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Crispy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Coating

crispy apple cider donuts - featured image

These crispy apple cider donuts feature a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender inside, perfectly spiced and coated with cinnamon sugar for a nostalgic fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (about 315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) apple cider, preferably fresh or unfiltered
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for tossing the donuts before coating)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk ¾ cup apple cider, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined — the dough should be thick but pliable.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Prepare Your Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean countertop or large cutting board. Turn out the chilled dough and roll it to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  6. Cut Donuts: Using your donut cutter or two round cutters, cut out as many donuts as possible. Re-roll scraps once or twice but no more.
  7. Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large heavy pot, heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
  8. Fry Donuts: Carefully lower 3-4 donuts at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Drain and Coat: Remove donuts and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. While still warm, brush or toss each donut lightly with melted butter, then immediately coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  10. Cool and Enjoy: Let donuts cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Chill dough before rolling to make cutting easier. Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar while warm but not hot to avoid clumping. Avoid twisting the cutter to keep edges crisp. For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil for butter and nondairy milk with apple cider vinegar for apple cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, crispy donuts, cinnamon sugar coating, homemade donuts, fall recipes, easy donuts, fried donuts