Description
Delight in these irresistible apple cider donuts with a crispy cinnamon sugar crust. Made by reducing apple cider for a rich flavor and frying the dough to golden perfection, these donuts are a perfect treat for fall or any apple lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Additional sugar mixed with ground cinnamon for coating the donuts after frying
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Heat the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavor.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough comes together.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Shape Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about ½ inch thickness and cut into donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
- Fry Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat Donuts: While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar crust.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent at 350°F to achieve evenly cooked donuts without absorbing excess oil.
- Reduce the apple cider fully to intensify flavor and prevent soggy dough.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight for up to 2 days.
- Use a donut cutter for perfect shapes or improvise with two round cutters of different sizes.
- You can bake the donuts at 375°F for 15-18 minutes as a lower-fat alternative, though frying provides the classic texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
