apple cider doughnuts

Apple Cider Doughnuts

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Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:
  • 2 cups apple cider (reduce to ½ cup)
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

  • Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid reduces to ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider, mixing until combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to handle when shaping the doughnuts.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

  1. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
  2. Using a doughnut cutter or two round cutters, cut out doughnuts and holes. Re-roll scraps to make more doughnuts.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

  1. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the doughnuts in batches, 2-3 at a time, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Coat the Doughnuts

  • In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Enjoy these doughnuts warm, straight out of the fryer! Pair them with hot coffee, tea, or more apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.

Pro Tips:

  • Make sure to reduce the apple cider for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use any round cutters, or even a glass and a bottle cap for the center.

These homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts will fill your kitchen with the comforting aromas of fall, and the reduced apple cider gives them an intense, delicious flavor. Enjoy this autumn favorite!