These warm and cozy apple cider donuts are like a hug in pastry form! Made with real apple cider, they’re perfectly spiced and have a soft, cake-like texture that makes you want to snack with every bite.
What’s better than a fresh donut with your morning coffee? Honestly, I’ll take two, please! They’re perfect for fall gatherings or simply because you deserve a treat any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show! Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor, making it a key ingredient. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for these donuts. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. Just check if it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, while cloves can enhance that cozy feeling. If you don’t have cloves, you can skip them! Consider adding pumpkin spice if you have it for an extra kick.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness to the donuts. You can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if you’re out of buttermilk.
Vegetable oil: It’s the go-to for frying due to its high smoke point. If you’d like, you can use canola or peanut oil instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Donuts Are Tender and Delicious?
Getting the right texture in donuts is all about the mixing and frying techniques. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, stir just until blended. Overmixing can make donuts tough.
- Chill the dough before shaping. This helps them hold their shape while frying. It also makes it less sticky!
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (375°F or 190°C). Too hot, and the outside will burn, too cool, and the donuts will absorb oil.
- Fry a few donuts at a time. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy donuts.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly tender and tasty apple cider donuts every time!
Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill the dough and around 20 minutes for frying. So, in total, you’ll need approximately 2 hours to make these wonderful donuts from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by simmering the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it cook until it reduces and thickens down to about 1/2 cup. This step enhances the flavor, so let it cool completely after reducing. Trust me; you’ll love the taste!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take a whisk and stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Mix these dry ingredients until they’re well combined!
3. Mix the Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and your cooled apple cider. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the wet mixture to the bowl with your dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; don’t overmix, or your donuts might end up tough. We want them soft!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time makes the dough easier to work with when you’re shaping it.
6. Heat the Oil for Frying:
In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the donuts fully, aiming for around 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature; it’s crucial for perfectly fried donuts!
7. Shape the Donuts:
Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour a surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one bigger, one smaller) to cut out your donut shapes. Don’t forget to reroll scraps to make more donuts!
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, frying each one for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This will be the delicious coating for your donuts!
10. Coat the Donuts:
While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. Don’t be shy; make sure they’re nicely covered!
11. Serve Warm:
Your apple cider donuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, and they’re even better with a cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for a cozy morning treat!
Enjoy these lightly spiced, sweet, and utterly delicious apple cider donuts — they’re a wonderful addition to any occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly and saves you time. Just make sure to choose a variety without added preservatives for the best flavor.
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and it will work just like buttermilk in the recipe!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! While they won’t have the same texture as fried donuts, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Grease the donut pan generously for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before enjoying!
