These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a delightful fall treat! Perfectly spiced with apple cider, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, these doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and baked to perfection. The cinnamon maple glaze on top adds a sweet finishing touch that will have you reaching for another bite. With the warm, comforting flavors of autumn, these doughnuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, fall-inspired flavors: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and maple syrup brings a cozy, seasonal taste.
- Healthier option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are a lighter version of the classic treat.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these doughnuts come together quickly.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- Apple cider: The apple cider provides a rich, slightly tart flavor that makes these doughnuts extra special.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the doughnuts, giving them structure and fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the doughnuts.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and brings a cozy, holiday flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors in the doughnuts.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the doughnuts, giving them a balanced flavor.
- Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the doughnuts.
- Unsalted butter: Butter gives the doughnuts a rich, tender texture.
- Milk: Milk helps to combine the dry ingredients and gives the doughnuts moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the doughnuts.
For the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar forms the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth texture.
- Maple syrup: The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon in the glaze adds a cozy, spiced note.
- Unsalted butter: Butter makes the glaze smooth and gives it a rich, velvety texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla extract adds depth to the glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Doughnuts
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, apple cider, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the doughnut batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the doughnuts comes out clean.
- Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
- Stir in the maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Glaze the Doughnuts
- Once the doughnuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each doughnut into the cinnamon maple glaze, coating them evenly.
- Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the glaze has set, serve the doughnuts and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per doughnut)
Servings: 12
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of cider?
A1: You can use spiced apple cider for an extra kick, but regular apple cider will also work perfectly.
Q2: Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the doughnuts can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q3: Can I freeze these doughnuts?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before glazing.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?
A4: You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular all-purpose flour to make these doughnuts gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make these doughnuts vegan?
A5: To make these doughnuts vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs, the milk with almond or oat milk, and the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
Q6: Can I add mix-ins to the doughnut batter?
A6: Yes, you can add chopped apples, chopped nuts, or raisins to the doughnut batter for added texture and flavor.
Q7: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A7: To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of maple syrup used in the glaze.
Q8: Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut pan?
A8: Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead of a doughnut pan. The baking time may vary slightly, so check the doneness with a toothpick.
Q9: How do I store leftover doughnuts?
A9: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Q10: How can I serve these doughnuts at a party?
A10: These doughnuts are perfect for fall parties or breakfast gatherings. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze as the perfect autumn treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
PrintBaked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
These soft, flavorful baked doughnuts are infused with the taste of apple cider, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and topped with a decadent brown butter cinnamon maple glaze. A perfect fall treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
For the Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 – 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter.
- Reduce Apple Cider: Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare Doughnut Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of the reduced apple cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Toss the chopped apple with cinnamon sugar, then stir the apples into the batter.
- Bake Doughnuts:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan, filling each cavity 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the doughnuts are just set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to release and invert the pan.
- Make the Glaze:
- Meanwhile, in a small pot set over medium heat, melt the butter and allow it to brown slightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Glaze the Doughnuts:
- Dip or drizzle the cooled doughnuts into the glaze. For best results, enjoy them warm!
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, feel free to add an extra dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
- These doughnuts are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 251kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 46mg