Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall Bliss

Name: Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

August 19, 2025

Updated:

August 19, 2025

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Apple cider donuts are the sweet, spiced treats that whisk you away to an autumn orchard with every fluffy bite. Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen, each donut coated in a sugary glaze that glistens like morning dew on grass. Now, if you’re anything like me, your taste buds are doing a happy little dance just thinking about it.

These delightful morsels aren’t just for fall festivals; they bring cozy vibes to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just need a pick-me-up during a Netflix binge, this apple cider donuts recipe will have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a pumpkin patch in no time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Apple cider donuts are incredibly easy to prepare at home and will impress your guests
The rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg make these donuts irresistible
Their golden-brown exterior is visually appealing and perfect for sharing on social media
Enjoy them fresh or store them for later—either way, they’re delicious!

I remember the first time I made these apple cider donuts for my family during our annual fall gathering. My cousin Sally took one bite and declared it was the best thing she had ever eaten—talk about pressure for future holiday desserts!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for a robust flavor; store-bought works too, but nothing beats homemade.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; make sure it’s sifted to keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for extra depth and moisture.
Baking Powder: This helps your donuts rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are essential for that warm autumn flavor—don’t skimp on them!
Eggs: They provide structure; use large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness; feel free to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile significantly—trust me on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.

In a large bowl, combine the apple cider, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended; the mixture should be smooth and invitingly aromatic.

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps because nobody wants a surprise clump of flour in their donut.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones!

Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off, carefully fill each donut cavity about halfway full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they spring back when touched and are lightly golden.

While those beauties cool down slightly in their pan (try not to eat them all at once!), prepare some cinnamon-sugar by mixing granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Once cooled enough to handle but still warm, generously coat each donut in this glorious mix of sweetness before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.

And voilà! You now have scrumptious apple cider donuts that will make everyone’s day brighter!

Enjoy these delectable treats alongside hot cocoa or coffee while reminiscing about crisp autumn days or planning your next cozy gathering!

You Must Know

The apple cider donuts recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both beginners and pros
Their sweet aroma fills the kitchen while baking, creating a cozy atmosphere
These donuts are sure to impress friends and family during fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet ingredients for a smooth batter. This ensures even distribution of flavors and avoids clumping.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and flavor. You can also glaze with your favorite toppings for a personal twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best results, reheat them briefly in the oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor—don’t settle for that dusty stuff from last fall
Be careful not to overmix your batter; it should be just combined for fluffy donuts!
Finally, let them cool completely before glazing to avoid a sticky mess

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a warm apple cider donut straight from the oven, especially when my kids hover around waiting for their share. Their delighted faces make it all worth it!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Using store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine for this recipe.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when gently touched.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.

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