Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

If you’re craving a fall inspired treat that’s soft, flavorful, and irresistibly spiced, these Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are the perfect recipe. They’re golden brown, tender, and infused with rich apple cider flavor, while the nutty brown butter adds depth. A generous coating of cinnamon sugar gives each bite that sweet, nostalgic finish we all love.

This recipe is perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Unlike store bought donuts, these are made with real ingredients, bursting with natural apple flavor, and have a homemade charm that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you enjoy baking for family, gifting treats, or cozying up with a warm cup of coffee, these donuts deliver comfort, sweetness, and spice in every bite.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

What Are Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts?

These are soft, spiced donuts made with apple cider, enriched with nutty brown butter, and baked or fried until golden. After cooking, they’re coated in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish.

What makes them special:

• Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor
• Apple cider brings natural sweetness and subtle tang
• Cinnamon sugar coating creates that perfect crunch and warmth

Unlike plain donuts, these are aromatic, deeply flavored, and ideal for fall or anytime you crave a spiced treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and tender donuts with rich flavor
• Brown butter adds a gourmet twist
• Apple cider gives a natural fruity sweetness
• Cinnamon sugar coating is quick and classic
• Perfect for holiday mornings or brunch parties
• Easy to bake or fry

These donuts feel indulgent but are made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Apple Cider: Fresh cider gives the best flavor; you can simmer store bought juice down to concentrate.
• Brown Butter: Enhances flavor and adds nutty richness. Can use melted butter if pressed for time.
• Flour: All purpose works best; whole wheat can be used but makes the donuts denser.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg can be adjusted to taste.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Brown Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Reduce Apple Cider

In another small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together brown butter, reduced apple cider, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.

The batter should be slightly thick but scoopable.

Step 6: Prepare Donut Pan

Grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. Fill each cavity about ¾ full with batter.

For fried donuts: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet and prepare for frying.

Step 7: Bake or Fry Donuts

Baking:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean
• Cool slightly before coating

Frying:

• Fry donuts for 1–2 minutes per side until golden
• Drain on paper towels

Step 8: Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm donuts in the mixture until fully coated.

Step 9: Serve

Serve warm with coffee, cider, or tea. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten and makes donuts tough.
• Cool slightly before coating: Too hot and sugar melts off, too cold and it won’t stick.
• Use fresh spices: Enhances aroma and flavor.
• Check batter consistency: Should be thick enough to hold shape in donut pan.

Variations and Flavor Twists

Caramel Glazed Donuts

• Drizzle a simple caramel sauce over donuts after cinnamon sugar coating.

Maple Cinnamon Donuts

• Add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup to the batter and reduce sugar slightly.

Apple Chunks

• Fold in small diced apple pieces into the batter for extra texture.

Vegan Version

• Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and ensure sugar is vegan.

Gluten Free Donuts

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Adjust batter consistency with a bit of milk if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hot coffee or cider for a cozy breakfast
• Pair with whipped cream or yogurt for brunch
• Plate with fresh fruit for a festive treat
• Perfect for gifting during holidays in a cute box or tin

Storage and Freezing Tips

Short Term Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing

• Freeze cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 30–40 seconds

Nutritional Information (Approx. per donut)

• Calories: 180–220
• Protein: 3–4g
• Carbs: 28–30g
• Fat: 8–10g

Nutrition depends on size and exact ingredients used.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Donuts too dense: Don’t overmix batter; ensure baking powder is fresh
• Sugar doesn’t stick: Roll donuts when slightly warm
• Donuts dry out: Don’t overbake; brown butter adds moisture

Recipe FAQ,s

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I skip brown butter?
Yes, but brown butter adds a signature nutty flavor.

Can these be fried?
Absolutely! Frying gives a classic texture.

Are these donuts vegan?
Not in the original recipe, but can be adapted with plant-based ingredients.

Can I add toppings?
Yes! Glaze with icing, drizzle caramel, or sprinkle chopped nuts.

Why This Recipe Works

• Brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness
• Apple cider reduction intensifies flavor naturally
• Cinnamon sugar coating gives classic sweetness and crunch
• Soft, tender interior with crisp edges
• Easy, foolproof method for homemade donuts

This combination makes these donuts a crowd pleaser every time.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are a perfect blend of cozy, flavorful, and irresistible. They’re soft, tender, spiced just right, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar that gives every bite that nostalgic, warm feeling.

Perfect for fall, brunch, or holiday mornings, this recipe proves that homemade donuts can be simple, flavorful, and unforgettable. Make a batch, share with family and friends, and enjoy the cozy comfort of fresh baked donuts anytime.