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Apple cider doughnuts coated in cinnamon sugar on a rustic wooden plate
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Apple Cider Doughnuts

Soft, tender, and perfectly spiced apple cider doughnuts made with real apple cider, cinnamon, and sugar. This cozy fall recipe is simple to make, full of warm flavor, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of cider.
Prep Time25 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall Baking
Keyword: apple cider doughnuts, apple recipes, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, fall recipes, homemade donuts
Yield: 4 people
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Jenna Cooper
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large, for combining ingredients
  • 1 Saucepan For reducing apple cider
  • 1 Whisk For mixing wet ingredients
  • 1 Doughnut Cutter Or two round cutters
  • 1 Baking Sheet For cooling
  • 1 Slotted Spoon For frying
  • 1 Thermometer To monitor oil temperature
  • 1 Frying Pan or Deep Pot For frying doughnuts
  • 1 Doughnut Pan (optional) If baking instead of frying

Materials

  • 1 cup Apple cider Reduced to concentrate flavor
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Measured and leveled
  • 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Apple pie spice Optional but flavorful
  • ¼ tsp Salt Balances sweetness
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature
  • ¼ cup Brown sugar Adds moisture
  • ¼ cup White sugar Adds crispness
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter, melted Adds richness
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Rounds out flavor
  • ½ cup Cinnamon sugar For coating warm doughnuts

Instructions

  • Reduce the cider: Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about one-third. Set aside to cool.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and cooled cider.
  • Combine mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Shape the doughnuts: Roll out dough to ½ inch thickness. Cut into rings using a doughnut cutter.
  • Fry or bake:
    • Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts for 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
    • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes in a doughnut pan.
  • Coat with cinnamon sugar: While warm, roll doughnuts in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
  • Serve and enjoy: Best served fresh with a cup of apple cider or coffee.

Notes

You can prepare the cider reduction a day ahead to save time.
If baking, lightly brush the doughnuts with melted butter before coating in cinnamon sugar.
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
For an extra treat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.