Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

About this recipe

Experience the cozy flavors of autumn with these irresistible baked apple cider donuts, coated in cinnamon sugar. All the taste, none of the frying mess!

Why this recipe matters

There's just something magical about autumn, isn't there? The crisp air, the changing leaves, and that comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. For me, these baked apple cider donuts aren't just a recipe; they're a little bite of that autumnal magic, right in your own home. Forget the deep-fried, greasy versions you might find at an orchard – delicious as they are, they’re a whole production. My recipe focuses on baking, which means less mess, less fuss, and a much lighter donut that still delivers all that incredible apple cider flavor we crave.

Ingredients

• 2 cups non-alcoholic apple cider
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla)
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of non-alcoholic apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce until it measures about 1/2 cup. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, vanilla bean paste, and the cooled, reduced apple cider.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. In another small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
9. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
10. While still warm, dip each donut into the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off, then immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
11. Serve warm and enjoy!

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