These Apple Cider Donuts are soft, sweet, and packed with fall flavors! They come coated in cinnamon sugar, making every bite feel like a warm hug from autumn.
Who could resist a donut that smells like a cozy kitchen? I love enjoying them fresh, maybe with a hot cup of cider. Just a little treat to brighten the day! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice will work, but the taste won’t be as robust.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for a tender donut. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Brown Sugar: I love using dark brown sugar for its deep flavor, but light brown sugar can work just as well. You can even use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang. If you’re out, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You can try adding a dash of allspice or ginger for a twist!
How Do I Perfectly Cut and Fry Donuts?
Cutting and frying can seem tricky but don’t worry! Here’s how I do it:
- After rolling out the dough, ensure it’s about 1/2 inch thick. A thicker donut might not cook through properly.
- Use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters. Make sure to cut out the centers cleanly for that classic donut shape.
- Fry in hot oil (375°F/190°C). Test with a small piece of dough; it should bubble up immediately. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Keep an eye on the color—golden brown means they’re ready!
- After frying, let them drain on paper towels before coating them in cinnamon sugar while still warm for a perfect finish.
Enjoy getting creative with these donuts! They’re such a delightful treat during the fall season!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to fry the donuts. So, you can enjoy warm, homemade apple cider donuts in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Over medium heat, simmer the cider for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor! Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed, and set this bowl aside for later.
3. Create the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Whisk until smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring carefully until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large heavy pot, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). To test if it’s ready, you can drop a small piece of dough in; it should bubble up immediately.
6. Cut Out the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the donut dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger for the outside and one smaller for the hole) to cut out the donuts. Collect and re-roll any scraps as needed.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil in batches. Fry each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain them on paper towels.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the donuts cool slightly before serving them warm. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, hot cider, or your favorite autumn beverage!
These apple cider donuts are soft inside, lightly crispy outside, and loaded with warm spices. They are truly perfect for fall and any cozy occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just avoid using overly sweetened varieties; fresh cider will yield the best flavor.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use a greased donut pan. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full with batter and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t have the same crispy exterior, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw and enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk, keeping your donuts tender.
