Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Warm, fragrant donuts infused with apple cider and cozy spices have always reminded me of crisp autumn mornings when the air turns cool and the kitchen smells like a little celebration.

I still remember the first time unexpected guests dropped by and I pulled these donuts from the oven — golden, soft, and fragrant — it made the moment feel extra special.

Ingredients

• Apple Cider: I always reach for fresh apple cider here, simmering it down to intensify the flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice balance each other perfectly to create that warm cozy feeling.
• Flour and Sugars: Using packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the donuts.
• Butter: Melted unsalted butter is best for coating, giving each donut that silky finish.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan so the dough won’t stick. The warm kitchen already hints at the treats to come.

Reduce the Cider:

Simmer the apple cider gently until it’s reduced to half a cup, releasing a rich, sweet aroma that fills the air.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt—each scent adding to the cozy vibe.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Whisk the reduced cider, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and inviting.

Bring It Together:

Gently fold the wet into the dry ingredients without overmixing to keep the donuts light and tender.

Fill the Pan:

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about three quarters full so they rise just right.

Bake to Perfection:

Let them bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean—your kitchen is alive with the sweet, spiced scent now.

Coat the Donuts:

Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then dip in cinnamon sugar for that perfect sweet crunch.

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This recipe became more than just food one chilly fall evening, when it brought friends together for laughter, stories, and the warm comfort only homemade treats can offer.

Making It Ahead for Busy Mornings

You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it for a quick bake in the morning. Just give the batter a gentle stir before filling the pan—this little trick saves time without sacrificing freshness.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

These donuts are lovely on their own or paired with a slightly tart apple compote or a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. They also make a fantastic gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine!

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. To refresh, a quick zap in the microwave or warm oven brings back that freshly baked magic.

• Don’t forget to coat the donuts after warming to keep the sugar crisp.
• Adding a pinch of ground cloves to the batter ups the cozy factor in a subtle way.
• Remember, gentle mixing helps maintain a tender crumb—overmixing leads to dense donuts.

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Thanks for spending some kitchen time with me—hope these donuts bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me. Happy baking!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How is the apple cider used in the preparation?

The apple cider is simmered and reduced to intensify its flavor before being mixed with wet ingredients, adding a rich, concentrated apple taste.

→ What spices contribute to the flavor profile?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice combine to create a warm, aromatic spice blend that enhances the apple cider notes.

→ How do you achieve a moist texture in these donuts?

The combination of reduced apple cider, melted butter, milk, and eggs creates a tender batter that bakes into moist donuts.

→ What is the purpose of the cinnamon-sugar coating?

Brushing baked donuts with melted butter then dipping them in cinnamon-sugar adds a sweet, slightly crunchy finish with an extra layer of spice.

→ Can the flavor be enhanced with additional ingredients?

Adding a pinch of ground cloves to the batter deepens the spice profile, complementing the existing warm spices.