These apple cider donuts are soft and tasty, with a sweet apple flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for a cozy day.
Trust me, once you bite into one, you won’t want to stop. I love having them with a warm cup of cider—it’s like a hug in a mug! 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with store-bought cider if needed. Avoid clear apple juice; it lacks the rich taste!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. It will work just as well!
Spices: The nutmeg and allspice are great for extra warmth, but if you don’t have them, just stick with cinnamon for a delicious flavor.
Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option. Just use the same amount!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Fried Donuts?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but it’s key to getting that perfect golden brown exterior. Here are some tips:
- Heat the oil: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and be greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady. This helps them cook evenly.
- Fry until golden: They usually take about 1 minute per side. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t overcook!
- Cool properly: Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack for a couple of minutes to let excess oil drain off.
With these tips in mind, your donuts will come out golden, fluffy, and ready to roll in that cinnamon sugar!
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation, plus an hour to chill the dough, and the frying will take an additional 10-15 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these fresh, warm donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup, which takes around 15-20 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool completely.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the melted butter, the cooled reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the donuts hold their shape while frying.
6. Prepare for Frying:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F (190°C). While the oil heats, lightly sprinkle a clean surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness.
7. Cut the Donuts:
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes to cut out donut shapes. Transfer the cut donuts to a floured baking sheet.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry each donut for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
9. Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your apple cider donuts are ready to eat! They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature alongside a cozy cup of cider or coffee. Enjoy every bite!
These donuts are tender, bursting with apple cider flavor, and perfectly sweet with the delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Happy baking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works well if you can’t get fresh cider. Just make sure it’s not overly filtered or clear apple juice, as that will compromise the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If they become a bit dry, you can warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to freshen them up!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the donuts on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried donuts but will still be delicious!
What Should I Do If the Dough Is Too Sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to work with, you can sprinkle a little extra flour while rolling it out. Just be careful not to overwork the dough to keep your donuts tender and fluffy!
