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Crispy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Delight

crispy apple cider donuts - featured image

These crispy apple cider donuts feature a perfect balance of a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating and a tender, subtly spiced inside, making them an irresistible fall-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower oil recommended)
  • For the cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until reduced by half and slightly syrupy. Let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until frothy. Stir in 4 tablespoons (60 g) melted unsalted butter and the cooled, reduced apple cider.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  6. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut more donuts.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  8. Fry donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip carefully. Avoid overcrowding.
  9. Remove donuts and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss donuts in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (1 cup sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cinnamon) to coat evenly.
  10. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes to set the sugar coating. Serve warm.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. Coat donuts immediately after frying while warm for best sugar adhesion. Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours in advance. For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Baking option available at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes but will not be as crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, crispy donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, fall recipes, homemade donuts, fried donuts, easy donut recipe