best apple cider donuts

There’s something about fall that just makes you crave warm, cozy flavors. The crisp air, the scent of cinnamon drifting through the house, and the excitement of apple picking all signal one thing—apple cider donuts season.

These donuts are the perfect mix of crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of rich apple flavor. They’re rolled in cinnamon sugar, making them sweet, a little spicy, and impossible to resist. You might think homemade donuts sound complicated, but they’re easier than you’d expect. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll never want store-bought again.

If you’ve ever had a fresh apple cider donut from an orchard, you know how special they are. That warm, sugary coating sticks to your fingers as you take that first bite, and the taste is pure fall. The good news is, you don’t need to visit a farm stand to enjoy them. With a little effort, you can bring that experience into your own kitchen.

The Secret to the perfect Apple Cider Donuts

The key ingredient in apple cider donuts is, of course, the apple cider. But here’s the trick—reducing the cider before adding it to the batter. Apple cider is delicious on its own, but when you simmer it down, it becomes even more concentrated, intensifying the flavor. Without this step, the apple taste in the donuts would be too subtle.

Spices also play a big role in these donuts. Cinnamon is a must, but adding a little nutmeg and clove brings out the warmth that makes these donuts feel like fall in every bite. Hints of vanilla lend an air to the batter, balancing the trifecta of sweet, tart, and spicy.

Apple cider donuts, unlike yeast donuts that require time for their dough to rise, are a mash of baking powder and soda for the leavening process; thus, these become quick and easy for preparation without sacrificing the airy texture. A sticky, albeit more workable batter if chilled before rolling, the dough requires patience to handle.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

• Apple cider – The star ingredient that gives these donuts their signature flavor.
• Eggs – Just one large, room-temperature egg is needed.
• Sugars – Mixing granulated and brown sugar imparts sweetness and depth.
• Butter – Melted, unsalted butter creates a rich texture.
• Milk – Whole or 2% works best for moisture.
• Vanilla – Adds warmth and enhances the spiced flavors.
• Flour – Provides structure and texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Both are essential for the perfect rise.
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom bring warm, cozy flavors.
  

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Donuts from Scratch

1. Reduce the apple cider

Simmer on the stovetop until it thickens into a syrup, then let it cool.

2. Prepare the batter

Mix the egg, butter, milk, vanilla, and both sugars in a bowl.

3. Whisk the dry ingredients

Blend the following dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices) in another bowl.

4. Combine wet and dry

Simply fold in the dry ingredients with the wet, making sure pigs do not fly before their first encounter.

5. Pipe into the pan

Pour the batter into a lightly oiled donut pan.

6. Bake

Bake until a clean toothpick comes out from the center.

7. Dip in butter

Brush or dip the warm donuts in melted butter.

8. Coat in cinnamon sugar

Roll in the spiced sugar mixture while still warm.

Apple Cider Donuts with a Maple Glaze

Try adding a maple glaze to take your apple cider donuts to a whole new level. Drizzled on top of each donut after it cools, the maple syrup pancake syrup is warm, sweet, and just complements the spice in the donuts-making an irresistible combination.

To make the glaze, whisk together:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (or apple cider for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

After a slight cooling, dip the top of the donuts in the glaze and set them to drip onto a wire rack. The glaze gives the donuts a smooth and sweet finish, perfect to contrast the cinnamon and apple. For a thicker glaze, keep adding powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating Apple Cider Donuts

Ideally, you should eat apple cider donuts fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers, they can be stored. Keep them enclosed tightly at room temperature for as long as 2 days and in the refrigerator for as long as 5 days for more longer-term storage.

For that just-made freshness, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds before consuming. Alternatively, for a nice crisp crust, Put them in a 350°F preheated oven for a short time. The sugar coating may soften a tiny bit, but the taste would still be fabulous.

For long-term storage, you can freeze apple cider donuts. Cover each donut with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to eat one, let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour or microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Freezing is more effective for uncoated plain donuts, so if you’re going to freeze them, you should coat them afterward for the best texture.

The Best Apples for Apple Cider Donuts

Because apple cider is the key ingredient in these donuts, using high-quality cider makes a big difference. If you’re making homemade apple cider or picking one from the store, look for unfiltered cider with no added sugar. The best apple varieties for cider include Honeycrisp, Fuji, McIntosh, and Gala, as they have a naturally sweet and tangy flavor.

Some orchards sell apple cider blends made from a mix of different apple varieties. These can add even more depth to the flavor of your donuts. If you can find fresh cider from a local farm stand, that’s even better. The fresher and more natural the cider, the better your donuts will taste.

Apple Cider Donuts for Special Occasions

Apple cider donuts aren’t just for fall mornings at home—they’re also a great addition to holiday gatherings, brunches, and even weddings. Many couples have started including these donuts as part of their dessert table at fall weddings, sometimes served with mini cups of warm cider. They also make a great homemade gift when packed in a festive box or wrapped in parchment paper with a ribbon.

For a fun twist, try making mini apple cider donuts using a mini donut pan or small cookie cutters. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and make it easier for guests to grab one (or a few) without committing to a full-sized donut. No matter the occasion, apple cider donuts are always a crowd-pleaser.

Pairing Apple Cider Donuts with Drinks

The first obvious drink pairing with these donuts is apple cider, but other great drinks make possible pairings too. A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness, perfect for a hearty breakfast or afternoon treat. A more decadent choice would be to serve these apple cider donuts with a glass of hot chocolate for dessert.
Mulled wine or spiked apple cider will really dress these donuts up. The warm spices in the drinks match those in the donuts: cinnamon, nutmeg, chills of a fall evening. Whether you stick to the classic cider or explore a new candidate, the right drink only elevates your experience with apple cider donuts.

Can You Bake Apple Cider Donuts Instead of Frying?

If you love apple cider donuts but aren’t a fan of deep frying, baking is a great alternative. Baked apple cider donuts have a slightly different texture—more like a cake donut than a fried one—but they still deliver that warm, spiced apple flavor. The key is using a donut pan, which helps them hold their classic ring shape.

Baking is done very much on the lines of reduction of cider and batter mixing. Instead of rolling the dough and cutting it, it should be spooned or piped into a greased donut pan. Then, fill each mold about three-quarters full. For baking, the mold is placed in an oven heated to 350°F for about 12-15 minutes or until it springs back after touch and is goldish brown. After baking, the donuts get a melted butter coating and a cinnamon-sugar roll for a classic flavor and texture.

Baked apple cider donuts are a great option if you want something a little lighter or if you prefer an easier cleanup. They may not have the crispy exterior of their fried counterparts, but they’re still packed with flavor and just as satisfying.

Why Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Are Worth It

There’s no denying that picking up a fresh bag of apple cider donuts from a local orchard is a fall tradition. But making them yourself is an entirely different kind of experience. You control the ingredients, ensuring a deeper apple flavor and the perfect level of sweetness.

Store-bought donuts tend to lose their freshness quickly, but homemade ones let you enjoy them straight out of the fryer. The crispy edges, soft middle, and warm cinnamon sugar coating are something you just can’t get from a pre-packaged version.

If you’ve never made apple cider donuts before, now is the perfect time. The effort is minimal, the results are incredible, and the experience of making them is just as enjoyable as eating them. Once you take that first bite of a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut, you’ll see why this fall tradition is one worth keeping.

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best apple cider donuts

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Apple cider donuts are the ultimate fall treat—warm, spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Make them at home with this easy, flavorful recipe.

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Ingredients

1. Apple cider – The star ingredient that gives these donuts their signature flavor.
2. Eggs – Just one large, room-temperature egg is needed.
3. Sugars – Mixing granulated and brown sugar imparts sweetness and depth.
5. Butter – Melted, unsalted butter creates a rich texture.
6. Milk – Whole or 2% works best for moisture.
7. Vanilla – Adds warmth and enhances the spiced flavors.
8. Flour – Provides structure and texture.
9. Baking powder & baking soda – Both are essential for the perfect rise.
10. Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom bring warm, cozy flavors.

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Instructions

1️⃣ Reduce the apple cider

Simmer on the stovetop until it thickens into a syrup, then let it cool.

2️⃣ Prepare the batter

Mix the egg, butter, milk, vanilla, and both sugars in a bowl.

3️⃣ Whisk the dry ingredients

Blend the following dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices) in another bowl.

4️⃣ Combine wet and dry

Simply fold in the dry ingredients with the wet, making sure pigs do not fly before their first encounter.

5️⃣ Pipe into the pan

Pour the batter into a lightly oiled donut pan.

6️⃣ Bake

Bake until a clean toothpick comes out from the center.

7️⃣ Dip in butter

Brush or dip the warm donuts in melted butter.

8️⃣ Coat in cinnamon sugar

Roll in the spiced sugar mixture while still warm.

Notes

• Reducing the cider is key for deep apple flavor.
• Best eaten fresh but can be stored for later.
• Coating them in cinnamon sugar while warm enhances the taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking/Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: apple cider donuts, homemade donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts, fried donuts, fall desserts, apple spice donuts, easy donut recipe