Go Back
- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda The heart of these doughnuts is the apple cider. You boil it to get rich flavor. This step makes the cider taste sweet and strong. All-purpose flour gives the doughnuts structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice. The sugars add sweetness and depth. Applesauce keeps the doughnuts moist and tasty. Each bite will burst with flavor. - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Eggs bind everything together. The vegetable oil adds moisture and richness. Vanilla extract gives a wonderful aroma. These agents ensure your doughnuts are light and fluffy. To make great doughnuts, start by focusing on the apple cider. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it boils. This step concentrates the flavor. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. Simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which takes roughly 15-20 minutes. After that, let it cool. Next, gather your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix gives the doughnuts their rise and flavor. Be sure to mix them well for even flavor. Now, let’s create the wet mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. You want a smooth mix here; it helps the doughnuts be fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your doughnut pan with non-stick spray. Spoon the batter into the pan. Fill each mold about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. Bake them for 12-15 minutes. The doughnuts should look golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. While the doughnuts are baking, make the coating. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Once the doughnuts cool for about 5 minutes, take them out of the pan. While they are still warm, coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This will add sweetness and a nice crunch to your doughnuts. You want your doughnuts to be light and fluffy. This happens when you don’t overmix the batter. When mixing, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. It makes the gluten develop too much, which you don’t want. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry. This keeps them tender and soft. To bake your doughnuts evenly, greasing the pans well is key. Use non-stick spray to cover every corner. This helps the doughnuts release easily. Make sure your oven is fully preheated at 350°F (175°C). An oven thermometer can help check this. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the baking time. Cinnamon apple cider doughnuts taste best warm. Serve them fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the doughnuts match well with these drinks. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist. Enjoy these treats for breakfast or dessert! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your doughnuts by adding different spices or zests. Try using allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor, adding a fresh note. If you want a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can work wonders. Each addition gives the doughnuts a fun new flavor profile. If you are looking for healthier options, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. For a lighter touch, swap out the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. These changes help maintain flavor while cutting down on calories. Making these doughnuts vegan is easy! Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also replace milk or yogurt with plant-based versions like almond or coconut milk. These simple swaps allow everyone to enjoy this sweet treat! To keep your cinnamon apple cider doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. This may change the texture slightly, but they will still taste great. When it's time to enjoy your doughnuts again, reheating is key. Use the microwave for quick warming. Heat them for about 10 seconds. This warms them up without making them tough. For a crispier texture, try the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. This will revive that fresh-baked taste! If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy. First, let the doughnuts cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped doughnuts in a freezer bag or container. This prevents freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also reheat them after thawing for a warm treat. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. Look for options with no added sugars or preservatives. Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the best flavor. Brands that are local often taste the best. Organic ciders are also great choices. You can glaze these doughnuts in two ways. The first is a simple cinnamon-sugar coating. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Dip the warm doughnuts into this mix. The second way is to make a glaze. Combine powdered sugar with a little apple cider. Drizzle this over the doughnuts for a sweet finish. To check if the doughnuts are done, look for a golden-brown color. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are cooked. The texture should feel soft yet firm. They should bounce back when you touch them lightly. You now have all the tools to make cinnamon apple cider doughnuts at home. We covered the key ingredients, from apple cider to eggs, that bring these treats to life. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your doughnuts are perfect every time. Remember, you can vary flavors or make healthier versions to suit your tastes. Don’t forget about storage and reheating tips for any leftovers. It’s all about enjoying your delicious creations, so get baking!

Cinnamon Apple Cider Doughnuts

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these irresistible cinnamon apple cider doughnuts! Made with real apple cider and a hint of spices, these doughnuts are fluffy, tasty, and rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day, they are easy to make and will impress your friends and family. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking your new favorite doughnuts!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (approximately 15-20 minutes). Set aside to cool.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

        In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider until well combined.

          Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                While the doughnuts are baking, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl for coating.

                  Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, coat each doughnut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

                    Serve warm and enjoy your delightful cinnamon apple cider doughnuts!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 doughnuts