These apple cider donuts are soft, sweet, and full of fall flavors! With a hint of cinnamon and a delightful glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, I can never eat just one! They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, accompanied by a warm cup of cider. Trust me, you’ll want to share (or not)! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient! Choose good quality apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it won’t have that rich, deep flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for these donuts, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to get similar results.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dough. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Buttermilk: For a substitute, mix ½ cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor. If you love spices, feel free to increase the amounts, or add some allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough Consistency for My Donuts?
Getting the right dough consistency is key to making soft, fluffy donuts. Here’s how to nail it:
- When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined—lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Chilling the dough for about an hour helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and shapes nicely.
- When rolling out, aim for about ½-inch thickness. Too thick means dense donuts; too thin may cause them to overcook.
This step is essential for achieving that signature soft donut texture!
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for baking and 1 hour for chilling the dough. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to get those delicious scents wafting through your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reducing the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces down to about ½ cup. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool off.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and your now-cooled reduced apple cider until everything is well mixed and smooth.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. Don’t overmix; your dough should be a bit sticky but not too runny!
5. Chilling the Dough:
Cover your bowl with the dough and pop it into the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to shape later.
6. Prepping the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or butter.
7. Shaping the Donuts:
Once your dough is chilled, take it out and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch in thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different sizes of round cutters) to cut out your donuts and holes.
8. Baking the Donuts:
Carefully place the cut-out donuts into your prepared pan. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on top. When done, a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
9. Making the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for your coating. In another shallow dish, have your melted butter ready for dipping.
10. Coating the Donuts:
While your donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Ensure they’re well coated for that perfect sweet crunch!
11. Cooling and Serving:
Finally, transfer your beautifully coated donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly. They’re perfect warm or at room temperature, especially when paired with a cup of cider or coffee. Enjoy every bite of these fall delights!
These apple cider donuts are soft, fragrant with cinnamon and apple flavor, and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe and is often more convenient. Just make sure to choose a cider that you enjoy drinking since it will affect the flavor of the donuts!
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No problem! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter, and bake for a slightly longer time, around 15-18 minutes.
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make these Donuts Vegan?
Yes! To make vegan apple cider donuts, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), use dairy-free butter, and replace buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious vegan version!
