Spiced Apple Cider Donuts (Print Version)
Fragrant donuts infused with apple cider and warm spices, ideal for autumn mornings or gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For Coating
15 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
17 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a standard donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
02 - Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until evenly blended.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk the cooled reduced apple cider, melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
05 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined, taking care to avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
06 - Spoon or pipe batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full for proper rise.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each cooled donut with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to evenly coat.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They feel like a warm hug from an old friend on chilly days
- The blend of spices and apple cider creates a flavor that instantly became a favorite in my family
02 -
- Reducing the apple cider is key to concentrating flavor and preventing sogginess
- Overmixing the batter results in dense, tough donuts – gentle folding is the trick
03 -
- Using a piping bag helps fill the donut cavities evenly, ensuring uniform baking
- The secret is the cooling time — don’t rush the cinnamon sugar coating for the best texture