Nothing says cozy autumn quite like the intoxicating aroma of Baked Apple Cider Donuts wafting through your kitchen! These fluffy, golden-brown donuts are delightfully moist and packed with warm apple spice flavor, making every bite pure comfort.

What makes this recipe a total must-try? You can skip the hot oil and mess of frying-these are baked right in your oven, so you get a healthier treat with zero hassle. They're ready in under an hour, and every bite is coated in irresistible cinnamon sugar for that true apple orchard experience at home.

Perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, coffee dates, brunch spreads, or anytime you're craving a taste of fall. Inspired by trips to my favorite local cider mill, these donuts always bring back the best autumn memories in my family. Now you can make them from scratch without any special equipment-just a donut pan, your favorite cider, and a few staple ingredients.

Fluffy, cinnamon-sugar coated Baked Apple Cider Donuts stacked on a cooling rack

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No frying needed: You get deliciously light and fluffy donuts with zero deep frying, making cleanup and prep a total breeze!
Big fall flavor: Infused with real apple cider and warm spices, every donut shouts autumn in the tastiest way.
Ready in under an hour: Perfect when you need a quick homemade breakfast, snack, or treat for guests.
Kid- and crowd-friendly: Everyone loves a classic donut, especially when it's homemade, fresh, and rolled in cinnamon sugar!

Key Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Apple Cider

This is the shining star of the recipe, giving the donuts their signature tart-sweet flavor and moist crumb. For best results, use fresh apple cider (the kind you might buy at a farm stand in the fall) and not apple juice, which is typically more filtered and less flavorful. Reduce the cider as directed to concentrate its flavor. If you can only find apple juice, the donuts will still turn out, but the apple notes will be more subtle.

Ground Cinnamon

Cinnamon is key to achieving that classic donut shop taste. You'll use it both in the batter and the cinnamon sugar coating. Opt for fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the boldest flavor. If you love warming spices, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can be mixed in for extra coziness.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar lends a rich, caramel-like depth to the donuts and helps keep them extra moist. Both light and dark brown sugar will work in this recipe. If you only have granulated sugar, you can substitute it, but note that the donuts may be slightly lighter in flavor and color.

Unsalted Butter

Butter adds richness and contributes to a soft, tender crumb. Make sure it's melted and slightly cooled before mixing into the batter. For a dairy-free alternative, melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil will work, though the flavor profile will be a touch different.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour forms the base of the donut, creating structure without making them dense. For a healthier twist, you could replace up to half with whole wheat flour-just be aware this will make your donuts a bit heartier and more rustic.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts cooking process

Instructions for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Reduce the Apple Cider

The first step is to intensify that apple flavor! Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer until it's reduced to about ½ cup (this takes about 10-12 minutes). Set aside to cool. This step is totally worth it for maximum autumn flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Donut Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 6-cavity donut pan with nonstick spray or butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and your cooled reduced cider until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix together just until combined-don't overmix or the donuts might be tough.

Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full. A piping bag or large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes this super quick and tidy.

Bake the Donuts

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the donuts are puffed, lightly golden, and spring back when gently pressed. Rotate the pan halfway through bake time for even results. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still slightly warm, brush each one with melted butter. In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll or dip each donut in the cinnamon sugar mix until well coated. Let cool completely… or, let's be honest, enjoy at least one while it's warm!

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture will be a little different, but the cozy flavor still shines through!

Dairy-Free Option

Replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a neutral oil, and use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy. These donuts turn out just as tender and delicious.

Spice It Up

Love extra spice? Add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or cardamom to the batter for a stronger chai-like flavor. You could also use pumpkin spice blend for a fun twist.

Make Mini Donuts

Use a mini donut pan and reduce the baking time by a few minutes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or lunchbox snacks.

Baked Donut Holes

Don't have a donut pan? Scoop the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake for the same amount of time. Roll in the butter and cinnamon sugar as usual for easy, poppable donut holes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Baked Apple Cider Donuts fresh and slightly warm, ideally with a mug of hot spiced apple cider or a cup of coffee. For a brunch spread, pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon over the top, or drizzle lightly with maple glaze for an even more decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture. You can also freeze uncoated donuts (without cinnamon sugar) for up to 2 months-just thaw and warm slightly before adding butter and cinnamon sugar. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Cider Donuts (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

A: Yes! Simply use a mini muffin tin to make donut holes-the baking time will be similar, and you'll still coat them in cinnamon sugar.

Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

A: You can use apple juice if cider isn't available, but your donuts will have a lighter apple flavor. Reducing the juice will help concentrate it, so follow the same simmering step.

Q: How do I keep the donuts from sticking to the pan?

A: Be sure to grease your donut pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or melted butter. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spatula or butter knife.

Thank you so much for stopping by! These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite you'll make again and again. Give them a try, and be sure to leave a comment or a rating below-let's spread the fall baking love!