Autumn has arrived, and with it, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts. I remember one crisp autumn day, I had a picnic in the park near my hometown; it was a beautiful day. And now, as I sit here writing this, the scent of cinnamon and maple syrup brings back that feeling of cozy warmth and happiness. That's what this recipe is all about—sharing that feeling with you. It's a simple recipe, perfect for a weekend afternoon, when you have some time to enjoy the whole process.

These aren't your average donuts; they're infused with the warm, spicy flavors of apple cider, perfectly complemented by a luscious maple glaze. Every bite is a burst of autumnal deliciousness, and they're surprisingly easy to make! I like to add a dash of extra cinnamon—because who doesn't love a bit more spice? You may be surprised by how easy this process is.

Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Glaze

Name: Apple-Cider-Donuts-with-Maple-Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Fruits
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Apple cider; 1/4 cup Melted butter; 1 Large egg; 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Maple syrup; 2 tablespoons Butter

These apple cider donuts are unbelievably easy to make. Infused with the warm spice of autumn and drizzled with a rich maple glaze, they're the perfect fall treat.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

📖 Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract. It's important to get all the sugar dissolved in the liquid mixture.
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will make your donuts tough!
If you want to make a few fancy-pants donuts, you can roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your donuts. Or, you can skip this step entirely and drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the hot oil—which is way easier, and way less like work.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature; it's crucial for perfectly golden donuts.
Carefully drop spoonfuls or cut-out donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Don't touch them too much; let them sizzle nicely!
Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps drain excess oil.
While the donuts are still warm, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and butter. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. You can give it a little stir.
Drizzle the warm maple glaze generously over the donuts. Let it cool slightly and set. Mmm, maple goodness.
Serve warm and enjoy. Maybe with a cup of coffee or tea? Or, if you're like me, a large glass of cold milk!

📝 Notes

For extra-delicious flavor, use unfiltered apple cider.
Feel free to add more or less cinnamon and nutmeg to adjust to your taste.
If you want to make a bunch of these, double or triple the recipe!
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying for the best results. Otherwise, you might end up with soggy donuts!