Dessert

Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Name: Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup apple cider; ¼ cup butter; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Additional sugar mixed with ground cinnamon

ByNaomi Fletcher November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

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Introduction

These irresistible apple cider donuts boast a warm cinnamon sugar crust and a tender crumb, perfect for cozy mornings or fall gatherings. Made with reduced apple cider for an extra burst of flavor, these homemade treats are surprisingly easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Four cinnamon sugar-coated donuts are stacked on a white plate with a white marbled background. Three donuts form a stable base layer, showing a rich golden brown color with a textured sugar coating. The top donut is placed off-center and has a visible bite taken from the side, revealing a soft, airy, pale inside. Some loose cinnamon sugar is scattered around the donuts on the plate, catching soft light that highlights the sugars' crystals. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 cup apple cider
¼ cup butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional sugar mixed with ground cinnamon for coating

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½ inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes.
Step 7: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, cooking about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 8: Transfer the fried donuts to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9: While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon to coat evenly, creating a cinnamon sugar crust.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two round biscuit cutters in different sizes to shape the donuts.
To keep donuts fresh, avoid stacking them before the cinnamon sugar coating dries to prevent sogginess.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven to regain some of the original crispness and warmth. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw thoroughly before reheating.

How to Serve

A stack of four golden-brown cinnamon sugar-coated donuts sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The top donut has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft, fluffy, and light interior with a slight crumb texture. The donuts have a rough sugar coating that sparkles slightly in the light, and a fifth donut leans against the stack showing its round hole clearly. On the plate near the donuts is a small pile of loose cinnamon sugar powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. Baking will produce a lighter texture but won’t have the same crisp exterior as frying.

What can I use if I don’t have apple cider?

If apple cider is unavailable, you can substitute with fresh apple juice or dilute apple juice with a little lemon juice to mimic the tartness. Reducing the liquid slightly will help concentrate the flavor.