Fluffy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: Cozy Fall Goodness

Crisp autumn afternoons sparkle with the magic of apple cider donuts that capture seasonal warmth and nostalgia.

Sweet memories dance through kitchen windows when cinnamon and nutmeg swirl together.

Bakeries across New England have perfected this delightful treat for generations.

Farmers markets buzz with excitement when these golden circles appear on rustic wooden stands.

Soft, pillowy textures and rich apple essence make each bite a celebration of harvest traditions.

Homemade versions invite you to recreate that irresistible comfort right in your own kitchen.

Brace yourself for a delectable journey that promises to transport you to cozy farmhouse mornings.

FAQs

• What makes the apple cider reduction special in this recipe?

The apple cider reduction concentrates the apple flavor, creating a deeper, more intense taste profile in the donuts and adding a rich, caramelized note to the overall recipe.

• Why do I need to chill the dough before cutting?

Chilling helps firm up the sticky dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into donut shapes without falling apart, and prevents the donuts from spreading during frying.

• Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While frying gives the traditional crispy exterior, you can bake them at 375F for about 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, though the texture will be slightly different from the classic fried version.

Why Apple Cider Donuts Are A Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Capture the cozy autumn vibes with these warm, spiced donuts that bring the essence of apple orchards right to your kitchen.
• Conquer Homemade Baking: Create bakery-quality donuts without professional skills, perfect for bakers of all levels who want to impress family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spices or trying different coating options, making it a versatile treat for any sweet tooth craving.
• Wow Weekend Brunch: Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread with these golden, crispy donuts that will have everyone asking for seconds and praising your culinary skills.

Apple Cider Donuts What You Need

• Apple Cider: A concentrated sweet liquid that provides rich apple flavor and moisture to the donuts.
• Buttermilk: Helps create tender and soft texture with subtle tangy notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and base for the donut dough.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help donuts rise and become light.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the apple cider flavor and provide cozy autumn taste.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides richness.
• Butter: Adds flavor and contributes to tender texture.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that complements the donut's flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies other ingredients' taste.

Apple Cider Donuts Easy Steps

Step 1: Reduce Apple Cider

Grab a small saucepan and pour in your apple cider.

Let it simmer over medium heat, watching it transform and concentrate.

Cook until the liquid reduces to about a quarter cup, which takes around 10-15 minutes.

Set the reduced cider aside to cool down completely.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Ensure everything is thoroughly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add an egg and beat well.

Pour in vanilla extract, buttermilk, and the cooled apple cider reduction.

Mix until the batter looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Form Soft Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Don’t overmix – just combine until everything comes together.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for at least an hour.

This helps make rolling and cutting easier.

Step 6: Shape Donuts

Dust a clean surface generously with flour.

Roll out the chilled dough to about half-inch thickness.

Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to create classic donut shapes.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carefully slide donuts into the hot oil, frying in small batches.

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touch

While donuts are still warm, roll them in a delectable cinnamon sugar mixture.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful homemade treat!

Apple Cider Donuts Helpful Hints

• Simmer apple cider slowly to concentrate flavors and create a rich, intense base for your donuts without burning.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to handle and prevent excessive sticking when rolling and cutting.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil, ensuring golden-brown donuts that are crispy outside and tender inside.
• Let donuts rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil, creating a lighter, less greasy texture.
• Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for maximum sugar adherence and a delightful, sweet coating.

Apple Cider Donuts Creative Twists

• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Cider Donuts: Swap egg with flax egg, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute buttermilk with almond milk.
• Spiced Pumpkin Apple Cider Donuts: Add pumpkin puree to batter and increase warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for autumn flavor.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cider Donuts: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and reduce sugar content in coating.

Apple Cider Donuts Serving Tips

• Cozy Autumn Brunch: Serve these warm, cinnamon-sugar donuts alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall breakfast experience.
• Fall Dessert Platter: Create a rustic dessert board with these donuts, some caramel dipping sauce, and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful sweet treat.
• Coffee Shop Companion: Pair these donuts with a rich espresso or cappuccino for a classic morning indulgence that captures the essence of comfort and warmth.
• Game Day Delight: Bring these donuts to a fall football gathering as a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love and remember.

Apple Cider Donuts Storage Guide

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze up to 1 month. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Leave donuts uncovered at room temperature for maximum 1 day. Best consumed within 6-8 hours of preparation for optimal taste and texture.
• Warm donuts in microwave for 10-15 seconds or air fryer at 300F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid oven reheating to prevent drying out the delicate texture.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent apple cider donuts bring autumn’s warmth straight to your kitchen, celebrating New England’s beloved seasonal treat. Crisp, golden rounds glazed with cinnamon sugar promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Condense apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, reducing to approximately 1/4 cup within 10-15 minutes. Allow liquid to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, aromatic spices, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a separate large bowl until light and airy. Incorporate egg, then introduce vanilla extract, buttermilk, and reduced apple cider, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a cohesive yet slightly tacky dough emerges.
5. Wrap dough and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing ingredients to solidify and flavors to meld, ensuring easier handling.
6. Dust work surface generously with flour, then roll chilled dough to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Utilize donut cutters to shape circular pastries with characteristic center holes.
7. Heat cooking oil to precise 350°F in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully submerge donuts, frying 1-2 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown exterior with crisp edges.
8. Transfer freshly fried donuts onto absorbent paper towels briefly. While still warm, delicately coat each pastry in fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Notes

• Reduce Apple Cider Carefully to concentrate flavors and prevent burning, watch the saucepan closely during reduction.
• Use Fresh Spices for maximum flavor impact, ensuring your ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are recently purchased and aromatic.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature when frying to achieve perfectly golden, crispy donuts without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly to make rolling and cutting easier, preventing sticky complications during preparation and ensuring a light, tender texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg