If you’ve ever wondered how to capture the cozy flavors of autumn in a sweet, warm treat, you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. I absolutely love how these donuts turn out—crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and bursting with that nostalgic apple cider flavor that just screams fall. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special dessert, or just because, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward, fun, and totally worth the wait.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Fall Flavor: The apple cider infusion brings a naturally sweet, tangy depth that’s perfect for the season.
Perfectly Moisty Texture: Thanks to melted butter and apple cider reduction, these donuts stay soft inside with a slight crunch on the outside.
Easy To Make At Home: You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps, just everyday ingredients and some patience.
Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a family morning or a small gathering, these donuts are crowd pleasers every time.

Three cinnamon sugar donuts are stacked on a white plate with blue floral designs, showing a soft texture covered in fine sugar crystals; the top donut has a bite taken, revealing a light, fluffy inside with a slightly darker core. Behind the plate is a blurred white plate with more cinnamon sugar donuts and a clear glass filled with bright orange juice, all set on a white marbled surface. A pink cloth is placed softly on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Donuts, autumn donut recipes, cozy fall treats, crispy baked donuts, homemade apple cider donuts

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe happens by blending fall spices with apple cider’s sweetness and a tender dough that fries up golden. You’ll want fresh apple cider for the best taste and simple pantry staples to keep things easy.

Flat lay of a small pile of golden light brown sugar crystals, a small heap of fine white granulated sugar, a small mound of warm reddish-brown ground cinnamon powder, a single small white ceramic bowl filled with amber-colored apple cider, two large brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl with melted pale yellow unsalted butter, a neat pile of off-white all-purpose flour, a tiny white ceramic bowl containing fine white baking powder, a few whole green cardamom pods, a small white ceramic bowl with ground warm brown nutmeg powder, a block of pale yellow butter, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden peanut oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Cider Donuts, autumn donut recipes, cozy fall treats, crispy baked donuts, homemade apple cider donuts

Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating for that sweet crunch.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic fall spice – don’t skimp on this one!
Apple cider: I recommend using fresh, unfiltered cider; it adds so much authentic flavor and moisture.
Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses note that deepens the flavor profile.
Large eggs: At room temperature, they help bind everything together and give richness.
Unsalted butter: Melted for moist, tender dough and that buttery flavor we all crave.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that handles frying well — spoon and level for accurate measuring.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help these donuts rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
Salt, ground cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon: The secret spice blend that complements the cider beautifully.
Peanut or vegetable oil: For frying—make sure to pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe to keep it fresh and fun, and you’ll enjoy making it your own. Whether you want something gluten-free or just crave an extra hint of spice, there’s room to experiment here!

Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend and while the texture was slightly denser, the flavor was still on point.
Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick that’s surprisingly delicious against the sweet cider flavors.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter to make a vegan-friendly batch.
Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter take, you can bake the donuts—but frying gives that classic crunch you’ll totally appreciate.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 2½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until it reduces by about half, roughly 20-30 minutes. This intensifies the flavor and concentrates the sweetness—trust me, it makes a big difference! Set this aside to cool while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Your Sugars and Spices

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for your coating later. I love this simple cinnamon sugar mix because it adds that perfect sweet-spicy finish once your donuts are fried. Keep it nearby but separate for now.

Step 3: Create the Donut Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the reduced cider, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and melted unsalted butter. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; it helps the mixture come together smoothly. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your warm spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be somewhat sticky, but that’s exactly what you want—it keeps the donuts nice and tender!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is key to handling the dough easier when it’s time to shape the donuts, and it helps develop even better flavor. I like to plan ahead and do this part in the morning if I’m making donuts for dessert.

Step 5: Roll Out and Cut Donuts

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out your donut shapes. This is such a fun part—don’t worry if your holes aren’t perfect; these homemade donuts have charm!

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your peanut or vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the donuts in small batches for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove them, then place the donuts on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm, toss them in your cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This creates a sweet, crunchy crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Let them cool a bit before diving in, or better yet—share them while warm!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Use Fresh Apple Cider: I always opt for fresh cider over bottled juice for the truest flavor.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil steady at 375°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir just until combined; overmixing can make donuts tough.
Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerating the dough makes rolling and cutting much easier and cleaner.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

A pile of about a dozen small round donuts with light brown color, coated evenly with granulated sugar and cinnamon, arranged casually on a white marbled surface; two small round donut holes are also visible among the donuts, and at the top right corner, a clear glass of orange-colored juice is partially shown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Donuts, autumn donut recipes, cozy fall treats, crispy baked donuts, homemade apple cider donuts

Garnishes

While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is my go-to, I sometimes add a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch or a light drizzle of caramel sauce when serving for special occasions—it’s irresistible. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add nice texture contrast too.

Side Dishes

Pair your apple cider donuts with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a hearty brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon—it’s a combo my family always goes crazy for.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties, I’ve arranged these donuts stacked on rustic wooden trays sprinkled with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. You can also thread them on a pretty string for a donut garland or present them in a gift box tied with twine—makes a perfect homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days. I usually pop them in the container lined with a paper towel to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts before with great success. Just wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer feel.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend popping them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or briefly microwaving (about 15 seconds)—just enough to warm without drying them out. You’ll have near-fresh donuts in no time!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of fresh cider?

While you can substitute store-bought apple juice, it usually lacks the depth and natural spices of fresh cider, so your donuts might be less flavorful. If you go this route, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice to mimic that cider taste.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and sweetness, which really makes the donuts taste like autumn in every bite. It also removes extra liquid so your dough isn’t too wet and can hold its shape when frying.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

You sure can! Baking is a lighter alternative, but keep in mind the texture will be different—less crispy and more cakey. Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Then toss with cinnamon sugar for that classic finish.
How do I know when oil is the right temperature for frying?

The ideal temperature for frying these donuts is 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly but stay undercooked inside; if too cool, they’ll absorb oil and get greasy. Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping a small piece of dough—if it bubbles and rises promptly, you’re good.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe has become such a cozy favorite of mine, especially when the leaves start turning gold and there’s a chill in the air. I love sharing them with friends and family over a warm drink, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them. The smell alone is worth the effort—and once you nail the frying and coating steps, you might just find yourself making these donuts year-round. So grab your apple cider and get ready to fill your kitchen with fall magic!