Cozy Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Warm autumn mornings call for delightful cinnamon-spiced baked apple cider donuts that transport you straight to cozy kitchen memories.

Sweet apple essence mingles perfectly with fragrant spices in this irresistible treat.

Crisp seasonal ingredients bring magic to every single bite.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought pastries by miles, creating pure comfort on your plate.

Soft, pillowy textures promise an indulgent experience that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will find joy in crafting these delectable circles of happiness.

Each donut tells a delicious story of comfort and warmth you cannot resist trying.

Why Apple Cider Donuts Are a Must-Try

• Capture the essence of autumn with rich apple cider and warm cinnamon that brings comfort and nostalgia to every bite.
• Ideal for breakfast, afternoon snack, or potluck gatherings, these donuts appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible taste and texture.
• Easily customize by adding fresh apple chunks or experimenting with different spice combinations to suit your personal preference.

What You’ll Need for Cider Donuts

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile flour that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
• Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds a rich, sweet apple flavor to the recipe.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donuts' soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps create a golden brown exterior.

• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple cider flavor and create a cozy taste profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the donuts.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the donuts rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender, preventing them from becoming dry.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor of the donuts.

Baking Apple Cider Donuts Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Gather all your baking tools including donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, and measuring cups.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Reduce Apple Cider

Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to a more concentrated liquid.

This intensifies the apple flavor and creates a richer taste profile.

Let the reduced cider cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until they are evenly blended.

Step 4: Create Wet Mixture

• Reduced apple cider
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold and mix until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make donuts tough.

Step 6: Fill Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.

This ensures even baking and perfect shape.

Step 7: Bake Golden Donuts

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Check donuts are done by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Create Cinnamon Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once donuts are slightly cooled, dip each one into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating completely.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful autumn-inspired treat.

Handy Tips for Baked Cider Donuts

• Reduce apple cider on the stovetop before adding to the batter to concentrate its rich, sweet taste and intensify the apple essence.
• Dust donuts with cinnamon sugar immediately after baking to help the coating stick and create a crisp exterior.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter that results in tender donuts.
• Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then quickly mix and bake in the morning for fresh donuts.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the donuts' soft, cakey structure.

Donut Storage and Warming Instructions

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, preventing staleness and maintaining texture.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the storage bag.
• Warm donuts at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Spread donuts on a baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even heating.
• Reheat individual donuts for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture, checking doneness after short intervals.

Pair These Donuts With Something Cozy

• Complement with Creamy Hot Beverage: Pair these warm, spiced donuts with a rich and smooth vanilla latte or cappuccino to enhance the cinnamon notes and create a comforting flavor experience.
• Match with Seasonal Cheese Plate: Serve alongside a selection of mild cheeses like brie or camembert, which will beautifully balance the donuts' sweet and spicy profile.
• Elevate with Caramel Drizzle: Top the donuts with a homemade salted caramel sauce to amplify the apple cider's natural sweetness and add a luxurious depth to each bite.
• Enhance with Spiced Whipped Cream: Create a quick whipped cream infused with nutmeg and cinnamon to complement the donuts' warm spice blend and provide a light, airy accompaniment.

Fun Twists on Apple Cider Donuts

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk instead of dairy to make these donuts completely animal-product free.
• Lower-Sugar Alternative: Substitute some sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a delicious cinnamon flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra protein and a satisfying textural element that complements the apple cider's warmth.

FAQs

• Are these donuts healthier than traditional fried donuts?

These baked donuts have less oil compared to deep-fried versions, making them a slightly lighter breakfast or dessert option.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.

• What type of apple cider works best for this recipe?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider from local orchards or farmers markets for the most robust and authentic apple flavor.

• Do I need a special donut pan to make these?

While a donut pan helps create the classic shape, you can also use a muffin tin as an alternative if you don’t have a specialty pan.

Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm autumn mornings welcome cinnamon-spiced baked apple cider donuts that capture New England’s charming harvest spirit. Fragrant spices and sweet apple notes dance through each tender bite, promising comfort and nostalgia for seasonal breakfast lovers.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Reduce apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it becomes thick and syrupy, concentrating its robust flavor for approximately 20-25 minutes.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients until completely smooth and free of lumps, ensuring an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base that will incorporate air and provide a tender crumb to the donuts.
4. Gradually blend reduced apple cider and dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the batter.
5. Carefully pipe or spoon batter into a well-greased donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising.
6. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and a springy texture when lightly touched.
7. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
8. Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow dish.
9. While donuts are still warm, gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture, or store in an airtight container for up to two days.

Notes

• Choose freshly pressed apple cider to enhance the rich, authentic flavor profile of the donuts.
• Gently fold diced apple pieces into the batter for unexpected bursts of fruity texture and added moisture.
• Serve donuts warm from the oven for maximum taste and softness, with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, gently reheating before serving to restore their delightful warmth.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 186
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg