Name: Apple Cider Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat to Warm My Heart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp apple pie spice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup; For the topping: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Apple cider donuts are one of my favorite cozy fall treats. These cakey, dense donuts are packed with real apple flavor and warm spices, then rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect finishing touch. Whether I’m enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, they always bring a little extra comfort to the season.

Apple Cider Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat to Warm My Heart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these donuts are bursting with apple flavor, thanks to the reduced apple cider that goes into the batter. The texture is soft and cakey, with just the right amount of spice from cinnamon and apple pie spice. I can bake them easily at home with simple ingredients, and my kitchen smells absolutely amazing while they’re in the oven. They’re also incredibly versatile—I can bake them in a donut pan or even a muffin tin if that’s what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice

Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup

For the topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I also make sure to have a donut pan and some non-stick cooking spray on hand.

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing my donut pan with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, I whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
In a separate bowl, I combine the melted butter, eggs, both sugars, milk, and vanilla extract.
Once everything is well mixed, I stir in the reduced apple cider to boost that deep apple flavor.
I gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—being careful not to overmix.
Using a spoon, I fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with the batter.
I bake the donuts for 10–12 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and spring back when touched.
After letting them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, I transfer them to a wire rack.
While they’re still warm, I dip each donut in melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon sugar topping.
Then they’re ready to enjoy—especially when warm and fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 10–12 minutes to bake, and about 10 minutes to finish with toppings. Altogether, I can have a batch ready in roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to get creative with these donuts. I might swap the cinnamon-sugar coating for a maple glaze or even a powdered sugar dusting. If I’m baking for someone who avoids dairy, I use plant-based milk and vegan butter with great results. I’ve also made them in mini muffin tins to create bite-sized donut holes—perfect for sharing.

Storage/Reheating

To keep the donuts fresh, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want them to last longer, I wrap each one in plastic wrap and freeze them in a zip-top bag. When I’m ready to enjoy one, I let it thaw for 30 minutes or warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. I avoid topping them with sugar until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What kind of apple cider should I use?

I use regular, non-alcoholic apple cider. The key is to reduce it before adding it to the batter for that strong apple flavor.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes! If I don’t have a donut pan, I use a muffin tin. The shape won’t be the same, but the flavor and texture are just as delicious.

How do I reduce apple cider?

I pour the cider into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces by half. It takes about 10–15 minutes, and I let it cool before adding it to the batter.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake them the day before and store them in an airtight container. I just reheat them slightly and roll them in cinnamon sugar right before serving.

Are these donuts baked or fried?

These are baked, not fried. That makes them a little lighter and easier to make at home without any oil splatter or deep fryer.

Conclusion

Apple cider donuts are one of my favorite ways to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall. With warm spices, concentrated apple flavor, and a cinnamon-sugar coating, they never fail to bring a smile to my face. They’re quick, simple, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.