When autumn arrives, so do the rich, warm flavors that make the season so special. Apple cider doughnuts are a quintessential fall treat, perfectly combining the sweetness of apples with the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. These doughnuts, with their slightly crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, bring the essence of fall to your kitchen. They’re easy to make and pair wonderfully with coffee, hot cider, or as a standalone indulgence.
This guide explores everything you need to know about making apple cider doughnuts from scratch, including tips, variations, and serving ideas.
The History of Apple Cider Doughnuts
Apple cider doughnuts originated in the northeastern United States, where apple orchards are abundant, and apple cider is a seasonal staple. These doughnuts became a popular treat at cider mills and farm stands, offering visitors a warm and satisfying snack after a day of apple picking. Their spiced flavor and rustic charm quickly turned them into a fall tradition, enjoyed by families and food lovers alike.
The doughnuts not only celebrate the apple harvest but also evoke the cozy, nostalgic feelings that autumn brings. Making them at home allows you to recreate this experience, even if you’re miles away from an orchard.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Doughnuts
Gather these ingredients to make delicious apple cider doughnuts:
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
How to Make Apple Cider Doughnuts
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by simmering the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This process intensifies the apple flavor. Let it cool to room temperature before using.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and cooled apple cider reduction.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the doughnuts dense. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle.
5. Cut the Doughnuts
Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (one for the outer circle and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out doughnut shapes. Re-roll the scraps to cut more doughnuts.
6. Fry the Doughnuts
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in small batches, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Coat the Doughnuts
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each warm doughnut lightly with melted butter and toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Doughnuts
- Reduce the Cider Properly: Allow the cider to simmer slowly, and don’t skip this step. It concentrates the flavor and makes a significant difference in the final taste.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil at a consistent 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts may burn on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose their potency over time. Fresh spices ensure your doughnuts have a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Serve Warm: These doughnuts taste best when served warm, shortly after frying.
Variations on Apple Cider Doughnuts
1. Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts
For a lighter version, bake the doughnuts instead of frying. Use a doughnut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Brush the baked doughnuts with butter and coat them in cinnamon-sugar for the classic flavor.
2. Glazed Apple Cider Doughnuts
Drizzle the doughnuts with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon. This adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
3. Apple Chunk Doughnuts
Fold small pieces of diced apple into the dough for extra texture and bursts of fresh fruit flavor.
4. Spiced Maple Doughnuts
Add a teaspoon of maple extract to the dough and replace the cinnamon-sugar coating with a maple glaze. This variation pairs beautifully with fall mornings.
5. Vegan Apple Cider Doughnuts
Replace the buttermilk with almond milk or another plant-based option mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar. Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Serving Suggestions
Apple cider doughnuts shine as a standalone treat but pair wonderfully with other fall-inspired accompaniments:
- Hot Drinks: Serve with a warm cup of apple cider, spiced chai, or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Ice Cream: Enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Preserves: Pair the doughnuts with apple butter or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Cheese Plate: Include these doughnuts on a dessert cheese board with sharp cheddar or brie for a sophisticated twist.
Storing and Freezing Apple Cider Doughnuts
Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for a few minutes.
For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts before coating them in cinnamon-sugar. Once thawed, reheat in the oven and coat them fresh. This method preserves their texture and flavor while making them easier to prepare in advance.
Why Apple Cider Doughnuts Are a Fall Classic
Apple cider doughnuts encapsulate everything people love about fall. Their spiced aroma, sweet-and-tangy flavor, and warm, comforting texture make them a favorite treat during the season. Whether enjoyed at a pumpkin patch, during a family gathering, or as a homemade indulgence, these doughnuts bring joy and nostalgia to every bite.
Making them at home allows you to customize the recipe, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With simple ingredients and a bit of care, apple cider doughnuts turn any day into a cozy celebration of fall’s best flavors.
Start a New Fall Tradition
Bringing apple cider doughnuts into your kitchen creates a tradition filled with warmth and delicious aromas. Whether frying up a fresh batch for a weekend brunch or sharing them at a fall festival, these doughnuts invite a sense of togetherness and joy. So grab some apple cider, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of autumn. These doughnuts are more than a treat—they’re a memory waiting to be made.
Adding Apple Cider Doughnuts to Seasonal Celebrations
Apple cider doughnuts fit seamlessly into fall celebrations, enhancing everything from casual gatherings to festive occasions. Whether you’re hosting a pumpkin-carving party, a cozy bonfire, or a Thanksgiving brunch, these doughnuts bring a comforting, homemade touch to the table. Their warm, spiced aroma evokes the spirit of autumn, making them a centerpiece that both kids and adults enjoy. Stack them on a cake stand, arrange them in a basket, or serve them with cider flights for a visually appealing and delicious presentation.
Making Apple Cider Doughnuts with Kids
Apple cider doughnuts provide a fantastic opportunity to involve children in the kitchen. Rolling and cutting the dough becomes a fun, hands-on activity that sparks creativity and teaches basic baking skills. Kids can also help mix the cinnamon-sugar coating or drizzle glaze over the finished doughnuts. To make the experience even more engaging, offer toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or colored sugars for a personalized touch. Baking these doughnuts with children creates lasting memories and introduces them to the joys of homemade treats.
Transforming Doughnut Holes into Bite-Sized Joys
If you want smaller portions or a fun variation, turn the scraps from your doughnut dough into doughnut holes. These bite-sized treats cook quickly and offer the same delicious flavor as their larger counterparts. After frying, toss them in cinnamon-sugar, dip them in melted chocolate, or drizzle them with caramel for a decadent twist. Doughnut holes work well for parties, lunchbox snacks, or as a casual treat when you crave just a little sweetness.
Pairing Apple Cider Doughnuts with Beverages
Pairing apple cider doughnuts with the right beverage elevates their flavor and creates a complete sensory experience. The following pairings bring out the best in these doughnuts:
- Warm Apple Cider: The classic pairing enhances the apple flavor while complementing the doughnuts’ spices.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: The creamy, spiced coffee drink balances the sweetness of the doughnuts, making it a fall favorite.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the doughnuts.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety mug of hot chocolate turns the doughnuts into a comforting dessert combo.
- Crisp White Wine: For an adult twist, pair these doughnuts with a slightly dry Riesling or a sparkling apple wine.
Exploring Regional Variations and Twists
Apple cider doughnuts have inspired variations that reflect local flavors and culinary traditions. In the South, bakers often incorporate a touch of molasses or sorghum syrup for added depth. In New England, where the doughnuts originated, they are often enjoyed with a side of maple syrup or warm apple butter. Exploring these regional variations can inspire creative tweaks to the recipe, allowing you to make the doughnuts uniquely yours.
Using Local Ingredients for a Farm-to-Table Feel
Enhancing your apple cider doughnuts with locally sourced ingredients adds freshness and supports your community. Visit a nearby orchard for freshly pressed apple cider, or use farm-fresh eggs and butter for a richer flavor. Incorporating regional spices or grains can further connect your doughnuts to local flavors, making them feel even more special. This farm-to-table approach not only enhances taste but also deepens your connection to the season and its offerings.
Why Homemade Always Tastes Better
Making apple cider doughnuts from scratch lets you control every aspect of the recipe, from the quality of the ingredients to the level of sweetness and spice. Homemade doughnuts often taste better than store-bought options because they’re fresh, warm, and made with care. Baking or frying your own batch also allows you to experiment with flavors and techniques, creating a dessert that suits your preferences perfectly. The joy of making something with your own hands adds to the satisfaction of each bite.
Storing and Sharing Apple Cider Doughnuts
Freshly made apple cider doughnuts taste best within a day of frying, but proper storage can help maintain their quality. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. To revive their just-made taste, warm them briefly in the oven before serving. For sharing, wrap individual doughnuts in parchment paper or arrange them in a decorative box tied with twine. These thoughtful touches turn a simple treat into a memorable gift.
Why Apple Cider Doughnuts Deserve a Place in Your Recipe Collection
Apple cider doughnuts combine flavor, nostalgia, and versatility, making them a standout recipe in any baker’s repertoire. Their deep apple flavor and warm spices embody the essence of autumn, while their easy preparation makes them accessible to both seasoned and novice bakers. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these doughnuts bring joy and comfort with every bite.
By learning to make apple cider doughnuts, you embrace a tradition that has delighted generations. The process offers more than just a delicious result—it provides an opportunity to connect with the season, share moments with loved ones, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade baking. So grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and let the magic of apple cider doughnuts fill your kitchen and your heart.