Apple Cider Donuts Cinnamon

If crisp leaves and cozy sweaters bring donut cravings for autumn these apple cider donuts are the answer They capture the essence of cider mills and fairground treats but you do not need a fryer or specialty skills Instead you get tender flavorful donuts packed with cider and warming spices all finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating It is the ultimate fall comfort food made easily in your own kitchen

I made these after fall apple picking with my family and the kitchen smelled heavenly all afternoon Now it is our tradition after every orchard visit

Ingredients

• Apple cider: choose fresh sweet cider from a local orchard if possible as it gives the deepest flavor
• All purpose flour: pick a good quality unbleached brand for best rise
• Baking powder and baking soda: both work together for a light tender crumb
• Salt: balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: classic warm spices for apple baked goods prefer freshly grated nutmeg if you have it
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: both give sweetness plus brown sugar adds a hint of caramel
• Eggs: bring the batter together and add a bit of richness
• Unsweetened applesauce: boosts apple flavor and keeps donuts moist
• Vegetable oil: any neutral oil works to keep the crumb tender
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the spiced flavors
• For the topping: more granulated sugar and cinnamon for that classic finish melt unsalted butter for sticking power and rich taste

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider:

Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and place over medium heat Let it simmer gently so the liquid reduces to about half Do not rush this step as this concentrates the flavor Let it cool a bit before adding to your batter

Prep the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl use a whisk to combine flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg Make sure everything is evenly distributed so the donuts rise properly

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl combine the reduced apple cider granulated sugar brown sugar eggs applesauce oil and vanilla whisking until fully blended and smooth You want the sugar mostly dissolved

Combine the Mixtures:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture Use a spatula to gently fold everything together stirring just until no dry pockets remain Overmixing can lead to tougher donuts

Fill the Donut Pans:

Lightly grease your donut pans Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity filling about three quarters full This will allow room to rise without overflowing

Bake the Donuts:

Slide the pans into your preheated oven Bake for about twelve minutes Check with a toothpick at ten minutes so you do not overbake They should be golden and the tester should come out clean

Cool and Coat:

Let the baked donuts rest in the pan for five minutes then gently loosen and transfer to a wire rack While still warm brush each one with melted butter then dip generously into the cinnamon sugar mix so every bite has a sparkly spiced crunch

Apple cider is my favorite part and I love how simmering it fills the house with a sweet spicy aroma My youngest always sneaks an extra donut right off the rack when I coat them and it makes me smile every time

Storage Tips

Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature They stay soft for up to two days Any longer and the coating may get sticky If you want to make ahead freeze uncoated donuts wrapped tightly then thaw and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar just before serving for fresh flavor Do not refrigerate as these can dry out quickly in the cold

Ingredient Substitutions

No applesauce on hand Swap it for plain Greek yogurt for similar texture and a bit more tang If you like whole grains substitute half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat option The texture gets heartier and the nutrition bumps up Dairy allergies Melted coconut oil works instead of butter in the topping for a vegan friendly version

Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra apple slices and hot spiced cider or coffee for a true autumn breakfast experience Try slicing donuts and stuffing with vanilla ice cream for a fun fall dessert Bring to a harvest party or treat coworkers at the office for instant popularity

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Apple cider donuts are iconic at American apple orchards and farmers markets as soon as leaves start turning They are part of fall festivities across the United States and evoke crisp air hayrides and nostalgic memories This recipe packs all that into a simple homemade treat

Seasonal Adaptations

Pick up local cider at its peak from your nearest market In winter spice up the topping with a bit of ground cardamom Try swapping ground cinnamon in the batter for pumpkin spice if you crave variety

Success Stories

Baked apple cider donuts have won over even my family members who claim to only love fried ones Friends text me for the recipe every fall Teachers at my child’s school now hope I sign up for bake sales just to bring these

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze double the batch and skip the coating Allow donuts to cool and freeze them in a single layer then pack airtight To serve thaw at room temp for two hours Brush with melted butter and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar They taste like you just made them

Let yourself make these a new fall tradition and bake some extra for sharing The aroma and flavor are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I enhance the apple flavor?

Try using spiced apple cider or adding a bit more reduced cider for bolder fruit flavor in each bite.

→ Can the donuts be made in advance?

They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days for convenience.

→ Is there a way to make them healthier?

You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier and fiber-rich result.

→ What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you lack a donut pan, try baking the batter in a muffin tin, but reduce baking time and watch closely for doneness.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these are vegetarian-friendly. Be sure to check apple cider and applesauce labels for any additives if needed.