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Crispy Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Treats

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These crispy apple cider donuts feature a tender, apple-infused center with a thin, crispy crust coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a cozy fall treat, they are quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp (8 g) baking powder
  • ½ tsp (2 g) baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp (3 g) salt
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • Cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reduces by half and thickens slightly. Let it cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp (8 g) baking powder, ½ tsp (2 g) baking soda, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp (3 g) salt, and ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs (room temperature), then add the cooled apple cider reduction, 4 tbsp (60 g) melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk. Mix gently until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
  6. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  7. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a 3-inch donut cutter to cut rounds, then a 1-inch cutter to remove the holes. Re-roll scraps to cut additional donuts.
  8. Pour vegetable oil to about 2 inches (5 cm) deep in a frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
  9. Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry about 1-2 minutes per side, turning when golden brown and crispy. The donuts should puff up slightly and develop a deep golden color.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer donuts to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. While still warm, toss each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  11. Serve warm for best taste and texture.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider to concentrate flavor and avoid wet dough. Keep dough chilled before rolling to make it easier to handle. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to prevent greasy or burnt donuts. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady. Drain donuts on paper towels before coating with cinnamon sugar. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Donuts can be baked at 375°F for 10-12 minutes as a lighter alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, crispy donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade donuts, fall dessert, fried donuts, easy donut recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-apple-cider-donuts-recipe-easy-homemade-cinnamon-sugar-treats/