Can I bake these apple cider donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! For baked donuts, spoon the batter into greased donut pans and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. They'll be slightly denser than fried versions but still delicious—just be sure to brush them with melted butter before coating in cinnamon sugar.

How far in advance can I make the dough?

The dough keeps beautifully! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days—the flavors actually deepen overnight. Let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before rolling if it's very firm.

What if I don't have a donut cutter?

No worries! Use a round glass or cookie cutter (about 3 inches) for the outer circle, then cut out centers with a small bottle cap or knife. The donut holes fry up just as tasty!

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

Fresh cider gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, use unfiltered apple juice—just avoid clear, filtered kinds. The cloudy stuff has more apple solids that mimic cider's richness.

Why do my donuts soak up so much oil?

Usually means your oil wasn't hot enough. Next time, wait until the thermometer hits 350°F before frying, and don't overcrowd the pot. Proper temp creates that crispy seal that keeps oil out.

Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Just Like the Orchard

Name: Homemade Apple Cider Donuts So Good They'll Disappear Fast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar for coating

Description

Classic apple cider donuts with warm spices and a crisp sugar coating. These taste just like the ones at the orchard.

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar for coating

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Instructions

Boil apple cider until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let cool.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and reduced cider to the butter mixture.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into donuts.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry donuts 2 minutes per side until golden.
Drain on paper towels, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for best flavor
Keep oil temperature steady for even frying
Let donuts cool slightly before coating in sugar

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American