Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups fresh apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For the coating: 4 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – Place the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer the cider until it has reduced to exactly ½ cup. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly before using.
- Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Pan – 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 release easily after baking.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no large lumps so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled, reduced apple cider until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Create the Batter – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
- Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan – Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. For a cleaner look, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off and pipe the batter into the rings.
- Step 7: Bake the Donuts – Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating – While the donuts are still warm, melt the additional butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each donut lightly into the melted butter, then toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian