Description

These Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat featuring a moist, flavorful batter infused with reduced apple cider and warming spices. Baked to perfection and coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these donuts deliver a delightful combination of sweet and spiced flavors. Ideal for cozy autumn mornings or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts:

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.
Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.
Make the Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the reduced apple cider until combined evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
Bake the Donuts: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coat the Donuts: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. While the donuts are still warm, dip each donut into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the spiced apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature for a cozy seasonal treat.

Notes

For a stronger apple flavor, do not reduce the cider too much; about half reduction is optimal.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor profile.
Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider donuts, fall recipes, spiced donuts, baked donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts