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- Apple Cider: You need 2 cups of apple cider. This gives flavor and moisture. - All-Purpose Flour: Use 2 ½ cups for a great doughnut base. - Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. They help the doughnuts rise. - Spices: Include 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. These add warmth and depth. - Sugar Types: Use ¾ cup of granulated sugar in the batter and ½ cup of brown sugar for coating. - Eggs and Unsalted Butter: You need 2 large eggs and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. They add richness and binding. - Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon for a lovely aroma and sweetness. Each ingredient plays a role in making these doughnuts fresh and flavorful. The apple cider is key for that fall taste. The spices warm your kitchen with a cozy scent. The sugars balance the flavors perfectly. Let’s gather these ingredients before we dive into the next steps. Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often. You want to reduce it to about 1 cup. This takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The cider will thicken as it cooks. Once it’s done, let it cool slightly. While the cider cools, grab a large bowl. Add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Next, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Finally, stir in ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and set this bowl aside. In another bowl, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs. Whisk them together until smooth. Next, add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, pour in the slightly cooled apple cider. Mix until everything is well combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease your doughnut pan. This step helps the doughnuts release easily after baking. Make sure to coat each cavity well. Now, gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when they spring back when touched. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. For the coating, melt about ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a shallow dish. In another dish, mix ½ cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip each one in the melted butter. Roll it in the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. Make sure each doughnut is fully coated. Enjoy your warm spiced apple cider doughnuts! To reduce apple cider, pour two cups of cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. Cook until it thickens and measures about one cup. This step takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The reduction adds deep flavor to the doughnuts. Let it cool slightly before mixing it in. Mixing your dough too much can lead to tough doughnuts. After combining the wet and dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Some lumps are okay! This keeps your doughnuts light and fluffy. Remember, gentle folding is key. The right texture comes from using the right flour and measuring it well. Use all-purpose flour for best results. When you spoon the flour into the measuring cup, avoid packing it down. This helps keep your doughnuts airy. Also, make sure your butter is not too hot when mixing. Bake your doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing on the tops. They should spring back. If they leave an imprint, they need more time. Let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before moving them to a rack. This keeps them from breaking apart. {{image_2}} You can make your spiced apple cider doughnuts even better with glazes and toppings. A simple glaze can add shine and sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or apple cider. Drizzle this over your cooled doughnuts. For a fun twist, add chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the glaze. You can also use a chocolate glaze for a rich flavor. Just melt some chocolate and dip the doughnuts. Spices can really change the taste of your doughnuts. Try adding allspice or cloves for warmth. You can also use pumpkin spice for a fall twist. For a fruity touch, mix in some lemon or orange zest. These flavors blend well with the apple cider. Remember, just a little can go a long way. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. If you want gluten-free doughnuts, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in baking. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. These swaps make it easy for everyone to enjoy these treats. To keep your spiced apple cider doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for one to two days. If you want to store them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just note that this may slightly change their texture. You can freeze these doughnuts for future enjoyment. Let them cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen doughnuts, you have a few options. For a quick method, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms them up nicely. If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This way, they regain their delicious warmth and crispness! You can tell if the doughnuts are done by gently pressing on one. If it springs back, it is ready. The edges should look slightly golden. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the doughnuts are done. Yes, you can prepare the doughnut batter ahead of time. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps the batter come back to life. These doughnuts taste great on their own, but you can serve them with a few extras. Try some warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. A cup of hot apple cider or coffee pairs perfectly, too. Spiced apple cider doughnuts are best eaten fresh. They stay tasty for about two days at room temperature. To keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat before serving! In this post, we explored how to make spiced apple cider doughnuts. We covered key ingredients like apple cider, spices, and sugar types. You learned step-by-step instructions, from reducing apple cider to baking. Tips and tricks helped you achieve the best texture. Variations let you customize your doughnuts. Finally, I shared storage methods to keep them fresh. Now you can enjoy warm, sweet doughnuts at home. These doughnuts are sure to delight your friends and family. Give them a try!

Spiced Apple Cider Doughnuts

Get ready to enjoy the perfect fall treat with these spiced apple cider doughnuts! Made with rich apple cider and fragrant spices, these doughnuts are baked to perfection and coated in a delicious cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, this easy-to-follow recipe will surely impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own batch today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup brown sugar, for coating

Instructions
 

In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it thickens and is about 1 cup in volume (approximately 15-20 minutes). Let it cool slightly.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

        In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs, whisking until combined.

          Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.

            Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

              Spoon the batter into the greased doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

                Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the doughnuts spring back when touched. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

                  For the coating, melt about ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine the brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

                    Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dip each one in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture until fully coated.

                      Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious spiced apple cider doughnuts!

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 doughnuts