Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the coating: 4 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer the cider until it reduces to about ½ cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly before using. This step is crucial for getting that deep apple flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat and Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-count donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of melted butter to ensure the donuts pop out easily after baking.
- Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no large clumps so the batter stays smooth.
- Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, egg, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 5: Combine and Pipe – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities until they are about two-thirds full.
- Step 6: Bake the Donuts – Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Step 7: Add the Sugar Coating – While the donuts are still warm, melt the butter for the coating in one bowl. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Dip each side of the donut into the melted butter, then toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian