Apple Cider Glazed Donuts

$- 1 cup apple cider - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - ½ cup milk - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2-3 tablespoons apple cider (for glaze) The apple cider gives these donuts their rich flavor. It's best to use fresh cider. The flour is the base that holds everything together. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. Salt and spices add depth to the taste. Sugar sweetens the mix and helps with browning. The egg binds the ingredients and adds moisture. Milk and butter keep the donuts soft. Lastly, the glaze made from powdered sugar and cider adds a sweet finish. You can swap apple cider with store-bought cider. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond or coconut flour. In place of eggs, use flaxseed meal mixed with water. For dairy-free donuts, use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter. Each swap will change the flavor slightly, but the donuts will still be tasty! Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it on medium until it boils. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce the cider to about ⅓ cup. This takes about 15-20 minutes. When it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your donut pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps prevent the donuts from sticking when you bake them. In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients well until they blend nicely. In another bowl, beat together 1 large egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and your cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk until smooth. Now, slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a spatula to stir gently. Don’t overmix; you want the batter to stay slightly lumpy for the best texture. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each well about ¾ full. Bake your donuts for 10-12 minutes. They should look golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when you check them. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider in a small bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth. You can add more cider if it's too thick. Once the donuts cool completely, dip the tops into the glaze. Let any extra glaze drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set. To get a light and fluffy donut, avoid overmixing. When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, use a spatula to fold them gently. This keeps air in the batter. A slightly lumpy batter is ideal. It helps create a tender donut. For a smooth glaze, mix powdered sugar with apple cider until it’s well-blended. Start with 2 tablespoons of cider. If the glaze is too thick, add more cider a little at a time. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, letting any extra run off. This keeps your glaze neat and pretty. One big mistake is underbaking the donuts. Make sure they are golden brown and pass the toothpick test. Another issue is using too much flour. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This ensures you get the right amount. Lastly, don’t skip cooling the donuts before glazing them. Warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt away. {{image_4}} You can switch up the glaze for your apple cider donuts. Try these options: - Maple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup instead of cider. - Brown Sugar Glaze: Combine brown sugar with milk for a rich twist. - Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a crunchy finish. These alternatives add new flavors and textures to your classic recipe. Want more flavor in your donuts? Here are some tasty ideas: - Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. - Chocolate Ganache: Dip the donuts in melted chocolate for a decadent treat. - Nutmeg Infusion: Add extra nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spicy flavor. These boosters can make your apple cider donuts even more special. You can enjoy these donuts with dietary needs in mind. Here’s how: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. - Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). Use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free version. These options keep the flavor while catering to different diets. Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. If you leave them out, they may dry out. Place them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, use the freezer. To freeze, let the donuts cool completely first. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for about three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature. To reheat the donuts, use the microwave. Heat them for 10-15 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough. If not, heat them in 5-second intervals. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the donuts for about 5 minutes. This makes them taste fresh again! You can tell your donuts are done when they are golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready to take out. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. It saves time and still tastes great. Just make sure it is fresh. If you can find local cider, that is even better. It adds more flavor to your donuts. These donuts pair well with a warm drink. Try serving them with hot apple cider, coffee, or tea. You can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. Adding fresh apple slices can give a nice crunch and flavor contrast. These donuts stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing. You now have all the details you need to make tasty apple cider glazed donuts. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can also explore fun variations and storage methods to keep your donuts fresh. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors or swap ingredients. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends or family, and share your creations. With these skills, you’ll master apple cider glazed donuts in no time.$

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these mouthwatering apple cider glazed donuts! This easy recipe combines the rich taste of reduced apple cider with warm spices, creating a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion. Follow the simple steps to bake your own batch of soft and sweet donuts, then dip them in a luscious apple cider glaze. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the cozy goodness today!

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ cup milk

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2-3 tablespoons apple cider (for glaze)

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 cup of apple cider. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue simmering until it reduces to about ⅓ cup, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is evenly blended.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together 1 large egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently stir until just combined—be cautious not to overmix; the batter should retain a slightly lumpy texture for tender donuts.

Fill the Donut Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about ¾ of the way full to allow for rising during baking.

Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They are ready when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider. Whisk until smooth and adjust the amount of cider until you achieve your preferred glaze consistency.

Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack so the glaze can set.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delightful apple cider glazed donuts fresh, preferably alongside a warm beverage of your choice, and relish the flavors of fall!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze before it sets. Decorate with apple slices for a charming seasonal display!