There’s something truly magical about the season when apple cider reigns supreme, and these Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating Recipe capture that cozy, warm feeling perfectly. Imagine soft, tender donuts baked to perfection, infused with the deep, rich flavor of reduced apple cider, and then lovingly coated in a crunchy cinnamon-spice sugar blend that dances on your taste buds. This recipe is not just a treat but a celebration of autumn’s best flavors, a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness into your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create magic. Each one plays a vital role—from the fragrant apple cider that gives the donuts their signature flavor, to the spices that add that irresistible warmth, and the right balance of sugars and butter for perfect texture and sweetness.
- Apple cider: Reducing it intensifies the flavor and adds a natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives our donuts structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Essential for the perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Ground cinnamon & apple pie spice: Provide that classic, comforting warmth in every bite.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and melted butter for coating.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds depth; granulated sugar helps with the sweet crunch of the coating.
- Milk: Keeps the dough moist and soft, blending harmoniously with the cider.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Begin by gently simmering the apple cider in a small saucepan on low heat. Stir occasionally and let it reduce down to about half a cup; this concentrates all those wonderful apple flavors without adding extra liquid to the batter. Don’t worry if you see some spices or solids form on top—leave those in, as they give the donuts an extra burst of taste. Set this aside to cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (177°C). While waiting, lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure your donuts release easily after baking. This step makes a world of difference when you’re ready to remove those light-as-air creations.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk these together until they’re evenly blended. This mixture is the backbone of your donuts, giving them structure and those signature fall flavors with every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and inviting. Then gently pour this wet mix into your dry ingredients. Add the cooled reduced apple cider and whisk until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter ready to make magic in your oven.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
For ease and neatness, spoon the batter into a large zipper-top bag and cut off one corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway—this little trick helps keep everything tidy and ensures even donuts that bake perfectly.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Bake your donuts for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges and tops turn a lovely light brown. A gentle poke on the top should bounce back, signaling they are perfectly baked. Let them cool for about two minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Don’t forget to re-grease the pan for the next batch if you’re baking more batter.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating
While the donuts bake, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. This fragrant, crunchy coating is what really takes these donuts to the next level, delivering that sought-after sweet-spiced crunch with every bite.
Step 8: Coat the Donuts
Once your donuts have cooled enough to handle, dunk each side into melted butter, then generously coat with the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture. The warmth of the butter helps the sugar stick lovingly to the donuts, creating a beautiful, flavorful crust that makes each mouthful pure joy.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with garnishes! A light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce complements the cinnamon-spiced coating. Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can introduce a satisfying crunch and an earthy contrast to the sweet donuts.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with warm beverages like a creamy chai latte, rich coffee, or even a hot mug of apple cider for a full-on autumn experience. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these beauties on a rustic wooden tray with a scattering of apple slices and cinnamon sticks for that cozy, fall vibe everyone loves. You could also stack them in a pyramid as a centerpiece for brunch or a holiday gathering—guaranteed to spark conversations and compliments alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though these donuts rarely hang around), store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a quick treat the next morning or afternoon coffee break.
Freezing
Want to save donuts for later? Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When craving hits, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-baked warmth and softness, reheat your donuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the cinnamon-spice sugar coating perfectly and make them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time slightly. Just note the shape will be different, but the flavor and texture remain just as wonderful.
How important is reducing the apple cider?
Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor and minimizes excess liquid—it’s a crucial step that ensures your donuts aren’t too wet and have that deep, apple-y richness.
Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar brings moisture and caramel notes, you can swap it with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious flavor twist. Just reduce the milk slightly to balance the extra liquid.
Do these donuts freeze well after being coated?
It’s best to freeze the donuts before coating them with the cinnamon-spice sugar to maintain the best texture. Once thawed and reheated, you can then dunk and coat for that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating Recipe is a true delight that combines the nostalgic flavors of fall with an easy, approachable baking method. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and warmth to every table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy that perfect bite of soft, spiced comfort!
Print
Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes reduction + 11 minutes baking
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts bring the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen with a tender crumb and a sweet, spiced sugar coating. Made by reducing apple cider for a concentrated flavor, these donuts are baked—not fried—for a lighter yet indulgent treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Stirring occasionally, simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup (120ml), approximately 20 minutes. Leave any spices or solids that form on top. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, add the cooled reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and slightly thick in consistency.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut cavities. For ease, place batter in a large zipper-top bag, cut off one corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway.
- Bake Donuts: Bake for 10–11 minutes or until edges and tops are lightly browned. Test by gently poking the top of a donut; it should bounce back if done. Cool donuts for 2 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Re-grease pan and bake remaining batter following the same steps.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
- Coat Donuts: Once donuts are cool enough to handle, dunk both sides of each donut in melted butter, then coat generously in the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture.
- Serve and Store: Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; canned or concentrate may alter the taste.
- Don’t overbake the donuts—they can dry out quickly. Check doneness by gently pressing the top.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin and adjust baking time slightly.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the spices in the batter.
- Best enjoyed the same day but can be reheated gently before serving.
