Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Apple cider donuts are the quintessential fall treat, offering a warm, comforting blend of apple cider and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These donuts are tender and light, with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re celebrating autumn or just craving a sweet, cozy snack, these homemade apple cider donuts will quickly become a family favorite.

Equipment:

• Donut pan (or deep fryer)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider
   In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens to about ½ cup. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth. Add the cooled apple cider, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fill the Donut Pan
   Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
7. Bake the Donuts
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Coat the Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar
   While the donuts cool, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the slightly cooled donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve these warm, fresh donuts on a wooden platter or cake stand to add to their rustic charm.
• Pair them with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee for the perfect fall treat.

Tips:

• If you don’t have a donut pan, you can fry the donuts instead. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C), shape the dough into rings, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• For extra flavor, add finely chopped apples to the batter.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze them for up to a month.

These apple cider donuts are a perfect treat to celebrate the fall season. With their tender, flavorful crumb and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to become a favorite for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a hot drink, these homemade donuts are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of autumn!