These apple cider donuts are soft, sweet treats perfect for any occasion! They pack a warm apple flavor with a hint of spices that will make your taste buds dance.
Rolling them in cinnamon sugar is the best part—I might go a little heavy on it! 🤭 Making these donuts is a fun way to enjoy the fall season right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor, but bottled cider works too. If you’re short on cider, you can make a quick substitute with apple juice mixed with a little vinegar for tang.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the standard flour for donuts, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just know that whole wheat may make the donuts a bit denser.
Ground Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warmth to the donuts. If you don’t have allspice, just skip it or add a bit more nutmeg and cinnamon. They’ll still taste delicious!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will work just fine!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil is great for frying, but I love using canola oil. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. Avoid using olive oil, as it can overpower the donut’s taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough Texture?
Getting the right dough consistency is key for great donuts. After mixing your wet and dry ingredients, remember not to overmix. This keeps the donuts light and fluffy!
- Mix until just combined; a few lumps are okay. The dough should be soft, not sticky.
- Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and cut. Aim for at least one hour in the fridge.
- When rolling out the dough, try to keep it about 1/2 inch thick so the donuts fry evenly.
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably fresh or bottled)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 1 hour of preparation time, plus another 20 minutes for cooking the donuts. You should dedicate extra time for reducing the apple cider, as that will take around 15-20 minutes. After preparing, chill the dough for at least 1 hour to create the best texture before frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium flame until it bubbles and reduces to about 1/2 cup. This should take around 15-20 minutes. Once it’s reduced, set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if using. This will be the dry mix for your donuts.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk everything together until it’s all nicely mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together just until combined. It’s super important not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft but not sticky.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. This makes it much easier to handle when rolling out.
6. Prepare the Oil for Frying:
While the dough is chilling, fill a deep pot or Dutch oven with vegetable oil, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to make sure it’s at the right temp.
7. Roll and Cut Out Donuts:
Once the dough is chilled, flour your working surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out your donuts. Don’t forget to re-roll your scraps so you use all the dough.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd them!). Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes, until they are golden brown. A slotted spoon works great for removing them—just let them drain on paper towels.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts are frying, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg in a shallow bowl. This will give them that delicious sweet coating!
10. Coat the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Mmm, can you smell that heavenly aroma?
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your apple cider donuts are ready! Let them cool slightly before diving in. They are delightful when enjoyed warm or at room temperature, paired with a lovely cup of coffee or fresh apple cider.
These donuts are the perfect treat for a cozy day. Enjoy baking! 🍩
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality cider for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the donuts! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dough in a greased donut pan. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The texture will be a bit different, but they will still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’re all set!