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Crispy Apple Cider Donuts

crispy apple cider donuts - featured image

These crispy apple cider donuts feature a delicate crunch and tender inside with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for fall gatherings and quick weekend treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) fresh apple cider, reduced
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (for coating)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 4 cups (1 liter) for frying

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 ½ cups (360ml) of fresh apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until reduced to about 1 cup (240ml) and thickened. Let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. The batter will be thick but soft enough to roll out.
  5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Pour oil into a deep fryer or pot to 2-3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C), using an instant-read thermometer to maintain temperature.
  7. Lightly flour work surface and roll dough to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Cut donuts and holes using donut cutters.
  8. Fry donuts in batches without crowding for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  9. While warm, toss donuts in a bowl with granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon and optional nutmeg to coat evenly.
  10. Let donuts cool slightly on the rack before serving.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider to concentrate flavor and prevent sogginess. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Chill dough before rolling to make cutting easier and prevent spreading. Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops. Coat donuts while warm for best cinnamon sugar adhesion.

Nutrition

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