Apple Cider Donuts
Soft, cakey donuts bursting with the flavor of reduced apple cider and warm autumn spices. Fried to a gentle crisp and generously coated in cinnamon sugar, they're the perfect fall treat.
For 6 servings
11 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Reduce Cider: Pour 1.5 cups apple cider into a small saucepan
- a.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to approximately 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature, about 20-30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled, reduced apple cider until smooth.
- 4
Make the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
- a.Use a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The dough will be very sticky.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling is essential for making the dough manageable.
- 6
Cut the Donuts: Lightly flour a clean work surface and your hands
- a.Turn the chilled dough out onto the surface and gently roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch donut cutter to cut out the donuts and donut holes. Gently re-roll the scraps once to cut out more donuts, avoiding overworking the dough.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 2-3 inches. Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry or candy thermometer registers 350°F (175°C).
- 8
Step 8
- a.Prepare Coating: While the oil is heating, combine the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1.5 tbsp of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. Mix well and set aside.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Fry the Donuts: Carefully place 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 60-90 seconds per side, until they are puffed and a deep golden brown. Fry the donut holes for about 30-45 seconds per side.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Drain and Coat: Use a slotted spoon or spider skimmer to transfer the cooked donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil for about 30 seconds. While still warm, toss each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated on all sides.
- 11
Step 11
- a.Serve: Serve the donuts immediately while they are warm for the best flavor and texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the most authentic and robust flavor.
- 2Do not overmix the dough. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to ensure the donuts are tender and cakey, not tough.
- 3Chilling the dough is a non-negotiable step. It firms up the sticky dough, making it much easier to roll and cut.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 350-360°F (175-182°C). Too low, and the donuts will be greasy; too high, and they'll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- 5Don't discard the donut holes! They fry up quickly and make for perfect bite-sized treats.
- 6Coat the donuts in the cinnamon sugar while they are still warm, as this helps the coating adhere properly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Baked Version
For a lighter alternative, pipe the dough into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Brush with melted butter before dipping in cinnamon sugar.
Apple Cider GlazeApple Cider Glaze
Instead of a sugar coating, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dip the tops of the warm donuts into the glaze.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warm spice flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
A Moment of Comfort
Enjoying a warm, homemade treat can be a comforting experience that boosts mood and creates positive memories, especially during festive seasons.
Warming Spices
Cinnamon and nutmeg not only provide the classic autumn flavor but also contain antioxidants. Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two donuts contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from carbohydrates, sugar, and fat from frying.