Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 14 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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These Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are like autumn wrapped in a warm, sugary hug. They bring the cozy, comforting flavors of fall right to your kitchen, making them perfect for those chilly mornings or as a delightful afternoon treat.

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

All-purpose flour forms the base of our donut, giving it structure. The right balance of baking powder and baking soda ensures a light and fluffy texture. Our spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — provide warmth and depth, making these donuts taste like autumn. A pinch of salt enhances these flavors. Both granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness, while apple cider brings a tangy apple flavor. Melted butter adds richness, and eggs provide moisture and bind everything together. A splash of vanilla extract and a bit of milk round out the batter with smoothness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin instead and make donut holes.
  • Don’t overfill the donut cavities; they rise quite a bit.
  • Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they're warm, so the coating sticks better.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are heavenly with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve them with a mug of hot spiced cider or a pumpkin spice latte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but the flavor might be a bit milder. Try reducing the juice on the stove to concentrate the flavor.
How do I store these donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) — this way, it’s ready to go when you are. Grease your donut pan well to prevent any sticking mishaps later. Now, grab a large bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures all those lovely spices are evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugars with apple cider, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until you have a smooth concoction. Slowly add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — we want our donuts light and fluffy!

Spoon the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before taking them out of the pan. Trust me, patience is key here!

For the finishing touch, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. While the donuts are still warm, roll them around in this cinnamon sugar bath for a sweet and spicy coating.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings the essence of fall into every bite.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients — no fancy stuff.
  • Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Can be made ahead and stored for later.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
7. Allow donuts to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
8. For the cinnamon sugar coating, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
9. While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

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