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Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

These Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts feature a soft, spiced dough infused with apple cider and coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, sweet treat with a hint of spice, these fried donuts are delightfully tender and bursting with autumn flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reduces by half, approximately 10-15 minutes. This intensifies the apple flavor and helps concentrate the sweetness.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced apple cider, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter (cool slightly), 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Form Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
  5. Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
  6. Shape Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use donut cutters or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  7. Fry Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  8. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until thoroughly coated.

Notes

  • Make sure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F to ensure even cooking without greasy donuts.
  • Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor impact; cloudy or spiced ciders may alter the taste.
  • For a baked version, bake donuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
  • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, fall treats, fried donuts, spiced donuts, autumn recipe