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To make bakery-style apple cider donuts, you need these key ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect taste and texture. - 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating) Apple cider is the star here. It gives the donuts a rich, sweet flavor. The all-purpose flour creates a soft and fluffy texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. Ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and depth. Melted butter brings richness, and the eggs add binding and moisture. Milk and vanilla extract enhance the flavor, making each bite delightful. Finally, the cinnamon sugar coating makes these donuts irresistible. With these ingredients, you can create something special. Get ready to enjoy warm, flavorful donuts fresh from your oven! Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. After 15-20 minutes, the cider should reduce to about 1 cup. This step concentrates the flavor and adds sweetness. Set it aside to cool a bit. In a large mixing bowl, gather your dry ingredients. Whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is well combined. This step ensures your donuts rise well and have a balanced flavor. In another bowl, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. Combine this with the cooled apple cider, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together briskly until they are fully blended. This creates a rich base for your donuts. Now it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the batter together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Next, use a piping bag or a large spoon to fill each cavity of your greased donut pan about ¾ full. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the batter. Once filled, bake your donuts for 12-15 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one donut. It should come out clean. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the donuts are still warm, prepare to coat them in cinnamon sugar. Mix ¼ cup of cinnamon sugar in a bowl. You can roll the donuts in the mixture or sprinkle it on top using a sifter. This gives them that classic bakery-style finish, adding a sweet and spicy crunch. Enjoy the warm, fragrant donuts fresh from your kitchen! To get the right texture for your apple cider donuts, focus on mixing. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. You want a light and fluffy donut. Aim for a batter that is just combined, with no dry flour visible. Ingredient temperatures matter a lot. Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps in your batter. Warm butter also helps blend everything smoothly. If your apple cider is warm from reducing, let it cool slightly before mixing with other wet ingredients. Watch out for a few common mistakes. First, don’t fill the donut pan too full; three-quarters full is perfect. This gives your donuts room to rise. Second, ensure the cider is well-reduced. If it's too watery, your donuts may not have enough flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating. It adds an essential touch of sweetness and spice! {{image_4}} If you want to try glazed apple cider donuts, it’s easy! After baking your donuts, make a simple glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider. Stir until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze. Place them on a wire rack to let the excess drip off. This adds sweetness and a nice shine. You can also make apple cider donut holes. Instead of using a donut pan, scoop small amounts of batter. Roll them into balls about 1 inch wide. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Once cooked, roll them in cinnamon sugar right away. These little bites are so fun to eat! Want to get creative? You can add extra toppings or flavors. Consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts for a special treat. You can also try different spices, like allspice or ginger, to change the flavor. This way, each batch can be unique and exciting! To keep your apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay moist. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great option for these donuts. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Label with the date. They can last in the freezer for about three months. When you are ready, just thaw them at room temperature. To enjoy your donuts warm, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them soft and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Heat them for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Bakery-style apple cider donuts stand out because of their rich flavor and soft texture. The key is using reduced apple cider. This gives the donuts a deep apple taste. The blend of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, adds warmth and depth. They are often coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish. Yes, you can use different flours. However, all-purpose flour gives the best results. If you use whole wheat flour, the donuts might be denser. You could also try gluten-free flour blends. Just make sure they are suitable for baking to keep the texture light. To test if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. They should also spring back when lightly pressed. Baking time can vary, so keep an eye on them. These donuts are more like cake donuts. They have a dense, soft texture that is moist and flavorful. Yeast donuts are lighter and fluffier. Cake donuts are great for a quick treat and are easy to make. You can make the batter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. However, for best results, bake the donuts fresh. If you have leftovers, you can store them at room temperature for a day or two. You learned how to make tasty apple cider donuts. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. You can try fun variations and store leftovers for later. Remember, the right temperatures and techniques will help you avoid mistakes. Enjoy these donuts fresh or freeze them for fun snacks. With your newfound skills, you can impress friends and family with homemade treats. Happy baking!

Bakery-Style Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the delightful taste of Bakery-Style Apple Cider Donuts with our easy recipe! Made with reduced apple cider and warm spices, these fluffy donuts are the perfect fall treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake your own batch of these sweet delights in under an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to impress your family and friends with delicious homemade donuts that are sure to be a hit!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a medium saucepan, pour the apple cider and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook until the cider has reduced to approximately 1 cup, which should take about 15-20 minutes. After reducing, set it aside to cool slightly.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease your donut pan to ensure easy release after baking.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the cooled apple cider, large eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients briskly until they are fully blended together.

          Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gently pour the mixture of wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Carefully fold the batter together with a spatula until just combined—be cautious not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your donuts.

            Fill the Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or a large spoon, fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan with the batter, ensuring that each is filled to about ¾ full to allow room for rising.

              Bake the Donuts: Place the donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the donuts; it should come out clean when ready.

                Cool the Donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After cooling slightly, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, generously coat them in cinnamon sugar. You can do this by rolling them in the mixture or using a sifter to sprinkle it evenly over the top.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the donuts on a beautiful cake stand or platter, and consider drizzling a little extra melted butter on top before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar for an extra indulgent finish.