Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar, with deep apple flavor from reduced cider. A cozy, comforting fall treat perfect for breakfasts, gatherings, or an afternoon sweet craving.

Yield

12 donuts

Ingredients

For the Donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup and cooled

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan for 10–12 minutes, or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor and helps create a soft, moist donut. Allow the cider to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Donuts
Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts bounce back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Coat the Donuts
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve warm for the best experience.

Kitchen Tips
Reducing the apple cider is essential for strong flavor.
Mix the batter lightly to keep the donuts tender.
Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months; coat after reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
Calories 190, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 27g, Fiber 1g, Net Carbohydrates 26g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 45mg, Sodium 140mg, Sugars 17g, Glycemic Index Medium