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To make bakery-style apple cider donuts, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating) Each ingredient plays a vital role in giving the donuts their rich flavor and soft texture. The apple cider provides a sweet and tangy base. The flour and sugar create that classic donut structure. Baking powder and soda help them rise. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, while salt enhances overall taste. The butter keeps the donuts moist, and eggs give them a nice lift. Milk and vanilla extract add creaminess and depth. Finally, the cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible. Now that you have the ingredients, you're one step closer to making these delicious treats! Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it on medium until it boils. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cider to reduce to about 1 cup. This step makes the flavor stronger. After that, set it aside to cool. Grab a large bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well so everything is combined. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine the cooled apple cider, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. Add in ½ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are smooth and blended. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Gently fold them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this helps keep the donuts light and fluffy. Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the donut pan. Fill each cavity about ¾ full. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you fill the pan. Bake the donuts for 12 to 15 minutes. Check them with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are done. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. While the donuts are still warm, it’s time to coat them. You need ¼ cup of cinnamon sugar for this. You can roll each donut in the sugar or sprinkle it on top using a sifter. This adds a sweet, spicy finish that makes them irresistible. To make your donuts soft, avoid overmixing. When you mix wet and dry, stir just until they blend. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Use fresh ingredients for the best rise. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are active. Test them by adding them to water. They should bubble up right away. For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice. These spices can give your donuts an extra kick. You can also experiment with different sugars. Using brown sugar adds a richer taste. If you want a fruity twist, add some finely chopped apples to the batter. This makes each bite even more delicious. One common mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. You want it thick and sweet. If you skip this step, your donuts may be too wet. Another mistake is checking for doneness too early. Use a toothpick to check. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating. It adds a sweet and cozy finish. {{image_2}} To make glazed apple cider donuts, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk. Dip each warm donut in this glaze. Shake off the excess. The glaze gives the donuts a sweet shine. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor. Try adding different spices to change up the flavor. You can use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg. This gives a warm, autumn taste. For a kick, add a bit of ginger. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste. Each spice adds a new twist to the classic recipe. You can get creative with toppings. Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top. Chopped nuts or sprinkles can give a nice crunch. For fillings, try apple pie filling or cream. Just pipe it into the donut after baking. These changes make each bite fun and different. To keep your bakery-style apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. If you plan to eat them within a few days, keep them at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. This can help them last up to a week. If you want to enjoy warm donuts, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 8 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as they can become tough. To freeze your apple cider donuts, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat when ready to eat. To make apple cider donuts vegan, swap eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It makes the donuts denser and adds fiber. You may need to add a bit more liquid to the batter. Start with an extra tablespoon of milk to keep the right texture. Apple cider donuts stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. The best toppings include cinnamon sugar, maple glaze, or caramel drizzle. You can also add chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra crunch and color. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors! Yes, bottled apple cider works well for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure cider with no added sugars or flavors. This keeps the taste authentic and delicious. You learned how to make tasty apple cider donuts, from ingredients to storage tips. I shared ways to mix and bake, plus tricks for great flavor. You can even make them vegan or try fun toppings. Keep this guide handy for perfect donuts each time. Enjoy your baking and share your love for these treats!

Bakery-Style Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the taste of fall with these bakery-style apple cider donuts! Perfectly spiced and baked to perfection, this easy recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and will make your kitchen smell amazing. From reducing fresh apple cider to the sweet cinnamon sugar coating, every step is simple and fun. Click through to discover how to make these delicious donuts that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy a delightful treat you can't resist!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

      In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

        In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, cooled apple cider, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

          Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the prepared donut pan with the batter, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

              Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

                  While the donuts are still warm, coat them in cinnamon sugar by rolling them in the mixture or using a sifter to sprinkle on top.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 12 donuts