Introduction
Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are the quintessential fall treat — soft, moist, and infused with the cozy flavor of reduced apple cider and warm spices. Rolled in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating, each bite is perfectly balanced between sweetness and a slight tang from the cider.
They’re nostalgic, reminding many of autumn orchard visits and fall festivals. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or packed for a cozy afternoon snack, these donuts bring the season’s best flavors straight to your kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines everything I adore about fall: apples, cinnamon, and that irresistible sugar-dusted crunch. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked, which makes them lighter but still tender and flavorful. Plus, they fill the house with the most amazing aroma while baking — warm spices and apples mingling together like autumn in the oven.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Seasonal & festive – Perfect way to celebrate fall and apple season.
- Baked, not fried – Healthier, easier, and less messy than traditional donuts.
- Family favorite – Kids and adults alike will love them.
- Customizable – Can be glazed, filled, or spiced differently to your taste.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories per Serving: ~220–250 kcal (with cinnamon sugar coating)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast Treat
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil for richer donuts)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing donuts)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Reduce apple cider until concentrated.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine and whisk until just incorporated.
- Pipe or spoon batter into greased donut pans.
- Bake until golden, then brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
- In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ¼ cup (10–15 minutes).
- Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, melted butter, vanilla, and reduced cider.
- Gradually mix wet into dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 3: Bake the Donuts
- Spoon or pipe batter into donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the mixture until fully coated.
How to Serve
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea.
- Plate them stacked high for a rustic fall brunch spread.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip reducing the cider – it intensifies the apple flavor.
- Use a piping bag (or ziplock with a corner cut) to fill the donut pan neatly.
- For softer donuts, coat them while still slightly warm so the sugar sticks better.
Variations
- Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Dip in apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + cider).
- Maple Drizzle: Top with a maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
- Filled Donuts: Pipe spiced apple butter or cream cheese into cooled donuts.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
Freezing and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days, reheating slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts for 2 months. Thaw and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Donut pan (standard or mini)
- Piping bag or ziplock bag (optional, for filling molds)
- Small saucepan (to reduce cider)
Conclusion
Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate fall indulgence. Warm, fluffy, and coated in spiced sugar, they bring cozy orchard vibes straight into your home. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, these donuts are a seasonal must-try. Bake a batch for your family or guests, and watch them disappear in no time.
