Apple Cider Donuts

The Perfect Fall Treat You Can Make at Home

Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with the perfect blend of cinnamon sugar – homemade apple cider donuts are autumn’s most irresistible treat. That first bite into a still-warm donut, with its concentrated apple flavor and aromatic spices, instantly transports you to hayrides, pumpkin patches, and colorful falling leaves.

I discovered my love for these seasonal delights during a family trip to an apple orchard in Vermont. The line for fresh donuts stretched around the farm store, but the heavenly aroma convinced us the wait would be worth it. After watching them being made – and devouring a half-dozen in record time – I became determined to recreate that magic at home. After many test batches (and happy taste testers!), this recipe captures that authentic orchard experience.

What makes these apple cider donuts truly special is the concentrated apple flavor achieved by reducing fresh cider down to a syrup. This simple step intensifies the apple taste in a way that transforms ordinary donuts into something extraordinary. And despite their gourmet taste, they’re surprisingly simple to make with basic pantry ingredients and no special equipment.

If you enjoyed my Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe, these apple cider donuts offer another delicious way to celebrate fall flavors. So put on your coziest sweater, brew some coffee, and let’s bring the apple orchard experience right to your kitchen!

What is Apple Cider Donuts?

Ever wondered why apple cider donuts cause otherwise reasonable adults to wait in ridiculously long lines at orchards every fall? These ring-shaped wonders aren’t just donuts – they’re edible fall nostalgia! The name tells you exactly what makes them special: real apple cider is reduced down to create concentrated apple flavor that infuses every bite.

But here’s the funny thing – despite the name, they’re not actually soaking in cider (though that doesn’t sound half bad, does it?). My grandmother used to say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I think apple cider donuts are the way to everyone’s heart, regardless of gender. They’re universally adored!

Don’t just dream about these orchard favorites – with this recipe, you can satisfy your cider donut cravings without the hayride or long lines. Your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite fall destination!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts:

These apple cider donuts aren’t just another baked good – they’re the quintessential fall treat that captures the essence of the season in every bite. What makes them truly special is the concentrated apple flavor that comes from reducing fresh apple cider down to a syrup. This simple but crucial step infuses the donuts with an intense apple taste that store-bought versions simply can’t match. The aroma alone as they cook will fill your home with the scent of autumn – warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apple that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.

Making these donuts at home isn’t just satisfying – it’s incredibly economical! A half-dozen cider donuts at an orchard or specialty bakery can easily cost $12-15, but this recipe yields a dozen delicious donuts for a fraction of that price. Plus, you can make them whenever the craving strikes, no scenic drive required. The ingredients are simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand, with the exception of the apple cider, which is readily available during fall months.

The crowning glory of these donuts is undoubtedly their cinnamon-sugar coating, which creates the perfect sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, cake-like interior. Each bite delivers that perfect textural contrast that makes them utterly irresistible. If you enjoyed my Apple Crisp recipe, you’ll notice these donuts share that wonderful cinnamon-apple flavor profile, but in a portable, dunkable form that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Don’t wait for your next orchard visit to enjoy this seasonal favorite – bring the experience home and delight your family and friends with these homemade apple cider donuts today!

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts:

Quick Overview

These apple cider donuts are the perfect balance of simplicity and spectacular flavor. What makes them truly special is the concentrated apple flavor achieved by reducing fresh cider, creating a depth of taste that makes them taste like they came straight from an orchard. The donuts have a tender, cake-like interior with a slightly crisp exterior, all enveloped in a cinnamon-sugar coating that provides the perfect sweet finish. From start to finish, you’ll need about 2 hours (including reducing the cider and chilling the dough), but the actual hands-on time is just about 30 minutes – a reasonable investment for such a delicious fall treat!

Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts:

• 2 cups apple cider (will be reduced to ½ cup)
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, divided
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 3-4 cups)

For the coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the cider has reduced to about ½ cup – this will take approximately 20-25 minutes. The liquid should be thick and syrupy. Set aside to cool completely. This concentrated cider is the secret to intense apple flavor in your donuts!
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined. This ensures all leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air into the batter for lighter donuts.
4. Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the cooled reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but don’t worry – this is normal!
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop when no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be quite sticky.
6. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
7. Prepare for frying: When ready to fry, line a large baking sheet with paper towels and place a cooling rack on top. Mix the sugar and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl for the coating. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
8. Shape the donuts: While the oil heats, turn the chilled dough out onto a well-floured surface. The dough will be sticky, so use flour generously. Pat or roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch donut cutter (or two round cutters: a larger one for the outside and a smaller one for the hole), cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps as needed.
9. Fry the donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to flip them and then remove them from the oil. The donut holes will need just 30-45 seconds per side.
10. Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm (but not too hot to handle), coat each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they’re completely covered. Place on the cooling rack to finish setting.
11. Serve and enjoy: These donuts are at their absolute best when fresh and slightly warm, ideally within a few hours of frying. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and tender interior is truly magical!

What to Serve Apple Cider Donuts With:

These delightful apple cider donuts pair beautifully with several beverages and accompaniments to create the perfect fall snack or dessert experience. For a classic pairing that enhances their autumnal flavors, serve them alongside a mug of hot apple cider (spiked or non-alcoholic) or spiced chai tea that complements the warm spices in the donuts.

For a more indulgent treat, these donuts are wonderful when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, creating a dessert that balances the spiced donut with cool creaminess or buttery sweetness.

Coffee lovers will appreciate how the rich, slightly bitter notes of a good cup of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet, spiced flavors of the donuts – making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For an extra-special touch, whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes a delightful dipping option that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cider Donuts:

Concentrate That Cider: Don’t skip the step of reducing the apple cider! This concentration is absolutely crucial for achieving that authentic, intense apple flavor that makes these donuts special. For even more flavor, use unfiltered apple cider rather than clear apple juice – it contains more of the apple solids that contribute to a richer taste.

Monitor Oil Temperature Carefully: The key to perfectly fried donuts is maintaining a consistent oil temperature. Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Invest in a good candy/deep fry thermometer and aim to keep the oil between 345°F and 355°F throughout the frying process.

Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients and when rolling out the dough, use a light touch. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make your donuts tough rather than tender. Mix just until combined and handle the dough gently when rolling and cutting.

Coat While Warm: The perfect time to coat your donuts in cinnamon sugar is when they’re still warm but not hot enough to burn your fingers. The residual heat and slight moisture on the surface help the sugar mixture adhere better, creating that characteristic sweet crust.

Make a Test Donut: Before committing to frying a full batch, make a test donut with a small piece of dough. This allows you to check if your oil temperature is correct and if your frying time needs adjustment. It’s better to sacrifice one donut than risk an entire batch!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Like most fried treats, apple cider donuts are at their absolute peak when freshly made, but with proper storage, you can enjoy them for a few days afterward. For optimal freshness, store completely cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When stored this way, they’ll remain delicious for 1-2 days, though the texture will gradually become softer and less crisp.

If you need to store them longer, place the airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll keep for up to 4-5 days. Just note that refrigeration can accelerate the firming of the donuts, so they may become a bit dense over time.

For longer-term storage, these donuts freeze surprisingly well! Place completely cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat refrigerated donuts, warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 3-5 minutes, which helps restore some of the original texture. For frozen donuts, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before warming in the oven. After reheating, you can refresh the cinnamon-sugar coating by gently rolling them in a new batch of the mixture.

For the very best experience, consider making just the dough ahead of time rather than the finished donuts. The dough can be refrigerated overnight, allowing you to fry fresh donuts the next morning – the perfect weekend breakfast treat!

Recipe Schema Markup:

• Preparation Time: PT1H30M
• Cooking Time: PT30M
• Total Time: PT2H
• Type of recipe: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Keywords: apple cider donuts, fall dessert, autumn treats, fried donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, apple orchard recipe
• Recipe Yield: 12 donuts plus donut holes
• Calories: 320 calories per donut

Pros:

• Authentic orchard-style taste with concentrated apple flavor
• Perfect fall treat that captures seasonal flavors
• Versatile as breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Creates wonderful aroma throughout your home
• More economical than buying at specialty bakeries
• Can be made ahead and frozen for later enjoyment
• No special equipment needed beyond basic kitchen tools
• Great activity to make with children

Cons:

• Requires time for reducing cider and chilling dough
• Frying requires careful temperature monitoring
• Best enjoyed fresh, with declining quality after first day
• Contains significant amount of sugar and calories
• Kitchen cleanup from frying can be involved
• Requires monitoring oil temperature for best results

Recipe Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, simmer 2 cups apple cider until reduced to ½ cup, about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
6. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
7. Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
8. Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
9. Roll chilled dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into donut shapes.
10. Fry donuts 2-3 at a time, about 1 minute per side until golden brown.
11. Drain briefly on paper towels, then coat in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
12. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.