Soft, warm, cinnamon-coated perfection
Apple cider donuts are the ultimate comfort treat — sweet, fluffy, full of apple flavor, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar. This easy recipe uses non-alcoholic apple cider, the kind sold at grocery stores as a fall drink.
Let’s get baking!
🍏 Ingredients
For the Donuts
1 ½ cups apple cider (non-alcoholic)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
½ cup milk
¼ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing or dipping)
🍎 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a small pot.
Simmer on medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup (takes 10–15 minutes).
Why?
This gives the donuts a stronger, richer apple flavor.
Let it cool.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
Egg
Brown sugar
White sugar
Add:
Milk
Melted butter
Vanilla
The cooled reduced apple cider
Stir until combined.
4. Combine Wet + Dry
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Stir gently until smooth — don’t overmix.
The batter should be thick.
🍩 5. Choose Your Cooking Method: Bake or Fry
Option A: Bake (Easy!)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a donut pan
Fill each donut mold ¾ full
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden
Let cool slightly before coating
Option B: Fry (Classic!)
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C)
Roll dough into ½-inch thick
Cut donut shapes (use a donut cutter or 2 round cups)
Fry 1–2 minutes per side
Drain on paper towels
Baking is easier and safer, but both taste amazing.
🍯 6. Coat the Donuts
Mix the sugar + cinnamon in a bowl.
Brush or dip donuts lightly with melted butter.
Roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
YUM.
🍎 Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts
Reduce the cider — this is what gives the donuts their rich apple flavor.
Don’t overmix the dough or batter.
If frying, don’t let the oil get too hot or they’ll brown too quickly.
For baking, use a piping bag or zip bag to fill the donut pan neatly.
Coat the donuts while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks better.
🍁 Fun Variations
Caramel Drizzle Donuts
Drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
Apple Pie Donuts
Mix tiny apple chunks (softened in the microwave) into the batter.
Extra Cinnamon Spice Donuts
Add ½ teaspoon more cinnamon + a pinch of ginger.
Maple Donuts
Swap vanilla for 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
🍏 Serving Ideas
These apple cider donuts are amazing:
Warm with hot chocolate
As a fall breakfast
With apple slices
As a school snack
With vanilla ice cream
They taste like autumn in every bite.
🍎 Make the Best Apple Cider Donuts Ever — Right at Home!
This recipe gives you warm, fluffy, cinnamon-sugary apple cider donuts that feel like something from a fall festival — except you can make them anytime, right in your kitchen. Whether baked or fried, they’re cozy, delicious, and absolutely irresistible.