Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect treat for cozy mornings or crisp fall afternoons. These donuts are soft and fluffy, with a touch of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that make every bite taste a little like autumn. The apple cider adds just the right bit of sweetness and a hint of tang, making these donuts feel special and comforting all at once.
I love making these when the weather starts to turn chilly because the smell of the spices and apple cider filling the kitchen feels like a big, warm hug. It’s always fun to dip them in a cinnamon sugar mix right after they come out of the fryer or oven—this little touch makes them extra irresistible. I find that sharing these donuts with friends or family makes them even better because everyone lights up with that first bite.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these donuts is with a hot cup of tea or a mug of steaming coffee. They are just the right size to snack on without feeling too heavy, and they pair so nicely with drinks that cozy up your day. Whenever I make a batch, it doesn’t take long for them to disappear, which is a pretty good sign they’re a hit at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Reducing the cider concentrates its sweet-tart flavor, which makes these donuts special. If you can’t find apple cider, pure apple juice works, but reduce it the same way for best taste.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create the warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to swap nutmeg or ginger with allspice or cloves if you want to mix up the spice profile.
Buttermilk: It helps make the donuts tender and slightly tangy. If you don’t have buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Frying Oil: Vegetable oil is great for frying because it has a neutral taste and high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil works well too. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
How Do You Get Light, Fluffy Donuts with a Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating?
The key to fluffy donuts is not overmixing your dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined to keep the donuts tender.
- Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness so donuts cook evenly and stay light.
- Maintain the oil temperature near 375°F (190°C). Too hot burns the outside, too cool makes them soak oil.
- Fry each side about 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil.
- For the coating, toss warm donuts immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This helps the sugar stick well and adds a delightful crunchy touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer – I recommend this because it helps maintain a steady oil temperature for even frying.
- Food thermometer – keeps you sure the oil is at the right heat, so your donuts aren’t greasy or undercooked.
- Rolling pin and lightly floured surface – perfect for rolling out the dough to about ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Donut cutter or two round cutters – makes shaping the donuts quick and uniform. A bottle cap works as a mini cutter for holes.
- Wire rack or paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying and keeping donuts crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apple cider for pear or pumpkin puree for a different fall flavor that still pairs well with warm spices.
- Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the dough for texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle icing over the donuts instead of cinnamon sugar for a different look and taste.
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla or maple extract into the dough for a richer flavor profile.
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 quarts)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make these delicious donuts is about 2 hours. This includes about 15 minutes of prep, 1 hour to chill the dough, and around 30 minutes for frying and coating. Having some patience for chilling helps make the dough easier to handle and the donuts turn out nice and fluffy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium until it simmers, then let it reduce down to about ¼ cup by stirring now and then. This gets the flavor nice and strong. Set aside and let it cool.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Give it a good whisk so everything is evenly mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, the cooled reduced apple cider, and buttermilk until smooth and well blended.
4. Make the Donut Dough:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix a little at a time, stirring gently just until you don’t see dry flour. Be careful not to overmix, or the donuts might get tough.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you like. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
6. Roll and Cut the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about ½-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outside, one smaller for the hole) to cut out your donut shapes.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Drain and Coat:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked donuts to paper towels to drain briefly. While they’re still warm, toss each donut in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (mix the sugar and cinnamon beforehand) until nicely coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool a bit or serve them warm. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your homemade spiced apple cider donuts!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and bring it to a simmer before reducing. This helps preserve the flavor and ensures it blends well in the dough.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes or until golden. After baking, toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating while still warm.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before enjoying.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk in the Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with ¼ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.