Description

Warm, fluffy, and coated in a crackly spiced sugar crust, these baked apple cider donuts are the taste of autumn mornings in every bite. Infused with reduced cider and a blend of cozy spices, they’re perfect for lazy weekends, brunch spreads, or sneaky kitchen snacks. And since one batch never lasts long, we’re doubling up—because joy should always come in dozens.

Ingredients

• 3 cups apple cider (reduced to 1½ cups)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) or coconut oil
• 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cardamom

Topping:
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cardamom

Instructions

Reduce Cider (25 mins): Simmer cider in a wide pan until reduced to 1½ cups. Cool completely.
Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 12-cavity donut pans well.
Wet Mix: Whisk eggs, both sugars, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and cooled cider.
Dry Mix: In a second bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and spices.
Combine Gently: Stir dry into wet just until mixed—don’t overmix!
Fill Pans: Pipe or spoon batter into donut cavities (¾ full).
Bake (15–18 mins): Donuts should spring back lightly. Cool in pans 5 mins.
Coat: Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then spiced sugar. Double dip if you’re feeling it.

Notes

• Use fresh, unfiltered cider for bold apple flavor
• Dip while warm for best sugar stick
• Freeze uncoated donuts for future cozy cravings
• Try glaze instead of sugar or add chopped nuts for crunch

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 280 cal Per Donut, approx.
Sugar: 24g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g