Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, these Apple Cider Donuts are just what you need! With their soft and fluffy texture and sweet apple flavor, they make the perfect addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the warm scents of cinnamon and apple will fill your kitchen and heart with joy. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them ideal for those busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe has become a beloved favorite in my house. There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked donut that’s coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. It’s like a hug in dessert form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these delightful donuts ready in under 20 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out, from mixing ingredients to dipping the finished treats.
• Deliciously Aromatic: The blend of apple cider and spices creates a heavenly scent while baking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s fall festivities or just a sweet treat on a Tuesday, these donuts fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Apple Cider Donuts! You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 T butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 T butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Apple Cider Donuts by trying out these variations:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate some grated lemon or orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make It Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a sweeter finish.
• Sprinkle Some Nuts: Fold in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to change it up.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter gently over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set this mixture aside. This step is important as it combines the flavors beautifully before adding it to your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour so your donuts rise perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into the cider and butter mixture until everything is well combined. This creates a lovely base that adds moisture and sweetness to your donuts.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently stir together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this will keep your donuts light and fluffy!

Step 6: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it isn’t non-stick. Then fill a piping bag with the batter (or use a spoon) to carefully pipe it into each donut mold. This ensures even shapes and sizes for all your delightful treats!

Step 7: Bake Your Donuts

Bake your donuts for approximately 7 minutes but keep an eye on them! Test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Allow them to cool for about one minute before removing them onto a cooling rack so they can breathe.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While your donuts are baking, melt some butter in one bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar. This topping adds that signature sweetness everyone loves!

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Dip each warm donut first into the melted butter then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them back on the cooling rack—and try not to eat them all at once!

Enjoy these scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts fresh from your oven!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Baking these delightful apple cider donuts can be a breeze with a few simple tips to guide you along the way!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your donuts, giving them that authentic autumn taste and aroma that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Over-mixing can result in dense donuts that miss that perfect airy texture.

• Let the donuts cool slightly before removing: Allowing them to cool for about a minute makes them easier to handle and less likely to break when transferring them to a cooling rack.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe includes apple pie spice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple cider.

• Store properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness for several days—if they last that long!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Serving your freshly baked apple cider donuts can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delectable treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes your donuts look extra inviting.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple slices: Sautéed warm apple slices with a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar make for a sweet, complementary side dish that echoes the flavors of the donuts.
• Vanilla yogurt: A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the sweetness of the donuts—plus, it’s a great way to serve it up healthily!
• Coffee or chai tea: Pairing these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or aromatic chai tea creates an enchanting experience, perfect for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.
• Cheese platter: A small selection of mild cheeses, such as Brie or goat cheese, offers a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the donuts—a surprisingly delightful pairing!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions ready, get baking! Your kitchen will smell divine, and you’ll be delighted by how quickly these treats disappear. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy them fresh or store them for later to savor those delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• After the donuts have cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• For a quicker option, microwave individual donuts for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious apple cider donuts!

Can I use different types of flour for apple cider donuts?

Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends as substitutes. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture.

How do I make apple cider donuts more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your apple cider donuts, consider adding more spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also fold in chopped apples or nuts for added texture!

What is the best way to enjoy apple cider donuts?

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven! You can serve them with a side of apple butter or your favorite hot beverage.

How long do apple cider donuts last?

When stored properly, these apple cider donuts can last up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! These apple cider donuts capture all the cozy flavors of autumn and are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy baking!