Fall is the season for cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and all things apple cider. One of the best ways to celebrate the flavors of autumn is with a batch of homemade apple cider donuts. These donuts have a perfectly soft texture, warm spices, and a crispy sugar coating that melts in your mouth with each bite. Whether you are looking to bring the smell of fall into your kitchen or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers irresistible results.
How to Make Perfect Apple Cider Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat
In this post, I will walk you through how to make these delicious apple cider donuts step by step. I will share a few tips for perfecting your baking technique. Additionally, I will explain how to make them even more special. As always, the handy printable recipe card is down below!
Before we start, here is what you will need for the donuts and the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough. I like to use different flours depending on the day and what I have. Feel free to experiment.
- Granulated Sugar – So many different sweeteners can be substituted here as needed.
- Baking Powder – I know I use way more than the recommended 1tsp. of baking powder to 1 cup of flour. I use this much because it gives the texture that I am looking for in a baked donut. You certainly do not have to use that much(1 TBSP).
- Salt – I really like the Redmond Real Salt lately. It is available at Thrive Market and Amazon.
- Cinnamon – This is such a basic ingredient that gives so much flavor! I love the Ceylon variety.
- Egg – One is all you need for this recipe to act as a binder.
- Apple Cider Syrup – This makes a big difference in the taste. And it also makes a great coffee syrup so always make extra!
- Butter – There is no substitute in my opinion unless there is a health issue.
- Vanilla – A flavor enhancer. I don’t think that you could add too much!
For The Topping:
- Apple Cider – I use plain apple cider with no added spices etc.
- Butter – Melted and mixed into the apple cider. Don’t worry this ends up being so delicious.
- Granulated Sugar – After dunking the donuts into the apple cider/butter liquid, dip them into the sugar and spice mix until coated.
- Cinnamon and All Spice – Add these into the sugar before dipping the donuts.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare – Start by preheating the oven to 350°F(175°C). Preheating allows the donuts to cook more evenly, so it’s a good step to remember. Next, spray the baking pan with a baking spray or coat with room temperature butter and sprinkle with flour(tap out the extra flour).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking the dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which ensures the donuts rise properly. Once everything is mixed, create a small well in the center. This prepares the dry ingredients for the wet ingredients.
- Add the Wet Ingredients – Now, it is time to combine the wet ingredients. In the well you made, pour in the beaten egg, apple cider syrup, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Be sure to pour the butter slowly while whisking to avoid cooking the egg. Mix everything until just combined. The batter will be thick, add a splash of apple cider if it seems too thick.
Mini Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Mini donuts that are dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon and sugar! They are the perfect fall snack.
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup butter, melted & slightly cooled
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a donut pan with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk all dry ingredients together. Make a well in the center and pour in the wet ingredients ending with the butter. Pour butter slowly while whisking to prevent “cooking” the eggs.
- Put a large pastry bag inside a tall glass. Fill with the donut batter. Twist the top together and snip the bottom tip making a small opening. Be careful because the batter is thin.
- Fill each donut mold in the pan. I had exactly enough batter for 12.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. While the donuts are cooking melt the butter and mix the cinnamon and sugar together.
- Remove from the oven and flip out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool just enough to handle and dip each donut into the melted butter and then roll in the sugar mixture.
- Return to the cooling rack to completely cool. Or serve warm!
Favorite Recipes:
Vanilla Cardamom Buttermilk Pound Cake