If you’re looking for a cozy homemade treat that captures the flavors of fall, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect choice. They are soft, moist, lightly spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar for a classic bakery-style finish. Unlike fried donuts, these baked donuts are easier to prepare, require less oil, and still deliver a delicious texture that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a weekend snack, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. The reduced apple cider gives these donuts a rich apple flavor, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite comforting and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These homemade donuts are a favorite because they are:

• Baked instead of fried for a lighter option
• Soft and fluffy with a tender crumb
• Packed with real apple cider flavor
• Ready in about 40 minutes
• Perfect for breakfast, holidays, or family gatherings
• Easy to customize with different toppings

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment

Before you begin, gather these tools:

• Donut baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag or zip-top bag

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Allow it to simmer until it reduces from 2 cups to approximately ½ cup. This usually takes about 20 minutes.

The reduction concentrates the apple flavor, making the donuts taste much richer.

Let the reduced cider cool before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a donut baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Salt

Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine:

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Reduced apple cider

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently using a spatula until no dry flour remains.

Do not overmix because that can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.

The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner cut off.

Pipe the batter into each donut cavity until it is about ¾ full.

Avoid overfilling to maintain the classic donut shape.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Insert a toothpick into one donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Carefully remove them and place them on a wire cooling rack.

Let them cool for another 5 minutes before coating.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Place the melted butter in another bowl.

Step 10: Coat the Donuts

Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter.

Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Expert Baking Tips

• Always reduce the apple cider for stronger apple flavor.
• Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it.
• Avoid overmixing the batter.
• Use room-temperature eggs and milk for even mixing.
• Grease the donut pan well for easy removal.
• Coat the donuts while they’re still slightly warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks better.

Delicious Variations

Maple Glazed

Top the cooled donuts with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Caramel Apple

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the donuts and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans.

Pumpkin Spice

Replace half of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a festive fall twist.

Powdered Sugar

Skip the cinnamon coating and dust with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apple cider donuts pair perfectly with:

• Hot coffee
• Apple cider
• Chai tea
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla latte
• Warm milk

They also make an excellent addition to breakfast spreads and holiday brunch tables.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Warm them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving.

You can also freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap each donut individually and thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount (Per Donut)
Calories	220
Carbohydrates	34g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	170mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g
Calcium	40mg
Iron	1.3mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious homemade treat that brings together the comforting flavors of fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and warm baking spices. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple to prepare and perfect for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or an afternoon snack with coffee. With their soft texture, rich apple flavor, and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that your family will request again and again.