1-First Step: Reduce the Apple Cider Begin by pouring 1 and 1/2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer it over low heat. Stir occasionally and check after about 10 minutes until it thickens to roughly 1/2 cup, which takes around 20 minutes total. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes; this step concentrates the flavors for your apple cider donuts.

2-Second Step: Preheat and Prepare the Pan Turn your oven on to 350°F (177°C) and lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your baked apple cider donuts come out clean and ready for the crispy coating. If you’re making a larger batch, have extra pans or a way to bake in stages.

3-Third Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This combination creates the base that gives your apple cider donuts their cakey texture, and you can adjust spices for personalized apple cider donuts with warm spices if needed.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 1 large egg at room temperature, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk at room temperature, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the cooled apple cider reduction and mix well to form a thick batter that’s perfect for apple cider donuts. For dietary tweaks, substitute milk with yogurt for a denser crumb here.

5-Fifth Step: Fill and Bake the Donuts Use a piping bag or a zipped-top bag with a corner cut off to fill the donut pan cavities halfway with batter for neat results. Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges turn lightly browned and the donuts spring back when touched; this timing works for standard sizes and ensures your apple cider donuts with crispy coating turn out just right.

6-Sixth Step: Cool and Coat the Donuts Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dip each one in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, then roll in a mix of 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice for that irresistible finish. For variations, you might coat only one side if you’re aiming for less sweetness in your baked apple cider donuts recipe.

7-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Serve your apple cider donuts immediately for the best flavor and texture, or store them for later as needed. These treats pair well with coffee or tea, and if you’re exploring more apple ideas, check out our moist apple cinnamon muffins recipe for another easy option. Remember, the total time is about 1 hour, making it ideal for quick family fun.