Name: Apple Cider Donuts: The Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Want All Year
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 4 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

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You know that feeling when the air turns crisp, and suddenly, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and warm drinks are calling your name? Yeah, that’s when apple cider donuts step into the spotlight. These golden, cinnamon-sugar-coated beauties are basically fall in edible form—but honestly, why stop at just one season?

If you’ve never made them at home, don’t worry. I’ve got you! This guide covers everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, storage hacks, and even a little history (because who doesn’t love some food trivia?).

Let’s get that kitchen smelling like an autumn dream!

: A close-up of cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider donuts with one donut cut in half, revealing its soft, spongy interior.

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What Are Apple Cider Donuts?

Apple cider donuts are a cake-style donut infused with real apple cider, warm spices, and a cozy, slightly tangy sweetness. Unlike yeast donuts, they have a denser, softer texture—think somewhere between a classic cake donut and a muffin top (aka, the best part of the muffin).

The key? Reducing apple cider before mixing it into the batter. This concentrates the flavor, giving the donuts that deep apple essence you won’t get from plain apple juice.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Recipe

Baked, Not Fried – You get that classic donut taste without dealing with hot oil.
Real Apple Cider – Reducing the cider makes every bite full of rich, deep apple flavor.
Quick & Easy – No yeast, no waiting—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Season – Who says you can only enjoy apple cider donuts in the fall? Make them anytime the craving hits!

A stack of cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider donuts with one donut broken in half, showing its soft interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably have most of these in your pantry already. The only real “extra” is the apple cider, but trust me, it’s worth the trip to the store.

For the Donuts:

1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts (Step-by-Step)

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

Simmer one and a half cups of apple cider in a medium saucepan for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reduces to half a cup, stirring occasionally. This is going to strengthen the flavor of apple, so please do not discard it! Allow it to cool down a bit first prior to using it.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg

Set it aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

Brown sugar & granulated sugar
Melted butter
Eggs
Reduced apple cider
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract

4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gently add the dry ingredients into the mixture until just combined. The batter will be thicker than pancake batter but not as dense as cookie dough.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter some way or the other into a greased donut pan. Fill each mold up to ¾ full.

A close-up view of thick apple cider donut batter in a glass bowl, with a whisk mixing the batter.

Apple cider donut batter placed in a donut pan, ready to be baked.

6. Bake at 350°F

Pop them into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

7. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm:

Brush each donut with melted butter
Toss in cinnamon sugar until fully coated

A freshly baked apple cider donut being coated in cinnamon sugar inside a bowl.

Boom. Your kitchen now smells like a fall festival.

💡

Tips for the perfect Apple Cider Donuts

Use fresh apple cider. Skip the apple juice—it’s not the same. Look for unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing = tough donuts.
Reduce the cider properly. If you don’t let it reduce, your donuts will lack that deep apple flavor.
Bake, don’t fry. Traditional cider donuts are deep-fried, but baking keeps them lighter and easier to make at home.

Follow these tips, and you’ll make the best apple cider donuts ever!

A plate stacked with cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider donuts, with one donut broken in half, revealing its soft interior.

How to Store & Reheat

Room Temp (Best for 2 Days)

Keep them in an airtight container on the counter.

Fridge (Lasts Up to 5 Days)

Still tasty, but they lose that fresh-baked magic. using the microwave, reheat for 10 seconds to bring them back to life.

Freezer (Best for 3 Months)

Freeze in a zip-top bag, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Why Apple Cider Donuts Taste Better in the Fall (But You Can Make Them Anytime!)

There’s just something about apple cider donuts that makes them taste extra magical when the leaves start turning. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, or the fact that you probably grabbed a fresh batch after a long day of pumpkin picking. But here’s the thing—these warm, cinnamon-kissed treats don’t have to be limited to autumn. With a good apple cider donut recipe, you can whip them up anytime the craving hits. All you need is real apple cider (which, let’s be honest, you can find year-round) and a little kitchen magic.

The Secret Ingredient That Makes Apple Cider Donuts So Good

The magic of apple cider donuts comes down to one key ingredient—and no, it’s not just the cinnamon sugar coating (though that helps!). It’s the reduced apple cider. If you’ve ever wondered why bakery-style apple cider donuts have such a rich apple flavor, it’s because they simmer the cider down to a thick, concentrated syrup before mixing it into the batter. This small but powerful step packs in the apple essence without making the donuts soggy.

A Personal Apple Cider Donut Story

I still remember the first time I had apple cider donuts—it was at a small orchard upstate, the kind of place where they press their own cider and sell fresh donuts right from the fryer. The air was crisp, leaves were crunching underfoot, and the whole place smelled like cinnamon and apples. I took one bite, and it was warm, soft, and perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar. It was like fall in edible form. Ever since that day, I’ve been obsessed with recreating that flavor at home.

Baking homemade apple cider donuts lets me relive that cozy feeling anytime I want. No need to wait for fall or drive to a farm stand—just mix up the batter, pop them in the oven, and suddenly, your kitchen smells like an autumn wonderland. If you’ve never made them before, trust me, once you do, you’ll be hooked.

Fun Variations to Try with Apple Cider Donuts

One of the best things about apple cider donuts is how easy they are to customize. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are a few fun twists to try:

Apple Cider Glazed Donuts

Instead of rolling them in cinnamon sugar, make a sweet apple cider glaze! Whisk together:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp reduced apple cider
½ tsp vanilla extract
Drizzle it over the warm donuts for a sticky-sweet finish.

Maple Apple Cider Donuts

Add 1 tsp maple extract to the batter and swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a maple glaze (mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk). It’s like fall in a donut!

Apple Cider Donut Holes

No donut pan? No problem! Scoop small portions of batter onto a baking sheet or mini muffin tin for bite-sized apple cider donut holes. Roll them in cinnamon sugar while warm for the perfect poppable treat.

Apple Cider Donuts with Nuts

For some crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top of a glaze. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the apple-cinnamon goodness.

Apple Cider Chocolate Chip Donuts

If you love a sweet twist, add mini chocolate chips to the batter. The mix of apple, cinnamon, and chocolate is surprisingly delicious!

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

You can use a gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.

The Difference Between Apple Cider Donuts and Regular Donuts

So, what makes apple cider donuts different from your standard cake donuts? Besides the deep apple flavor, these treats tend to have a warmer spice profile, with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes even a hint of clove. Regular cake donuts might be vanilla or chocolate-based, but apple cider donuts have a signature tangy sweetness that comes from real cider in the batter. Plus, they’re almost always coated in cinnamon sugar, which gives them that classic fall festival vibe.

Can You Make Apple Cider Donuts Without a Donut Pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t let that stop you from enjoying homemade apple cider donuts. You can bake them in a muffin tin and turn them into apple cider donut muffins. The flavor stays the same, and honestly, they might even be easier to eat on the go. Another option? Roll the dough, cut out circles with a biscuit cutter, and fry them like traditional donuts. Either way, you’re getting that warm apple cider goodness in every bite.

FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts

What Is So Special About Apple Cider Donuts?

They’re packed with real apple cider, giving them a deep, tangy sweetness you won’t find in regular donuts. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect crunch, and their soft, cake-like texture makes them ideal for fall mornings (or any time, really).

Does Dunkin’ Sell Apple Cider Donuts?

Yes, but only in the fall! Dunkin’ releases their apple cider donuts from September to November, featuring a classic cake donut with cinnamon sugar.

Where Does Trader Joe’s Get Their Apple Cider Donuts?

TJ’s keeps it secret, but their apple cider donuts are USA-made and taste just like ones from a local cider mill. They’re seasonal, so grab them fast in September and October.

Does Krispy Kreme Have Cider Donuts?

Absolutely, but just at select times of the year! Krispy Kreme occasionally sells apple cider doughnuts during autumn, in addition to the pumpkin and maple varieties. They should be listed on the menu in late August or early September for another shot at the treats.

Final Thoughts

Apple cider donuts aren’t just a fall thing—they’re an all-year thing. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend, a holiday brunch, or just because you want your kitchen to smell amazing, they’re always a good idea.

So grab some apple cider, crank up a fall playlist (yes, even if it’s spring), and get baking!
If you love this recipe, check out more delicious homemade desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Let me know if you try them—I’d love to hear how they turn out!

Apple Cider Donuts: The Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Want All Year