Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your autumn days, this Apple Cider Donuts recipe is just the thing! These delightful little donuts are not only easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with the warm and inviting scents of fall. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe brings smiles all around. Trust me, once you take that first bite of these soft, spiced donuts, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have warm donuts ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty treats—perfect for sharing!
• Deliciously spiced: The apple cider and spices create a comforting flavor that captures the essence of autumn.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can whip these up ahead of time and enjoy them fresh any day of the week.
• Customizable toppings: The topping options are endless—get creative with how you coat your donuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Apple Cider Donuts so special. I love how each component plays a role in creating those unforgettable flavors.

For the Donuts

• 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

For the Topping

• 3 T butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Add-ins for extra flavor: Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruit to give your donuts an added texture and taste.
• Glaze it up: Instead of dipping in butter and sugar, try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a sweet finish.
• Spice it differently: Experiment with different spice blends—maybe some nutmeg or even pumpkin spice if you’re feeling festive!
• Make it mini: Use a mini donut pan instead for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix with Cider

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the apple cider. Let this mixture cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients—this step adds rich flavor to your donuts.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients will help your donuts rise beautifully while infusing them with delicious autumn flavors.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into the cooled cider-butter mixture until it’s nice and smooth. This combination creates a sweet base for your donut batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently stir together your wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want those donuts light and airy!

Step 6: Prepare the Donut Pan

If your donut pan isn’t non-stick, spray it lightly with cooking spray. Then, add your batter into a piping bag (or carefully spoon it) to fill each cavity evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Pop those beauties in the oven for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake! A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done. Let them cool for about a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While your donuts are baking away, melt some butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for coating.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once your donuts are cooled slightly, dip each one into the melted butter first, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until nicely coated. Place them back on the cooling rack to set.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts! Whether you share them with family or savor every bite yourself, I hope they bring warmth and joy to your autumn days!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Creating the perfect apple cider donuts can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll be on your way to making these treats even more delicious!

• Use fresh apple cider: Opting for fresh, unfiltered apple cider will enhance the flavor of your donuts, giving them a rich and authentic autumn taste.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a light and fluffy texture. Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts that miss the mark on that airy bite.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your donuts while baking. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re ready, ensuring you don’t end up with undercooked centers.

• Make a double batch: These donuts are so delightful that you’ll want to share! Making extra means you can spread the joy or have some delicious treats on hand for later.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg or cinnamon can bring an added warmth and complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Serving up these delightful apple cider donuts is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some fun ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and visual appeal without overwhelming the natural flavors of the donuts.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top provides a lovely crunch and pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the donuts.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple slices: Sauté some apple slices in a bit of cinnamon and sugar for a warm side that echoes the flavors in your donuts, making for a comforting dessert duo.

• Vanilla yogurt: A small bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the donuts while adding a hint of tanginess.

• Hot cocoa or chai tea: Pairing these donuts with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced chai tea creates an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for cozy autumn days.

• Pumpkin spice latte: For those who love seasonal drinks, this classic coffee option complements the flavors of apple and spice beautifully, making every bite feel like fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Donuts are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their yummy flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight freezer bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these tasty Apple Cider Donuts.

Can I use a different type of flour for Apple Cider Donuts?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and taste.

How can I make my Apple Cider Donuts healthier?

To make these donuts healthier, consider reducing the sugar content or using a sugar substitute. You can also add oats or nuts for added nutrition!

What’s the best way to store Apple Cider Donuts?

The best way to store Apple Cider Donuts is in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I make mini Apple Cider Donuts with this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use a mini donut pan instead of a regular-sized one. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly as they will bake faster.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and warmth to your kitchen as you savor each delightful bite of these Apple Cider Donuts! They truly capture the essence of autumn with their cozy flavors and aromas. Enjoy making them, sharing with loved ones, and creating cherished memories. Happy baking!