Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy, irresistible treat that brings the flavors of fall to life. These soft, spiced donuts are infused with the warm, comforting taste of apple cider, making them the perfect way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp autumn morning or serving them at a harvest gathering, apple cider donuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their tender texture, aromatic spices, and slightly sweet glaze.
The magic of apple cider donuts lies in the way the cider reduces into a concentrated syrup, which intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a distinct, fruity flavor to the batter. Combined with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, the dough is full of warm, autumnal spices that make each bite feel like a cozy hug. The donuts are typically fried or baked to golden perfection, with a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that’s perfect for dunking into a cup of hot cider or coffee.
To enhance the flavor, many recipes call for rolling the freshly fried or baked donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This simple step adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice, making each donut even more delightful. For a special touch, drizzle a light glaze over the top or dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish. These donuts can be enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or baked for a slightly lighter version, but either way, they’re a delicious treat.
Apple Cider Donuts are incredibly versatile. While they’re traditionally served as a breakfast or brunch treat, they’re also perfect for fall parties, harvest festivals, or as a homemade gift for friends and family. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of apple cider, coffee, or even hot chocolate, making them a must-have for fall gatherings.
These donuts are a celebration of the season, combining the sweetness of apples with aromatic spices for a flavorful, festive snack that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether baked or fried, Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect treat to enjoy on a crisp autumn day.
Ingredients
- 2 cup apple cider reduced to 1/2 cup
- 2 cup flour all-purpose
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp clove ground
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar granulated
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 eggs large
- 6 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- For rolling cinnamon sugar ⅓ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Fill the donut pan cavities about 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- While warm, roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Nutrition
I think I did something wrong—my batter was super thick and the donuts didn’t rise much. Could be the milk measurement? Still edible.
Five stars. Period. 🍩
Delicious! I used apple juice instead of cider by accident and they were still good. 😋
Yummy! But can you make these without eggs? My friend is allergic.
I followed the recipe and they didn’t get as fluffy as I expected. Could be I overmixed a little. Flavor is nice, but texture felt kinda dense—still ate them all lol.
Ugh that dense texture is so annoying—sounds like maybe the batter got mixed a bit too much or the flour got packed. I’ve also had them turn out less fluffy if the apple cider reduction is still warm.
These smelled like fall the second the cider hit the kitchen. Super fluffy and the cinnamon sugar coating is perfect—not too sweet. Will make again for sure!
These donuts are amazing! So fluffy and delicious. My kids loved them!
I totally agree! These donuts are a hit in my house too! Can’t wait to make them again.
These donuts are amazing! So moist and flavorful. Definitely making them again this fall!
Piece of cake! Easy to make and tasted great. Definitely a keeper!
I love apple cider anything, so I was excited. But reducing cider to 1/2 cup took longer than expected. After that, though, the donuts were tasty and smelled amazing.
Way too much spice for my taste—clove + allspice felt like it punched me. Still tasty, just not “cozy” for me.
These donuts were amazing! The flavors just burst in your mouth!
I agree! These donuts were like a hug for my taste buds! 😊
How do you reduce apple cider? Just boil it or something? Not sure if I got it right.
I didn’t have a donut pan so I used a muffin tin. Still turned out good! Not what I expected but great! 😊
Ok, but what if I used pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon? Would they still be good???
I think pumpkin spice could work, but it might taste different. Not sure if it will be better 😅.
YUMMY! Perfect for fall. I used pumpkin cider instead of apple. Still turned out tasty!
Made these for a party and everyone loved ’em! They were gone in no time.
I’m glad to hear that! These donuts are a crowd-pleaser for sure. Did you make any changes to the recipe?
Too much sugar for my liking. Felt like I was eating candy, not donuts.
Way too many spices for me personally (clove + allspice felt a bit punchy). If you love fall-forward flavors, you’ll probably be happy.
Totally agree—clove + allspice can get super intense. I’d probably cut both in half next time and keep the cinnamon.
I actually love that “fall” spice punch 😄 The clove makes it taste like actual cider donuts from the orchard.
I don’t have a donut pan, so I used a muffin tin. They were okay, but more like spiced muffins than donuts—still got eaten fast.