Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Printable version)

Fluffy baked donuts with spiced apple cider and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for fall.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1 cup apple cider
09 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
12 - 1/2 cup whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Topping

14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Grease two standard donut pans thoroughly.
02 - Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, melted butter, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
05 - Fold wet ingredients gently into dry mixture until just blended, careful not to overmix.
06 - Transfer batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe evenly into donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Bake donuts for 10 to 12 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
08 - Allow donuts to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
09 - Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each donut with melted butter, then dip into cinnamon-sugar to coat.
10 - Offer donuts warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They are soft and fluffy but hold a perfect balance of apple and spice, like sharing a hug in donut form
  • The buttery cinnamon-sugar topping makes every bite feel like a special treat you baked just for yourself
02 -
  • Reducing the apple cider is key — it intensifies flavor without adding too much liquid to the batter
  • Don’t overmix the batter or the donuts can become tough instead of tender and fluffy
03 -
  • Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor; ground cinnamon loses its magic quickly
  • The combination of reducing the cider and gentle folding is what makes these donuts uniquely tender and flavorful

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