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:
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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.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
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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.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased doughnut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
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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:
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Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. In another bowl, melt the butter.
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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.
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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!