Nothing says cozy autumn vibes like freshly made apple cider donuts! 🍁 These golden, fluffy treats are packed with warm spices and the rich, tangy essence of apple cider. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot coffee ☕ or as a sweet snack, these donuts will bring a taste of fall straight to your kitchen.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the perfect apple cider donut recipe with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and FAQs to ensure you get bakery-quality results at home! 🎉
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✅ Full of Fall Flavors – The reduced apple cider intensifies the flavor, making these donuts irresistibly delicious! 🍏🍂
✅ Perfectly Spiced – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla gives these donuts the ultimate warm and cozy aroma.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed! Just a bowl, a whisk, and a frying pan.
✅ Soft & Fluffy Texture – These donuts are light, airy, and coated with a crispy cinnamon-sugar layer. 🍩
✅ Better Than Store-Bought – Homemade means fresher, tastier, and free of preservatives!
🍏 Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients! 📝
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider 🍎 (Reduced to ¼ cup for concentrated flavor)
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- ½ cup buttermilk 🥛
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- Vegetable oil (for frying) 🛢️
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider 🍏
1️⃣ Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan.
2️⃣ Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce to ¼ cup (about 10-15 minutes). This enhances the apple flavor! 🍎
3️⃣ Let it cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients 🥣
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2️⃣ Set it aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients 🥄
1️⃣ In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until smooth.
2️⃣ Add melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider.
3️⃣ Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Make the Dough 🍞
1️⃣ Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
2️⃣ Stir until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
3️⃣ Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to handle!
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Donuts 🍩
1️⃣ Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness.
2️⃣ Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donut shapes.
3️⃣ Save the donut holes for frying!
Step 6: Fry the Donuts 🛢️
1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil.
3️⃣ Fry for about 1 minute per side until golden brown.
4️⃣ Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Coat the Donuts 🥄
1️⃣ While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
2️⃣ Make sure they’re fully coated for that perfect crunchy sweetness! 😍
🍯 Bonus Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts
✔ Use Fresh Apple Cider – It makes a huge difference in flavor! 🍎
✔ Don’t Overmix the Dough – This keeps the donuts light and fluffy.
✔ Maintain Oil Temperature – Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F (190°C) to avoid greasy donuts.
✔ Serve Fresh – These taste best when warm, straight from the fryer! 🍩🔥
✔ Make a Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with apple cider for an extra sweet touch! 😋
❓ FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts
1. Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the donuts on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes. Then coat them with cinnamon sugar. They won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious! 🍩✨
2. How Do I Store Apple Cider Donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to freshen them up!
3. Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven before serving. ❄️
4. Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Yes! But fresh, unfiltered apple cider will give the best flavor. 🍏
👨🍳 Final Thoughts
There you have it—the best homemade apple cider donuts that taste just like they came from a bakery! 🍩✨ The crispy outside, soft inside, and cozy cinnamon sugar coating make them the perfect fall treat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are sure to impress! 😍
If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and let us know in the comments how your batch turned out! 👇👇 #AppleCiderDonuts #FallBaking #HomemadeGoodness 🍏🍩🍁