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
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 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!
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.
How many donuts does this recipe actually make? Seems like it might be too few.
I think it should make about a dozen! Depends on the size of your donut pan though. Just measure it out!
I dunno, looks like it might only make 6 or so. I like my donuts big and fluffy, not small.
Too much work! And why do I have to reduce cider? Just get apple juice! Simple is better.
I get what you mean! But the cider reduction really brings out the flavor. It might be worth the extra effort! 🍏
Took me forever to reduce the cider. Is it really necessary? My donuts turned out dry.
Eww, these don’t taste like donuts should! More like cake than a donut.
Very good, but maybe a bit sweet. Could cut down on the sugar next time.
Wow I never made donuts before, but these are so easy! Gonna make them again!
I tried to make these but totally forgot the eggs. They turned out like rocks. 😩
These donuts are to die for! My kids couldn’t get enough. 🍩❤️
These donuts are amazing! The apple cider flavor is perfect. Soft and fluffy. Will definitely make again! 🥳
Absolutely loved it! My family devoured them in minutes.
Doesn’t need that much sugar! I’m doing low carb and this is way too sweet. How can I make it healthier?
I don’t know. Seemed too sweet for my taste, but others liked it. 🤷♂️
I get what you mean! I think it’s all about personal preference. Some like it sweeter, but those spices are bomb! 🍏🍩
Can you use apple juice instead of cider? Would they still taste good?
I don’t get why everyone loves these so much. They tasted kinda bland to me. Maybe I did something wrong…
I think they need a bit more cinnamon or maybe a glaze to really pop! It’s not you, it’s the recipe! 🤔
Best fall recipe ever! 🍁🍩
Looks great, but can you really taste the apple cider? I dunno, sounds kinda gimmicky.
Totally agree! These donuts are to die for. 🍩 I made them last weekend, and everyone loved them!
Y’all this is just like my grandma used to make, I’m so happy I found this recipe. Thank you! ❤️
Donuts from scratch? Sounds hard, but I managed! They weren’t perfect, but still good!
I tried this recipe but mine came out too dry. What did I do wrong?
Sounds like you might have overbaked them! Try reducing the baking time a minute or two next time.
Maybe your measurements were off? I always use a scale for precision.
Cider donuts? I thought we were making bagels, not sweet treats? But they ain’t half bad. Not my go-to tho.
Mmmm… donut!!! 🍩
Yum! These went so quickly at my party! Everyone asked for the recipe.
I don’t know, they turned out pretty bland. Maybe I did something wrong?
OMG, these are like apple heaven! My kids love them. I’ll be making a double batch next time!
I dunno, I tried making these but the texture was off, kinda dense. Anyone else have that problem? What did I do wrong?
Absolutely love this recipe! My family can’t get enough of these. Gonna try it with my own twist next time, maybe add some berries!
I forgot the brown sugar and they still tasted great! Very versatile recipe.
I’m not into the spices. Next time I’ll leave them out. Too much nutmeg for my taste.
Spices make it! You should give them a second chance. Maybe try just a pinch next time?
Delicious! I added some walnuts too. Made it even better!!
Walnuts sound like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time.
Not convinced. 1 cup of milk seems like a lot for donuts, and mine looked too runny before baking. Also 350°F for 10-12 mins felt short—maybe my oven runs cold.