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I first encountered these apple cider donuts on a crisp October morning at a New England apple orchard. The aroma drew me in immediately – warm cinnamon and fresh apples mingling in the autumn air. When I took my first bite, the contrast between the crunchy sugar coating and the tender, apple-infused interior was magical. I spent years perfecting this recipe, discovering that reducing the cider creates a more concentrated flavor. Now, these donuts have become my signature fall treat. I love how the spices complement the apple flavor without overpowering it, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect sweet crunch to each bite.
Why I love this recipe
I love this apple cider donut recipe because it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. There's something magical about the way the concentrated apple cider infuses the dough with genuine orchard flavor. The process of making them fills my home with the most comforting aromas – cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples – that signal the change of seasons. I cherish how these donuts bring people together; friends and family always gather in the kitchen when they know I'm making a batch. The versatility is another reason I adore this recipe – they're perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with hot cider. Most of all, I love the tradition these donuts represent – they mark the arrival of fall in a way that's both delicious and meaningful.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Apple Cider: Reduce to concentrate flavor and create authentic apple taste
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the donut dough
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to complement the apple flavor
- Buttermilk: Creates tender, tangy donuts with perfect texture
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Provides warm fall spice notes essential for apple cider donuts
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the donuts to golden perfection
Let's Make These Together
- Reduce the Apple Cider
- Start by bringing 2 cups of apple cider to a simmer in a small saucepan. Let it reduce by half (to 1 cup) to concentrate the flavor—this takes about 15-20 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before using.
- Prepare the Donut Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the reduced cider with eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk. Gently mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined—don't overmix! Refrigerate for at least an hour until firm.
- Shape and Cut
- Roll out the chilled dough on a well-floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to create classic ring shapes. If you don't have a donut cutter, use two round cutters of different sizes.
- Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Fry donuts in small batches, about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and drain on paper towels.
- Add the Signature Coating
- While still warm, toss each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated. Serve immediately with a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate fall treat!
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Switch Things Up
I discovered this recipe during an apple-picking trip to Vermont. The local orchard served fresh donuts that had everyone lining up, and I was determined to recreate them at home. After several attempts, I found that reducing the cider first intensifies the apple flavor. One Sunday, I made these for a family brunch and served them with homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top – my nieces and nephews claimed they were better than the orchard's version!
Perfect Pairings
These apple cider donuts pair wonderfully with a variety of fall beverages. Serve them alongside hot apple cider (as shown in the image) for a double dose of apple goodness. They also complement a hot cup of coffee with a splash of cream or a chai latte. For a more indulgent treat, try them with salted caramel hot chocolate or a glass of dessert wine. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these donuts into a delightful deconstructed donut à la mode.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake these in a donut pan at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. The texture will be different from fried—more cake-like and less crispy on the outside—but still delicious. Brush with melted butter before coating in cinnamon sugar.
- → How do I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They're best eaten fresh, but can be gently reheated in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh them. Avoid refrigerating as this can make them stale faster.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to make it easier to work with.
- → What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple cider is unfiltered and has a stronger, more complex flavor than apple juice. For this recipe, fresh apple cider (preferably unfiltered) will give you the best flavor. Apple juice will work in a pinch but the flavor won't be as rich.
- → Can I add apple chunks to the batter?
While you can add very finely diced apple to the batter, it may cause splattering during frying. A better option is to fold in 1/2 cup of grated apple that has been squeezed dry, which adds flavor and moisture without the frying hazard.
Conclusion
These Autumn Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors. The concentrated apple cider gives them an authentic orchard taste that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee or as an afternoon treat with hot cider, these donuts bring comfort and warmth to any autumn day.