Cozy Apple Cider Donuts 🍎🍩 (Homemade Fall Comfort in Every Bite)

There’s something magical about the arrival of fall—the crisp air, cozy sweaters, golden leaves, and the irresistible aroma of apple cider donuts wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, preparing treats for a cozy weekend, or simply craving a sweet seasonal snack, these Cozy Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect homemade indulgence.

In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make bakery-style apple cider donuts at home—with simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips that ensure perfect results every time.

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🍏 Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts

• Easy to make at home—no special equipment required

• Warm spices + real apple cider = authentic fall flavor

• Baked or fried—you choose your method

• Coated in cinnamon sugar for that classic finish

• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon coffee

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🍎 Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

🔑 Primary Keyword: Apple Cider Donuts

LSI Keywords: fall dessert, apple donut recipe, spiced apple cider, baked donuts, homemade donuts

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📝 Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 4 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing or dipping)

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🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Set aside to cool.

Pro Tip: Do this ahead of time and chill it—it enhances the flavor and cuts down prep time.

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🧂 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder & soda

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Allspice

This ensures even distribution of the spices for that cozy flavor in every bite.

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🍳 Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Brown and granulated sugar

• Egg

• Melted butter

• Buttermilk

• Vanilla extract

• Reduced apple cider

Mix until smooth and well combined.

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🥣 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—it can make the donuts tough.

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🍩 Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan (or Prepare for Frying)

If baking:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Lightly grease a nonstick donut pan

• Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full

If frying:

• Roll out dough (if using a fried donut dough)

• Cut into rings using a donut cutter

• Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C)

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⏱️ Step 6: Bake or Fry

• Baking: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until springy to the touch

• Frying: Fry each donut 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown

Let the donuts cool slightly before coating.

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🍥 Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar coating. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

• Reduce cider fully: Don’t skip this—it concentrates the flavor beautifully.

• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid dense donuts.

• Bake or fry?: Baked donuts are lighter and healthier; fried ones are extra decadent.

• Use a piping bag: It makes filling the donut pan cleaner and easier.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reducing the cider: You’ll miss out on rich, concentrated apple flavor.

• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and buttermilk blend better.

• Skipping butter coating: The cinnamon sugar won’t stick as well without it.

• Overbaking: Leads to dry donuts—check them at 10 minutes.

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🧠 Tips & Variations

🍩 Flavor Twists:

• Add ½ tsp ground ginger for a spicier fall profile

• Fold in finely diced apples for texture

• Use maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a richer topping

🥥 Gluten-Free Option:

Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check consistency before baking.

🍯 Vegan Version:

Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk + vinegar, and flax egg.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

🗃️ How to Store:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

• Freeze (without coating) for up to 2 months

🔄 How to Reheat:

• Microwave for 10–15 seconds

• Air fry or bake at 300°F for 3–4 minutes

• Brush again with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar after reheating

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📊 Nutritional Information (Per Donut – Baked Version)

Note: Values may vary slightly based on ingredients and baking method.

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❓ FAQs

1. Can I make apple cider donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin and fill each cavity halfway. They’ll be “donut muffins” with the same flavor.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store uncoated donuts, then reheat and toss in cinnamon sugar just before serving for best texture.

3. Is it okay to use apple juice instead of cider?

Apple juice is milder and less acidic. You can use it, but reduce it a bit more and expect a lighter flavor.

4. Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! This recipe was designed for both baked and fried methods. Baked is quicker and less messy.

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📌 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of warm, homemade apple cider donuts on a crisp autumn day. Whether you’re curled up with a cup of coffee, sharing with loved ones, or just treating yourself—these donuts deliver pure cozy joy in every bite.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest, share it with your fall-loving friends, or leave a comment with your favorite twist on the classic donut.