Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Printable Version)
Soft, fragrant donuts infused with apple cider and cinnamon sugar for cozy autumn mornings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating
13 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until reduced by half to 1/2 cup (about 10–15 minutes). Set aside to cool.
03 - Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced apple cider, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
05 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched.
08 - Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
10 - Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These donuts capture the essence of fall in every bite, sharing a secret warmth that feels like a hug on a chilly morning
- The easy baking method means you get that classic flavor without the fuss of frying, so it's a favorite for busy weekends
02 -
- Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor in a way that raw cider just can't match, do not skip this step
- Mixing wet and dry only until combined keeps the donuts tender and light, a discovery that transformed my baking game
03 -
- Use a piping bag for even donut batter distribution—makes the final shape look professional and bakes evenly
- Letting the donuts cool slightly in the pan before removing prevents breakage and keeps their perfect shape