Save These baked donuts are tender and fluffy, infused with reduced apple cider simmered with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The batter blends simple dry ingredients with wet ones including melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to create a soft texture. After baking, each donut is brushed with melted butter and dusted with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, adding a sweet and fragrant finish. They are ideal for cozy mornings or seasonal gatherings.
Discovering baked apple cider donuts felt like stumbling upon a cozy fall secret. The first time I made them, the warm, spiced aroma instantly filled my kitchen, wrapping me in comfort and sparking memories of crisp autumn mornings.
I still remember the surprise when unexpected guests arrived just as I pulled a fresh batch from the oven. The warm donuts instantly turned any evening into a cozy celebration.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I always choose all-purpose flour for its perfect balance of structure and tenderness here, making the donuts soft but not dense
- Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the flavors, adding a subtle natural sweetness and aroma
- Cinnamon and spices: A blend that brings cozy warmth; freshly ground cinnamon elevates it another level
- Butter: Unsalted and melted adds richness and helps the topping stick beautifully
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pans. The anticipation starts with that warm oven inviting you in.
- Reduce the Apple Cider:
- Simmer the cider until it’s half the volume, filling your kitchen with a sweet, spiced scent that hints at what’s to come.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Notice the beautiful blend of spices swirling through the mixture.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, stir sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth, the mixture glossy and fragrant.
- Combine Gently:
- Add the wet mix to the dry and fold just until combined, keeping the batter light and airy.
- Pipe into Pans:
- Spoon batter into a bag and pipe evenly into donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full, watching the smooth batter settle.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, the tops springy to the touch.
- Cool and Top:
- Let them cool slightly before brushing with melted butter and dipping into the cinnamon sugar, creating a shimmering, crackly coating.
Save This recipe became more than just a morning treat; it’s the dish I bring to every fall gathering, a symbol of warmth and friendship that everyone looks forward to.
Keeping It Fresh
To keep these donuts soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. A quick reheat in the oven brings back that just-baked feeling without drying them out.
When You're Missing Something
If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted works fine—just skip adding extra salt in the batter. And for a dairy-free twist, try substituting the milk with almond or oat milk.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love serving these donuts with a cup of hot apple cider or a chai latte. They also pair beautifully with a smear of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
- Last minute thought: these donuts are best enjoyed warm, so warm them slightly before serving
- Oh wait one more thing: adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds a delightful crunch
- Final helpful note: If you want to make ahead, freeze once cooled and pop them in the oven to warm before eating
Save Thanks for spending some cozy kitchen time here with me. May these donuts bring you as much warmth and joy as they have me.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you reduce apple cider for the donuts?
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Simmer apple cider over medium heat in a saucepan until it thickens and reduces to half the original volume, concentrating the flavors.
- → Can I substitute spices in this preparation?
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Yes, nutmeg and allspice can be replaced with pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different warm spice profile.
- → What is the best way to achieve a light texture?
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Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing helps maintain a tender and fluffy crumb.
- → How do I get the cinnamon-sugar coating to stick well?
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Brush the warm donuts with melted butter before dipping them into the cinnamon-sugar blend for a lasting coating.
- → Can these donuts be made vegan?
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This version relies on eggs and butter, but using plant-based substitutes may require adjustments in texture and moisture.
