Apple Cider Donuts Cinnamon

Apple Cider Donuts deliver that unmistakable taste of fall in every bite Soft and cake-like these donuts are full of apple flavor warm spices and the crackling goodness of a cinnamon sugar coating Whether for an autumn morning or a year-round treat anytime you crave coziness this recipe is pure comfort food

When my kids first smelled these baking during a chilly October morning they gathered around the oven and impatiently counted down the minutes Now this is our family’s go-to for fall breakfast feasts

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: provides the structure for a soft crumb Choose unbleached for better flavor
• Baking powder and baking soda: give lift so the donuts bake up light and fluffy Always check they are fresh
• Ground cinnamon: the signature spice of apple cider donuts Freshly purchased ground cinnamon is most fragrant
• Ground nutmeg and allspice: offer background warmth for that extra autumn flair Nutmeg is best when freshly grated if you have it
• Salt: sharpens all the flavors Choose fine sea salt or kosher salt for even mixing
• Apple cider: brings a tart-sweet punch of apple flavor Use fresh cider if possible and simmer to concentrate
• Granulated sugar: for sweetness The finest texture ensures smooth blending
• Large eggs: add structure while keeping the donuts tender Use room temp eggs for even mixing
• Unsweetened applesauce: adds moisture and boosts the apple profile Look for a brand with only apples as the ingredient
• Melted unsalted butter: infuses richness and makes for a velvety crumb Use real butter for best results
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and rounds out all the spices Use pure not imitation if you can
• Cinnamon sugar coating: the final touch for that classic texture and boost of spice Use a good-quality cinnamon for robust flavor
• Melted butter for brushing: ensures the sugar sticks and imparts a bakery-style sheen

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure it is fully preheated before starting Grease two six cavity donut pans with softened butter or nonstick spray for easy donut release

Reduce the Apple Cider:

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan Bring to a boil over medium heat then lower to a simmer Let it bubble gently until reduced to half a cup about ten to twelve minutes Stir once or twice to prevent sticking Let the reduction cool until lukewarm

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon nutmeg allspice and salt Thoroughly whisk so the spices distribute evenly Ensuring the spices are well mingled makes each bite more flavorful

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the cooled reduced cider sugar eggs applesauce melted butter and vanilla extract Mix thoroughly until smooth The applesauce helps keep the donuts tender and moist

Combine Wet and Dry:

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl Using a spatula gently fold until just combined Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears This prevents tough donuts

Fill the Pans:

Spoon the batter evenly into your donut pans Fill each cavity about three quarters full For tidy results use a piping bag or a zip top bag with the corner snipped

Bake:

Slide the pans into the hot oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes The donuts are ready when they spring back when lightly pressed or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean Do not overbake or they will dry out

Cool the Donuts:

Remove the pans from the oven and rest on a wire rack After five minutes gently turn out the donuts onto the wire rack to finish cooling This step keeps them delicate and prevents steaming

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Stir together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl Melt the butter Use a pastry brush to coat the still warm donuts in melted butter Roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture Coat all sides for full flavor

Serve or Store:

Enjoy the donuts warm on the day they are made Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage consider freezing

Save

I adore how the concentrated apple cider brings out a pure orchard aroma in the kitchen Every time the scent fills the house the kids come running for a warm donut and someone always sneaks a second helping before breakfast is through

Storage Tips

Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days To keep them soft add a slice of fresh bread to the container For longer freshness freeze cooled donuts individually on a baking sheet then transfer to a storage bag They can be thawed at room temperature or quickly reheated in the microwave for a just baked taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have apple cider on hand you can use unfiltered apple juice and reduce it the same way For a dairy free twist swap the butter for a quality plant based alternative Many plant based butters mimic the taste and performance of dairy perfectly If you want to punch up the flavor a drizzle of boiled cider syrup works wonders

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or hot coffee For a brunch spread decorate a platter with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks For a festive autumn party stack the donuts on a cake stand and dust with extra cinnamon sugar right before serving

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Apple cider donuts are a staple at American apple orchards and fall farm stands Often enjoyed during hayrides and chilly harvest festivals they capture everything cozy about autumn In my hometown we would visit the local cider mill just to get a bag of fresh donuts dusted with still melting sugar

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pear cider instead of apple cider for a subtle twist Swap in pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg if you want a different flavor profile Add chopped dried apples into the batter to enhance texture

Success Stories

Every time I bring these donuts to a gathering someone asks for the recipe My best friend once used this base batter to create mini donut holes for her daughter’s school bake sale and they vanished instantly They are as welcome at breakfast as they are at an afternoon coffee break

Freezer Meal Conversion

These donuts are easy to freeze for later enjoyment Once cool arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid Then store in a zip top bag Pull out individual donuts and warm gently in the microwave or toaster oven They taste almost as good as fresh with zero effort

Save

Enjoy these donuts fresh for a taste of cozy autumn mornings They’re a comforting treat all year round

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I enhance the apple flavor?

Try using apple cider concentrate or reduce the cider further for a more intense taste in the donuts.

→ Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes, bake the batter in a muffin tin—adjust baking time and check for springiness to ensure doneness.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives to make the donuts dairy-free. Check labels as well.

→ What is the best way to coat the donuts?

Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar for an even, flavorful coating.

→ How should I store these donuts?

Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for maximum freshness.

→ Which spices are used?

The donuts feature cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor profile.