Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
There’s something special about a warm Apple Cider Donuts Recipe on a cool fall morning. These homemade donuts are soft and tender inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar.
The secret is reducing the apple cider before mixing the dough. It concentrates the cider flavor, so every bite actually tastes like apple cider instead of just a regular spiced donut.
This recipe is simple enough for a weekend baking project and special enough to serve fresh and warm to family and friends.
Why This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Works
- Real apple cider gives the donuts their signature flavor.
- Reduced cider creates a stronger apple taste.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavor without overpowering the cider.
- A short chilling time makes the dough easier to handle.
- Cinnamon sugar gives the finished donuts a classic sweet coating.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil, as needed
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until it has reduced from 2 cups to approximately 1 cup.
Remove from the heat and let it cool until warm.
Don’t add hot cider to the dough.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Add the vanilla, reduced apple cider, and buttermilk. Whisk until combined.
4. Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently until a soft dough forms.
Don’t overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a disk.
Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.
This makes the dough much easier to roll and cut.
6. Cut the Donuts
Lightly flour your work surface.
Roll the dough to approximately ½-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter to cut the donuts.
Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet.
Gently reroll the scraps once to cut additional donuts.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow bowl.
Set aside.
8. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot for the donuts to float comfortably.
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
A kitchen thermometer is highly recommended.
9. Fry the Donuts
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil.
Don’t overcrowd the pot.
Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, turning once golden brown.
Transfer the cooked donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels.
Allow the excess oil to drain.
Continue frying the remaining donuts, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
10. Coat With Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Make sure both sides are coated.
For an extra flavorful finish, lightly brush the warm donuts with melted butter before coating them.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Reduce the cider properly
This is the most important step. Concentrated cider gives the donuts a much stronger flavor.
Don’t overmix
Mix only until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the donuts tough.
Chill the dough
Cold dough is easier to roll and cut and helps the donuts maintain their shape.
Keep the oil at 350°F
If the oil is too cool, the donuts can become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside may brown before the inside cooks.
Don’t overcrowd the pot
Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature.
Coat while warm
Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are freshly fried.
Can I Bake This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe?
Yes.
For a baked version, use a greased donut pan.
Fill each cavity about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and coat them with cinnamon sugar.
The baked version will be softer and more cake-like, while fried donuts will have a slightly crispier exterior.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Holes
Use the small pieces cut from the center of the donuts.
Fry them at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, usually for less time than full-size donuts.
Drain and immediately toss them in cinnamon sugar.
They’re a fun bite-sized version of this recipe and are especially good served warm.
How to Store Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts taste best fresh.
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
The cinnamon-sugar coating may soften slightly after storage.
To warm them again, place them in a low oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I Freeze Apple Cider Donuts?
Yes.
Let the donuts cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.
For the best texture, add a fresh coating of cinnamon sugar after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but apple cider gives this recipe a deeper flavor. If using apple juice, reduce it first to concentrate the flavor.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing the cider removes some water while concentrating its apple flavor. This gives the donuts a much stronger cider taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Cover the prepared dough and refrigerate it for up to about 24 hours before rolling and cutting.
Why are my donuts greasy?
The oil temperature was probably too low. Keep it close to 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pot.
Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing or overworking the dough can make donuts dense. Mix gently and handle the dough as little as possible.
How do I make the cinnamon sugar stick?
Coat the donuts while they’re still warm. You can also brush them lightly with melted butter first.
Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30–45 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12–14 donuts
Frying Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is all about getting that rich apple cider flavor into a soft, delicious homemade donut.
Reduce the cider, keep the dough tender, fry at the right temperature, and coat the donuts while they’re warm. That’s all it takes.
Serve them fresh with your favorite hot drink, and you’ll have a homemade treat that’s hard to resist.