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To make these tasty apple cider donuts, you need: - 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - ½ cup buttermilk - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted These ingredients work together to create a soft and flavorful donut. The apple cider adds a sweet and tangy taste that makes them special. For the delicious cinnamon sugar coating, gather: - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon This coating gives the donuts a sweet crunch and a warm spice flavor. It’s the final touch that makes them irresistible. You can also try these optional ingredients for extra flavor: - A pinch of clove for warmth - A splash of vanilla extract for sweetness These additions can elevate your donuts even more. Enjoy experimenting with these options to find your perfect taste. Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it on medium-high until it boils. Once it boils, lower the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want it to reduce to about ¾ cup. This step adds a rich apple flavor. Once reduced, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Stir in ½ cup of buttermilk, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and the cooled, reduced apple cider. Mix well. Now, gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Now it’s time to fill the donut pan. Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each cavity about ¾ full with the batter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts should be lightly golden. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick. It should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack. While still warm, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm donuts in this mixture until they are fully coated. Enjoy your fresh apple cider donuts! To get light and fluffy donuts, follow these tips: - Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check your baking powder and baking soda. If they are old, your donuts may not rise well. - Do Not Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donuts dense. - Correct Baking Time: Bake until they turn lightly golden. If you bake too long, the donuts can dry out. Here are some mistakes to avoid: - Skipping the Cider Reduction: Reducing the cider gives a stronger flavor. Don’t skip this step! - Not Greasing the Pan: Always grease your donut pan well. This helps the donuts come out easily. - Ignoring the Cool Down: Cool the donuts slightly before coating them in cinnamon sugar. This helps the sugar stick better. For a beautiful display of your donuts, try these ideas: - Wooden Board: Serve the donuts on a wooden board for a rustic look. - Garnish: Add sliced fresh apples around the donuts. This adds color and freshness. - Extra Cinnamon Sugar: Place a small bowl of cinnamon sugar on the side for dipping. It makes the serving fun and interactive! {{image_2}} You can make these donuts gluten-free! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This keeps the donuts soft and fluffy. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Want to mix it up? You can add flavors to your donuts. Try adding caramel for a sweet twist. A splash of vanilla extract adds warmth. You can also use spices like ginger or allspice for a unique taste. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste buds. Adding fruit can take your donuts to the next level. Chopped apples or pears give a fresh bite. You can even mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Just make sure to keep the fruit pieces small. This way, they blend well into the batter. Enjoy your creative spin on these delicious treats! To keep your apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. Freezing is a great way to save extra donuts. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, you can thaw them at room temperature. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked taste. You can use your oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat the donuts for 5-10 minutes until warm. If using a microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor! Yes, you can use fresh apple juice. However, apple cider gives a richer flavor. Apple cider has a deeper taste from pressing apples, while juice is sweeter and lighter. If you use juice, you might want to add a bit more spice to boost the flavor. These donuts stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. To keep them longer, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Yes, you can make the batter ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to stir it gently before filling the donut pan. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, so take care when mixing. You learned how to make tasty apple cider donuts. We covered the key ingredients, from the essential components to fun flavor options. You saw the step-by-step method to bake perfect donuts and tips for the best texture. We also talked about variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy these tasty treats. Experiment with flavors and share them with friends. Happy baking!

Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Deliciously spiced donuts made with reduced apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until it’s reduced to about ¾ cup (approx. 15-20 minutes). Allow to cool slightly.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and the reduced apple cider to the eggs and mix until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are acceptable.
  • Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full with the batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl and roll the donuts in the mixture until fully coated.
  • Enjoy your freshly made apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve the donuts on a wooden board sprinkled with powdered sugar and garnish with sliced fresh apples and a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping.
Keyword apple cider, cinnamon sugar, donuts