Apple Cider Doughnuts – Soft doughnuts made with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar, bringing the flavors of a fall orchard to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Prepare the Doughnuts:

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.

  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until well combined.

  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  7. Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased doughnut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.

  8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Coat the Doughnuts:

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. In another bowl, melt the butter.

  2. Dip the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, lightly brush each one with melted butter. Then, dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

  3. Serve: Enjoy your warm apple cider doughnuts fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.


These baked apple cider doughnuts are a perfect treat for fall, with the tangy sweetness of apple cider and a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating!