Indulge your senses with a warm, sweet treat that captures the essence of fall: Cinnamon Vanilla Glazed Apple Cider Donuts! These delightful donuts are not only easy to make but also bursting with rich flavors that will transport you straight to an autumn orchard. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and drizzled with a glossy vanilla glaze. Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or simply craving a homemade snack, these donuts are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, reduce the apple cider by simmering it on the stovetop for 8-10 minutes until it's reduced to about 1/2 cup, concentrating the apple flavor. Allow to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the donuts tough.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Once donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional ground cinnamon over the glazed donuts for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Reduce the Cider for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the step of reducing the apple cider! This process concentrates the apple flavor, making your donuts taste even more delicious.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so stir until just combined for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Piping for Perfect Shapes: Using a piping bag to fill the donut pan helps achieve a uniform shape and size, ensuring even baking and a professional look.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. The baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Glaze While Cool: Make sure your donuts are completely cool before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off and allows it to set beautifully on top.
- Add a Cinnamon Sprinkle: For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the glazed donuts right after dipping them.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
