Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy treat bursting with warm spices and that perfect hint of apple cider flavor in every bite. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, making them a favorite fall snack that feels like a hug in donut form.
I love making these when the weather starts to cool down—it’s like bringing a little bit of autumn right into the kitchen. The smell of apple cider and cinnamon filling the house always gets me excited, and I like to enjoy them fresh and warm, right out of the pan.
They’re great on their own or paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea. I usually serve them to friends and family on a chilly afternoon, and everyone loves grabbing a few and savoring that sweet, spicy flavor. These donuts bring back lots of fun memories of crisp fall mornings and homemade comfort, and I hope they do the same for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Reducing apple cider concentrates its flavor, which gives the donuts a nice apple punch. If you don’t have cider, apple juice works but reduce it well for the best taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the donuts a good structure. For a lighter texture, you could try using 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with flour.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These warm spices make the flavor pop. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra fall vibes.
Oil for Frying: Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola for frying. They handle high heat well and don’t overpower the donuts’ taste.
How Can You Make Perfectly Crispy and Soft Apple Cider Donuts?
Balancing frying time and dough thickness is key to getting crispy outside and soft inside. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Too cool and donuts absorb oil; too hot and they burn outside but stay raw inside.
- Roll dough evenly to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry 2-3 donuts at once so oil temperature stays stable.
- Fry about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels right away to remove excess oil and keep them light.
- Toss warm donuts immediately in cinnamon sugar to help the coating stick well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or heavy pot – perfect for frying the donuts evenly and safely.
- Thermometer – keeps the oil at the right temperature for crispy, golden donuts.
- Donut cutter or two round cutters – helps you cut out the donut shape easily and evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Slotted spoon – lets you lift donuts from hot oil without excess grease.
- Cooling rack or paper towels – to drain oil and keep donuts crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a richer spice flavor that warms you up.
- Mix chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch and nutty taste.
- Replace cinnamon sugar with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze for a sweeter twist.
- Try adding a spoonful of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a fall favorite variation.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For The Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10 minutes for boiling and reducing the apple cider, and approximately 1 hour for frying and coating the donuts. You can enjoy these warm and fresh shortly after cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer and reduce until about 3/4 cup remains. This will concentrate the flavor. Set it aside to cool completely before using.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the donuts light and tender.
5. Prepare for Frying:
Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes and holes.
6. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil in batches, frying 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain.
7. Coat the Donuts:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the donuts are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These donuts are best enjoyed warm. Serve with your favorite hot beverage and savor the crispy outside and soft, apple cider-flavored inside.
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the apple cider completely before reducing it on the stove. This helps maintain the right consistency and flavor intensity for your donuts.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk in This Recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.