Why Make This Recipe?
If you’re craving cozy fall flavors, these baked Apple Cider Donuts with cinnamon sugar are just the treat you need. They’re:
- Warm and fluffy
- Packed with reduced apple cider for bold flavor
- Baked (not fried!)
- Coated in sweet cinnamon sugar
- Ready in just 30 minutes
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snacking with a hot drink.
Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this simple recipe:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Step 1: Reduce the cider
Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. This takes about 10–15 minutes. Let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan lightly with oil or butter.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Step 4: Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Reduced apple cider
Step 5: Combine and bake
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix!). Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity ¾ full.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Coat with cinnamon sugar
While warm, toss donuts in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts
- Use reduced apple cider – it intensifies the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts fluffy.
- Pipe the batter using a zip-top bag for neater donuts.
- Want a crispier sugar crust? Brush with butter before coating.
Variations
- Use maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar
- Add chopped apples or pecans to the batter
- Try it with pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth
- Use white chocolate drizzle for a sweeter finish
FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin pan and reduce baking time slightly.
Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of cider?
Apple juice works, but cider has a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
Can I freeze apple cider donuts?
Yes, freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. Reheat and coat in sugar before serving.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts
Serve these donuts warm, fresh from the oven, with:
- A cup of hot apple cider or coffee
- Vanilla ice cream for dessert
- As part of a fall brunch board
Conclusion: Warm Apple Cider Donuts Worth Every Bite
These Warm Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar bring together everything you love about fall , cozy spices, sweet apple flavor, and soft, fluffy texture. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a family treat, or just to satisfy your autumn cravings, this easy baked donut recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The best part? No frying needed. With a reduced apple cider base and a warm cinnamon-sugar coating, these donuts offer that nostalgic bakery-style flavor right from your own oven.
