Apple cider donuts are a cozy treat, perfect for fall! They are soft, sweet, and packed with apple flavor, making them hard to resist. Plus, they have a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch!
These donuts are great with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and they fill your home with the warm smell of apples and spices. Trust me, you’ll want to share them, but save a few for yourself! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, use 100% apple juice, but reduce it like cider for a concentrated taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice texture. For gluten-free options, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check if it has xanthan gum included.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a warm flavor profile. You can mix 1 1/4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead if you’re short on individual spices, which works well too!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture. If you don’t have it, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle, then use in place of buttermilk.
How Do I Get My Donuts to Rise and Bake Perfectly?
Getting fluffy donuts is key. Pay attention to these steps:
- **Reduce the Cider**: Simmer it down to a concentrated flavor; this enhances the apples’ taste.
- **Chill the Dough**: Refrigerating the dough firms it up, which makes it easier to pipe into the donut pan.
- **Don’t Overmix**: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense.
- **Bake Properly**: Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different. The donuts are done when a toothpick comes out clean.
These tips make sure your apple cider donuts come out soft and delicious every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-30 minutes to reduce the apple cider. Then, you’ll need about 15-18 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to cool the donuts for a few minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it as it reduces; you want it to end up at about 1/2 cup, which should take around 20-30 minutes. Once reduced, pour it into a bowl and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This ensures the donuts will be nicely spiced and rising perfectly!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In another bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes a couple of minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavors:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Toss in the cooled apple cider reduction and the vanilla extract, mixing them together well.
5. Add Buttermilk:
Pour in the buttermilk and give it a good stir to combine all the wet ingredients.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is mixed—try not to overmix, or your donuts could come out tough!
7. Chill the Dough:
Cover your bowl with the dough and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to handle when you pipe it into the pan.
8. Preheat Oven:
When it’s almost time to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease your donut pan or use some non-stick spray.
9. Fill the Donut Pan:
Transfer your dough to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe it into the donut cavities, filling them about 3/4 full.
10. Bake:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into a donut.
11. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are baking, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. This will be the delicious coating!
12. Coat the Donuts:
When the donuts are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them and roll or dip each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm, coating both sides.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your apple cider donuts warm or let them cool to room temperature. They are perfect with a cup of coffee, hot cider, or even on their own! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful apple cider donuts!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works great for this recipe. Just make sure to reduce it as per the instructions to concentrate the flavor.
Can I Make the Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add it separately to help the donuts rise properly!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make your own buttermilk by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To refresh them, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
