Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: Sweet, Spiced, and Perfect for Fall

I still remember autumn mornings in Vermont when the air was crisp, and apple orchards lined the roads. My favorite part wasn’t the apples it was the apple cider donuts, still warm, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and shared with my mom. Later, when I started baking for myself, I chased that nostalgic taste. These donuts bring it all back: cozy spices, concentrated cider, and a sugar-kissed finish. Whether you bake or fry them, this apple cider donuts recipe feels like fall in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

Concentrated cider flavor
Instead of pouring in raw cider, this recipe reduces it on the stove. The result? A richer apple punch that flavors the entire donut.

That sugar-cinnamon coating
Rolling warm donuts in cinnamon sugar gives them their iconic texture and finish. It’s rustic, sweet, and addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Reduce the cider – Simmer 1 1/2 cups apple cider until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Let cool.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk reduced cider, sugars, buttermilk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
4. Make the batter – Gently stir wet into dry. Batter should be thick but not dry.
5. Bake or fry – For baking: pipe into greased donut pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. For frying: drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil until golden.
6. Coat in sugar – Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for that classic finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use unfiltered apple cider for the deepest flavor.
• Serve warm with apple cider or coffee.
• Add a maple glaze for extra sweetness.
• Make them mini for party snacks.

FAQs

Can I bake apple cider donuts instead of frying?
Yes, baking gives a light cake-like texture with less oil.

What kind of apple cider works best?
Fresh, unfiltered cider brings the boldest apple flavor.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes, refrigerate overnight and bake or fry in the morning.

How long do they stay fresh?
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

These apple cider donuts taste like autumn captured in sugar and spice. They’re warm, soft, and carry the nostalgic flavor of orchard days. Bake them for brunch, fry them for a fair-style treat, or coat them twice in sugar if you dare. However you make them, they’re bound to bring comfort to your table. Share them, save them, and bake them again and again.