When autumn rolls around, nothing captures the cozy flavors of the season quite like apple cider donuts. Lightly spiced, coated in cinnamon sugar, and infused with the sweet tang of apple cider, these donuts are a fall tradition in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a trip to the orchard—you can make them fresh at home!
Follow these simple steps to make the best apple cider donuts recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends.
🍏 What Makes Apple Cider Donuts Special?
Apple cider donuts stand out from regular donuts because they feature concentrated apple cider, which gives them a fruity tang balanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a soft, cake-like donut that tastes like fall in every bite.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
For about 12 donuts:
1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup.
This concentrates the flavor and gives your donuts a strong apple punch.
Let it cool completely before adding to the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Step 4: Combine
Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a donut pan and spoon batter into molds (about ¾ full).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
(You can also fry them: heat oil to 350°F, cut donuts from rolled dough, fry 1–2 minutes per side.)
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts
Don’t skip reducing the cider—it’s key to the flavor.
Use buttermilk for extra moist and tender donuts.
Bake for a healthier option or fry for a classic orchard-style donut.
Enjoy fresh—these taste best the same day but can be stored up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Freeze extras for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes.
🍂 Variations to Try
Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in an apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + reduced cider).
Apple Cider Donut Holes: Use a mini muffin pan and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Spiced Donuts: Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Stuffed Donuts: Inject with apple butter for a sweet surprise.
🎉 Serving Ideas
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.
Take to a fall picnic or holiday brunch for guaranteed smiles.
Conclusion
Making apple cider donuts at home is easier than you think. With just a few pantry staples, some fresh apple cider, and these simple steps, you’ll have the best apple cider donuts recipe that tastes just like the ones from your favorite orchard.
🍎 Warm, spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar—these donuts are the ultimate fall treat you’ll want to make again and again.