Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (Print Version)

Baked donuts combine apple cider and cinnamon sugar for a perfectly sweet, autumn-inspired treat.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup apple cider
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Coating

14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two standard donut pans. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Allow the reduced cider to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine the cooled reduced apple cider, melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, large eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. While the donuts are still warm, prepare the coating by combining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each warm donut with 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Baked not fried for less mess and healthier indulgence
  • Perfect balance of apple and warm spices for authentic fall flavor
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
02 -
  • These donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made for optimal texture and flavor
  • The concentrated apple cider is what distinguishes these from regular cinnamon donuts
  • Can be made ahead and frozen before adding the sugar coating
  • Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar if needed
03 -
  • For the most intense apple flavor, use unfiltered apple cider rather than apple juice. The cloudier the better.
  • Some orchards sell concentrated cider that you can use directly without the reduction step.
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