If you’re craving a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’re in for a real delight with this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. I absolutely love how these donuts turn out—super moist, wonderfully spiced, and bursting with that warm apple cider flavor that makes you think of crisp autumn days. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to perfect your technique, you’ll find this recipe easy, rewarding, and a total crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic fall flavors: The apple cider reduction infuses every bite with that deep, comforting taste of autumn.
Perfectly tender texture: You’ll get donuts that are soft and cakey, yet hold their shape beautifully when fried.
Simple ingredient list: Easy pantry staples come together to create something truly special without fuss.
Fun and doable at home: You don’t need fancy equipment, just a little patience and love in your kitchen.

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, Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, Fall Donuts, Homemade Apple Cider Donuts, Spiced Donut Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here play really well together to create that signature apple cider donut taste and texture. You’ll want to use fresh apple cider and warm spices for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a huge difference.

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, Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, Fall Donuts, Homemade Apple Cider Donuts, Spiced Donut Recipe

Granulated sugar: Used in both the batter and the coating for that perfect sweet crunch.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs beautifully with apple cider.
Apple cider: Reduce it down to concentrate the flavor—it’s the star of these donuts.
Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the batter and add richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): For moistness and that tender crumb you want in a cinnamon donut.
All-purpose flour: The base that creates the right structure without being tough.
Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure these donuts rise perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet, spiced flavors.
Ground cardamom & nutmeg: Small touches that add complex warmth and depth.
Peanut or vegetable oil: For frying – choose an oil with a high smoke point to get that crisp exterior without burning.

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

One of the things I love most about this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak the spices or even the cooking method to match your mood or dietary needs.

Gluten-free version: I swapped in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend once, and it worked beautifully—just watch the dough consistency as it might need slight tweaks.
Baked instead of fried: For a lighter treat, I tried baking these donuts in a donut pan; they’re still delicious but obviously miss that classic fried exterior.
Spiced up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can elevate the warmth, which our family goes crazy for during holiday gatherings.
Apple cider glaze: Instead of coating the donuts in cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of apple cider glaze adds a lovely glossy finish and extra tang.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

The secret to flavor-packed donuts starts here. Pour your apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it’s reduced by half. This concentrates the sweetness and flavor. It usually takes around 20-30 minutes—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s syrupy and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

While that reduction cools, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly, so you don’t get pockets of flavor or uneven rising.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated and brown sugars until creamy. Then slowly mix in your cooled apple cider reduction and melted butter. This wet mixture is where the magic happens—the flavors come alive and the batter gets its moisture and richness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here—overworking the flour can make the donuts tough, and you want them tender and fluffy. A few lumps are totally fine.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and let it chill for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. This step helps firm it up, making it easier to handle when cutting out your donut shapes, and it improves the flavor too.

Step 6: Fry the Donuts

Heat your oil to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ½ inch thick and cut out your donuts with a cutter. Carefully fry a few donuts at a time until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep the oil temperature steady—too hot and they’ll burn outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.

Step 7: Coat and Enjoy!

While still warm, toss the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar—this sugary coating adds a lovely crunch and the perfect extra hint of spice. Serve them fresh—trust me, you’ll find it’s nearly impossible to eat just one.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Control your oil temperature: I use a candy thermometer for frying—maintaining 375°F ensures the donuts cook evenly and aren’t greasy.
Don’t rush the cider reduction: A slow simmer gives a deeper apple flavor that really shines in the donuts.
Chill the dough thoroughly: Cold dough prevents the donuts from spreading too much in the hot oil, keeping their classic shape.
Roll out evenly: For consistent cooking, I always keep my dough thickness uniform around ½ inch—too thin and they dry out, too thick and they stay undercooked inside.

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, Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, Fall Donuts, Homemade Apple Cider Donuts, Spiced Donut Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating because it perfectly complements the apple notes. But sometimes, I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a bit of apple cider, and a splash of vanilla. It adds a bit of shine and that extra sweetness without overpowering the donut’s spice.

Side Dishes

These donuts are excellent paired with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider to keep the fall theme going. If it’s brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a plate of crispy bacon—the salty-sweet combo is pure magic!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arranged mini donuts on a wooden board along with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and small jars of caramel sauce for dipping. It looks festive and invites everyone to customize their bites, plus it makes a beautiful fall centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, this keeps them from drying out too quickly. Just avoid stacking too many so they don’t get squished.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, I freeze cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze really well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and warm them gently.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer experience, I reheat donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes—this crisps the outside again without drying the inside, unlike a microwave which can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice for apple cider, but keep in mind apple cider has a stronger, more nuanced flavor because it’s less filtered and often spiced. If you use apple juice, the donuts will still be tasty but might lack some of that depth. Also, consider reducing the juice longer to concentrate the flavor.
Why does the dough need to chill before frying?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which makes it much easier to roll out and cut into donut shapes. It also prevents the dough from spreading too much during frying, so your donuts keep their classic thick, cakey shape rather than turning flat and greasy.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

The best way is to use a candy or deep-frying thermometer to maintain a steady 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of dough into the oil: it should bubble up immediately and float to the surface within seconds. If the dough browns too quickly or smokes, the oil is too hot.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you want a lighter version. Use a donut pan and bake at around 350°F for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep in mind, baking won’t give you that crispy outside layer but the internal texture is still delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover apple cider donuts?

Reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes works best to revive that fresh, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a pinch, as it can make donuts tough or rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe has become a favorite in my home, especially come fall when the leaves start turning and the air smells crisp. I love sharing these with friends because they’re nostalgic and comforting, yet still feel a little special. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making them as much as eating them, and once you do, they might just become your go-to fall treat too. Give this one a try—you really can’t go wrong with these classic, cozy donuts!