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Apple Cider Donuts

This recipe for Apple Cider Donuts captures the authentic taste of autumn in every bite. Baking the donuts instead of frying makes them a healthier and less messy alternative, without sacrificing any of the taste. These homemade Apple Cider Donuts are incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple cider reduced to 1/4 cup
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for coating
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool completely.
  • Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan very well with cooking spray.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  • Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
  • Bake the Donuts: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Unmold: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. In another bowl, melt the butter.
  • Coat the Donuts: Dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.