Apple Cider Donuts: The Cozy Fall Treat Everyone Craves

There’s nothing that says fall quite like a warm Apple Cider Donut. Soft, fluffy, and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, these donuts are pure autumn comfort — the kind of treat that instantly reminds you of apple orchards, cozy sweaters, and crisp October air. Each bite bursts with apple flavor and a gentle spice that makes them irresistible with a mug of coffee, hot cider, or even a pumpkin latte.

These donuts are baked, not fried, which makes them a little lighter but still wonderfully tender. The secret lies in reducing fresh apple cider — intensifying its natural sweetness and adding deep caramelized apple flavor to every bite. I’ve made them countless times, and they never fail to disappear within minutes. Whether you’re baking for a weekend breakfast, a cozy brunch, or your annual fall gathering, Apple Cider Donuts are guaranteed to bring that nostalgic orchard magic right to your kitchen.

If you love apple desserts, you’ll definitely want to try more fall recipes from King Arthur Baking or seasonal favorites at Taste of Home. But before you do, let’s dive into this warm, sugar-dusted perfection that’ll have your whole house smelling like fall.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Card

Apple Cider Donuts

These Apple Cider Donuts are soft, spiced, and full of cozy apple flavor. Baked to golden perfection and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect fall breakfast or snack treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 245

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter softened

For the Topping:

• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Method

 

1. Preheat and Prepare:
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or spray with nonstick spray.
3. Reduce the Cider:
4. Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Let cool slightly.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
6. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
7. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
8. In another large bowl, whisk cooled apple cider, egg, sugar, milk, vanilla, and softened butter until smooth.
9. Combine Wet and Dry:
10. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Do not overmix — the batter should be thick and smooth.
11. Fill the Donut Pan:
12. Spoon or pipe batter into the donut cavities, filling about 3/4 full.
13. Bake:
14. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
15. Make the Topping:
16. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip both sides into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
17. Serve Warm:
18. Enjoy your donuts fresh and warm — they taste like the heart of autumn!

Notes

For an even deeper apple flavor, use spiced apple cider and add a dash of allspice or cloves to the batter.

Perfecting Your Apple Cider Donuts Like a Pro

How to Intensify That Apple Cider Flavor

The trick is in reducing your cider. Simmering it down concentrates the natural sweetness and gives your donuts that irresistible, orchard-fresh taste. Don’t rush this step — patience pays off with flavor that tastes like fall in every bite.

Getting That Signature Soft and Fluffy Texture

Use room-temperature ingredients to help everything blend smoothly. And remember, don’t overmix the batter — gentle folding keeps your donuts light and tender.

Baked vs. Fried: Why Baking Wins Here

While classic cider donuts are fried, baking makes them simpler and lighter without sacrificing flavor. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives that same crispy-sweet exterior without the oil.

Creating the Ultimate Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth. Brush each donut with melted butter immediately before rolling — it helps the sugar stick and creates a delicate crunch.

Making Them Look Bakery-Perfect

Pipe the batter neatly using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. This keeps the donuts uniform in size and gives them a professional, round finish.

Storing and Enjoying Your Apple Cider Donuts

Keeping Donuts Soft Overnight

Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment. They’ll stay soft and moist for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.

Reheating for That Fresh-from-the-Oven Taste

Pop donuts into a 325°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. The sugar coating reawakens, and your kitchen smells heavenly again.

Freezing for Later

Freeze cooled, uncoated donuts in a single layer for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and brush with melted butter before adding fresh cinnamon sugar.

Turning Them Into Dessert Donuts

Drizzle with caramel sauce or a maple glaze for a gourmet twist. You can even top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent fall dessert.

Taking Them On-the-Go

Wrap each donut in wax paper for easy transport — they make the perfect apple-picking snack or sweet addition to lunchboxes.

Adapting Apple Cider Donuts for Every Diet

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch for extra fluffiness — the texture stays just as tender.

Dairy-Free Apple Cider Donuts That Still Taste Buttery

Use almond milk and plant-based butter. The apple flavor shines even more without dairy’s heaviness.

Lower-Sugar Version That Still Feels Indulgent

Reduce sugar in the batter by 1/3 and replace part of the topping with cinnamon-only dusting. The donuts stay deliciously spiced without too much sweetness.

Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

Replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. It keeps the donuts moist and perfectly apple-forward — no one will miss the egg.

Air Fryer Adaptation for Quick Fall Cravings

Pipe the batter into silicone molds that fit your air fryer. Air fry at 330°F for 7–8 minutes — fast, easy, and still delightfully soft inside.

Apple Cider Donut FAQs

Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Reduce apple juice longer and add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the taste.

Why Did My Donuts Turn Out Dense?

Overmixing the batter or not using room-temperature ingredients can make donuts heavy. Fold gently until just combined for the fluffiest results.

Can I Make Mini Donuts Instead?

Yes! Mini donut pans work great — just reduce baking time to 8 minutes. They’re adorable for parties and dunking into cider.

Do I Need a Donut Pan?

A donut pan gives perfect shape, but you can also bake the batter in a mini muffin tin for “donut holes.” They’re just as delicious!

Can I Add Apple Pieces to the Batter?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup finely diced apples for added texture and bursts of flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.

Why Apple Cider Donuts Are the Essence of Fall

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Apple Cider Donuts. Maybe it’s the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen or the way each bite feels like a cozy autumn morning. They’re simple, classic, and the kind of treat that makes you slow down and savor the season.

I love serving these donuts fresh out of the oven, still warm, with steam curling up from a mug of hot cider beside them. They’re perfect for crisp weekends, family gatherings, or just celebrating the little joys of fall. And honestly, they taste even better when shared — though it’s hard not to keep a few for yourself.

So grab your whisk, your favorite cozy sweater, and a jug of apple cider. Bake up a batch of these Apple Cider Donuts and fill your home with the scent of fall. One bite, and you’ll know exactly why they’ve become a seasonal tradition — simple, spiced, and utterly comforting.