Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
These Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are tender, flavorful, and irresistibly fragrant. The nutty richness of brown butter blends perfectly with warm apple cider, while a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds the perfect sweet crunch. They’re a cozy, seasonal treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a comforting bite.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use high-quality butter for a rich brown butter flavor.
- Fresh apple cider adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before combining with wet ingredients.
- Pour batter evenly into greased donut molds for uniform donuts.
- Coat donuts immediately in cinnamon sugar for best adherence.
- Serve donuts warm for maximum flavor and softness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.