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Cozy Baked Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

baked spiced apple cider donuts - featured image

These baked spiced apple cider donuts are a quick and easy fall treat with a cakey, tender texture and a warm cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for cozy gatherings and capturing the essence of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, reduced to about ½ cup (120 ml)
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon sugar coating: ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ½ cup (120 ml) and slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction until smooth and glossy.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full using a spoon or piping bag. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle the batter.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean. Start checking at 12 minutes.
  8. Let donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, gently toss each donut in the cinnamon sugar coating until fully coated.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider rather than apple juice for authentic flavor. Reduce cider to avoid soggy donuts. Room temperature eggs and milk improve rise. Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts tender. Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar while warm for best coating. For dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk and coconut oil for butter. Gluten-free flour can be used for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked donuts, apple cider donuts, fall treats, spiced donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy donut recipe, autumn desserts