Cider Donuts
The secret of a perfect cider donut lies in its contradictions — dense yet soft, nostalgic yet indulgent. You make them for the smell, the ritual, and that first bite still hot from the fryer.
Ingredients
Ingredients (Makes 12–15 Donuts)
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider reduced to ½ cup
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Neutral oil for frying
For the Coating:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Instructions
- Simmer cider in a saucepan until reduced to ½ cup. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
- In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then cider, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll dough to ½-inch thick and cut into rings.
- Heat oil to 350°F. Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side until deep golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations
• Baked Version: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Maple Glazed: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoon maple syrup; drizzle while warm.
• Filled: Inject with apple butter or caramel for a fairground surprise.
Table Itinerary (Fall Pairings)
• Drink: Hot apple cider or brown sugar latte
• Snack: Roasted pecans or spiced popcorn
• Dessert pairing: Pumpkin swirl cheesecake or bourbon pecan pie
Storage
Best eaten same day, but keep up to 2 days in an airtight container. Warm in the oven 5 minutes before serving.
• Baked Version: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Maple Glazed: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoon maple syrup; drizzle while warm.
• Filled: Inject with apple butter or caramel for a fairground surprise.
Table Itinerary (Fall Pairings)
• Drink: Hot apple cider or brown sugar latte
• Snack: Roasted pecans or spiced popcorn
• Dessert pairing: Pumpkin swirl cheesecake or bourbon pecan pie
Storage
Best eaten same day, but keep up to 2 days in an airtight container. Warm in the oven 5 minutes before serving.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
