Apple Cider Donuts Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar

These Apple Cider Donuts capture everything good about autumn: warm cinnamon, bright Honeycrisp apple, rich apple cider, and a touch of maple. Baked, not fried, they’re soft, tender, and quick to make. A simple brown-butter glaze finishes them with a toasty, buttery note that elevates every bite. Make a batch for a cozy morning, a fall brunch, or a seasonal dessert that disappears fast.

Apples are at their peak in the fall, and if you love apple cider flavor, these donuts are a must-try. This recipe uses shredded Honeycrisp for texture and fresh apple cider for authentic flavor. If you prefer, you can concentrate apple juice to intensify the taste. The method is straightforward: mix dry and wet ingredients, fold until just combined, pipe or spoon the batter into a donut pan, bake briefly, and top with a browned-butter powdered sugar glaze.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe – Here’s What You Need

• All-purpose flour: provides structure while keeping the donuts soft.
• Cinnamon: warms and complements the apple cider flavor.
• Honeycrisp apple: shredded for moisture and small tender pieces in the donut.
• Apple cider: the key flavor component—use pure cider or reduced apple juice.
• Greek yogurt: adds tang and keeps the crumb tender; 5% is recommended but lower fat works too.
• Maple syrup: a touch of natural sweetness with fall character.
• Butter (for the glaze): browned for a nutty, caramel-like finish.
• Powdered sugar and vanilla: combined with the browned butter to make a glossy glaze.
• Donut pan: makes shaping simple and consistent.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes. Plain apple juice works as a substitute. For a deeper, more concentrated cider flavor, simmer 1 cup of apple juice until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, cool, and use that in the recipe.

Can I make these apple cider donuts gluten free?

Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Measure by weight when possible for best results, and be aware texture may vary slightly depending on the blend.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

1. Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan lightly with cooking spray.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the shredded apple.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider, Greek yogurt, vanilla, oil, and maple syrup.
4. Combine: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk just until combined. Scrape the sides with a spatula so everything is evenly mixed but not overworked.
5. Fill the pan: Transfer the batter into a large plastic bag, cut a small corner off, and pipe into the donut cavities—or spoon the batter carefully.
6. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
7. Make the glaze: Brown 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, watching carefully until it turns golden and nutty. Combine the cooled browned butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon apple cider; stir until smooth. Add more cider 1 teaspoon at a time if needed to reach a dip-able consistency.
8. Glaze: Dip each donut into the glaze or spoon it over the top. Let the glaze set briefly before serving.

Did your glaze come out too thick?

If the glaze is too thick for dipping, thin it by adding apple cider one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If your cider is cold, warm it slightly so the butter and sugar combine smoothly.

How long do homemade donuts last?

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag; thaw and warm gently before eating.

Delicious Apple Desserts

• Apple Pie Bars
• Brown Butter Apple Galette
• Easy Apple Crisp
• Apple Pancakes
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal