Description
These Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy fall baking tradition you can enjoy year-round. Made with real reduced apple cider, warm spices, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these homemade donuts bring the nostalgic flavors of orchard-fresh treats straight to your kitchen. Perfect for brunch, festive gatherings, or an afternoon coffee break.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
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2 cups apple cider
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
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3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
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In a saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (approx. 20 minutes). Cool completely.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the cooled reduced apple cider and buttermilk until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
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Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness and cut out donuts using a donut cutter.
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry donuts in small batches for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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While still warm, brush donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Notes
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid substituting with apple juice.
Don’t skip reducing the cider—it intensifies the apple flavor.
Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better shape retention during frying.
For a baked version, use a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (including frying in batches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American