Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Name: Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Magic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tbsp cinnamon (for coating)

Author: lia

Published: August 27, 2025

Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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There’s nothing like the smell of warm apple cider donuts to make me feel like fall has truly arrived. I remember my first bite of one at a roadside farm stand years ago – that crispy cinnamon sugar coating giving way to a tender, spiced interior packed with apple flavor. I’ve been obsessed ever since. These apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar coating capture that perfect balance of sweet and cozy, and the best part? You can make them fried for that classic crunch or baked when you want something a little lighter. Either way, your kitchen will smell amazing and you’ll have a hard time eating just one!

Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts

Let me tell you why these apple cider donuts will become your new fall obsession:

The ultimate comfort food – Warm spices, real apple flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch scream “cozy autumn morning”
Surprisingly simple – No fancy equipment needed (though a donut cutter helps!) and the dough comes together fast
Endless coating options – Roll them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with glaze, or keep it classic with powdered sugar
Nostalgia in every bite – That farmstand donut magic? We’re recreating it right in your kitchen

The best part? These apple cider donuts taste even better fresh – good luck not eating them straight from the fryer!

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Gather these simple ingredients – most are probably already in your pantry! I always measure everything before starting (no guessing games with donuts). Here are what you’ll need:

For the donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider (not juice – we’ll reduce this)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled, please!)
- 2 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (that means room temp, not melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (yep, size matters here)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (see swaps below)
For the coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

A few important things about the stars of this recipe:

Apple cider must be reduced – it concentrates that amazing autumnal flavor. Don’t skip this step!
No buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Spices can be adjusted – I sometimes add a pinch of cloves if I’m feeling extra cozy vibes.
For a richer taste, swap half the granulated sugar with dark brown sugar in the batter.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make amazing apple cider donuts, but these tools make life easier:

Donut cutter (or use a round cutter + bottle cap for the hole)
Candy thermometer – Crucial for frying at the perfect 375°F
Heavy pot for frying (I use my trusty Dutch oven)
Mixing bowls – One big, one medium
Rolling pin (or wine bottle in a pinch!)
Wire rack for cooling (lets coating stick better)

That’s it! Now let’s make some donut magic.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these irresistible apple cider donuts! I’ll walk you through each step, from reducing that cider to that magical moment when you toss them in cinnamon sugar. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with the most amazing donuts you’ve ever made at home.

Reducing the Apple Cider

First things first – we need to concentrate that apple flavor. Pour your 2 cups of cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Now here’s the key: let it bubble away until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This usually takes 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s slightly syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely – hot cider will melt our butter!

Mixing and Chilling the Dough

While your cider cools, whisk together all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 2 minutes with a mixer. Add eggs one at time, mixing well after each. Now alternate between adding the dry ingredients, buttermilk, and reduced cider, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. The dough will be sticky, but that’s perfect! Cover and chill for at least 1 hour – this makes it so much easier to handle.

Frying vs. Baking Instructions

For fried donuts: Heat about 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 375°F (use that candy thermometer!). Roll out your chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out donuts and fry in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Safety tip: Never leave hot oil unattended!

For baked donuts: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease your donut pan well. Pipe or spoon the dough into the molds, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they spring back when touched. These will be slightly cakier but still delicious!

Coating the Donuts

While your donuts are still warm (but cool enough to handle), mix together your cinnamon sugar coating in a shallow bowl. Gently toss each donut in the mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. Pro tip: Do this over a baking sheet to catch any spills – your future self will thank you when cleanup time comes!

Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

After years of trial and error (and many batches of “almost perfect” donuts), here are my foolproof tips for the best apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar coating:

Watch that oil temp! If it’s too low, your donuts absorb oil. Too high and they burn. Keep it steady at 375°F.
Handle with care – Overworking the dough makes tough donuts. Mix just until combined.
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container – they’ll stay fresh up to 2 days.
For extra crunch, fry one test donut first to check your oil temperature and coating technique.

Remember – slightly imperfect homemade donuts still taste incredible!

Serving and Storing Apple Cider Donuts

Nothing beats serving these apple cider donuts warm – the cinnamon sugar coating practically melts into every nook and cranny. I always grab my biggest mug of hot coffee or spiced cider to dunk them in. For storage, pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (if they last that long!). A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic.

Apple Cider Donuts Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists on apple cider donuts! My personal favorite is adding a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar coating for extra warmth. For glaze lovers, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of reduced cider and vanilla until pourable. Feeling adventurous? Dip the tops in melted caramel or sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans while the coating is still sticky. The possibilities are endless – that’s the joy of homemade donuts!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values for these apple cider donuts are estimates only – actual amounts will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. As with any treat, enjoy in moderation for a balanced diet!

FAQ About Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about my apple cider donuts:

Can I use bottled apple cider?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure apple cider (not juice) – the cloudy, unfiltered kind works best. My favorite trick? Grab a local orchard’s cider if possible – that fresh-pressed flavor makes all the difference when we reduce it down.

How long do homemade apple cider donuts stay fresh?

They’re best eaten the same day (who am I kidding – within hours!), but will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating might soften slightly, but a quick toast in the oven brings back the crunch!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough chills beautifully overnight. Just wrap it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before rolling – it’ll be much easier to work with.

Why did my donuts absorb so much oil?

Oil temperature is everything! If your oil dips below 375°F, the donuts act like little sponges. Use that candy thermometer religiously, and don’t overcrowd the pot – fry in small batches to maintain steady heat.

Share Your Apple Cider Donuts Experience

I’d love to hear how your apple cider donuts turned out! Did you fry or bake them? Any fun variations you tried? Tag me in your photos or leave a comment below – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen filled with that sweet cinnamon sugar magic! You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.