

Heat Up that Apple Cider!: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer 2 cups of apple cider until reduced by half. This concentrates the flavor and gives your donuts that deliciously rich taste.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined. Take a moment to appreciate how good it smells!

Combine Wet Ingredients & Apple Cider Reduction: In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup melted butter. Then stir in your cooled apple cider reduction until well blended. This mixture should have an inviting aroma.

Add Wet to Dry Ingredients & Form Dough: Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft donuts not tough tires.

Shape & Fry or Bake Donuts: If you have a donut pan, pour batter into each mold or use floured hands to shape dough into balls before frying in hot oil until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).

After you’ve achieved that perfect golden color outside, coat them immediately in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm!

Enjoy your freshly made apple cider donuts with coffee or tea! They’re best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container if you manage not to devour them all at once.

Now go ahead—don’t just read about this apple cider donuts recipe; get in that kitchen and make some magic happen!

You Must Know

This delightful apple cider donuts recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings
The warm spices and sweet glaze create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
These treats are not just tasty; they also bring back fond memories of fall harvests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then gradually add wet ingredients for uniformity. This ensures your batter is smooth and well-combined, leading to perfectly fluffy donuts every time.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added texture and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their softness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh apple cider for maximum flavor—it’s like a hug in donut form!
Don’t skip the cooling rack after frying; it prevents sogginess

Lastly, let your glaze set before diving in; trust me, it’s worth it!

Sometimes I whip up this apple cider donuts recipe when friends drop by unannounced, and their delighted faces are priceless. It’s a simple way to turn an ordinary day into something special.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought cider works perfectly if fresh isn’t available.

How can I make these donuts healthier?

Consider using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar without compromising taste.

What’s the best way to glaze my donuts?

Dip them while warm; this helps the glaze stick beautifully without sliding off.

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