This traditional apple cider donuts recipe brings the warm, spiced flavors of fall right to your kitchen. These donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with the rich taste of apple cider, perfect for cozy mornings or a sweet afternoon treat.
I first fell in love with apple cider donuts during a trip to a cider mill years ago. There’s something magical about the way they combine the tangy sweetness of apple cider with the comforting spices of fall. Now, I love making these at home, especially when the weather turns crisp. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare and always a hit with my family!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
My Take on Traditional Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts hold a special place in my heart because they’re a reminder of fall festivals and warm family gatherings.
- The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling my kitchen as these fry up is pure nostalgia. One thing I love about this recipe is how it uses reduced apple cider to concentrate the flavor, making every bite taste like autumn.
- These donuts are fried, just like you’d find at a cider mill, which gives them that irresistible golden-brown crust. They’re soft and fluffy inside with just the right amount of sweetness.
- The cinnamon-sugar coating is the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch.
- If you’ve never made donuts at home before, don’t worry. This recipe is straightforward and so worth it. Once you try these, I’m confident they’ll become a seasonal favorite in your home, too!
Ingredients
To make these traditional apple cider donuts, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (you’ll reduce this for maximum flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
You’ll also need a large pot or deep fryer, a candy thermometer, and a donut cutter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these apple cider donuts is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious donuts in no time.
Reduce the apple cider
Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup, which takes around 10–15 minutes. This step intensifies the apple flavor, so don’t skip it! Once reduced, set it aside to cool.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
Combine the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Make the dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Cut out the donuts
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out your donuts, and don’t forget to save the donut holes to fry as well!
Heat the oil
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature for frying.
Fry the donuts
Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Coat in cinnamon-sugar
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. This step makes them extra delicious and gives them that classic look.
How to Serve Your Traditional Apple Cider Donuts
Serve these apple cider donuts warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for the ultimate fall treat.
- They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert after a hearty dinner.
- To elevate the presentation, stack them on a plate and dust with a little extra cinnamon-sugar.
- If you’re hosting guests, pair them with a side of apple cider syrup for dipping, pure heaven!
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
- If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- To refresh them, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes, or reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Unfortunately, these donuts don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Top Tips for Customizing Your Apple Cider Donuts
- Swap the spices: Feel free to play around with the spice mix. Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper flavor.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Try baked donuts: If you prefer baked over fried, use a donut pan and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. They won’t have the same crispy crust but will still taste amazing.
- Add a glaze: Skip the cinnamon-sugar coating and drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider.
Your Questions About Apple Cider Donuts Answered
Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Yes! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly. Just make sure it’s pure apple cider, not apple juice, for the best flavor.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor, making the donuts taste rich and apple-forward. It’s a key step for the best results!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just roll, cut, and fry the next day.
What’s the best oil for frying donuts?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works best because they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How do I prevent the donuts from being greasy?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too low, the donuts will absorb more oil. A candy thermometer is essential for this!
Fluffy inside, crisp outside, and full of cozy flavor!
I hope you’ll give these traditional apple cider donuts a try! They’re a cozy, comforting treat that’s sure to bring a little fall magic to your home.
If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out, leave a comment below or tag me on social media. And if you’re looking for more seasonal recipes, check out my other fall-inspired treats.
Happy baking!
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple cider you’ll reduce this for maximum flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger optional, for extra warmth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Reduce the apple cider
- Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup, which takes around 10–15 minutes. This step intensifies the apple flavor, so don’t skip it! Once reduced, set it aside to cool.
Mix the dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
Combine the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Make the dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Cut out the donuts
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out your donuts, and don’t forget to save the donut holes to fry as well!
Heat the oil
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature for frying.
Fry the donuts
- Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Coat in cinnamon-sugar
- While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. This step makes them extra delicious and gives them that classic look.
